What Are the Treatment Options for Gluteal Tendinopathy?

Gluteal tendinopathy affects the tendons of the buttock muscles that help stabilise the hip. Pain may be felt on the outer hip and can worsen with stairs, running, lying on the affected side or prolonged single-leg loading. The tendon can become sensitive to compression, so everyday posture and training load matter alongside exercises.

Physiotherapy can identify provoking loads and teach a graded programme for hip control. Strength training rehabilitation usually begins with manageable isometric or slow strengthening work, then progresses as symptoms settle. Avoid sudden increases in running, hills or side-to-side drills, and try not to sit with the legs crossed or lie directly on the painful side. Shockwave therapy may be discussed when symptoms remain despite a structured rehabilitation plan; it complements, rather than replaces, progressive loading.

Seek assessment if outer-hip pain lasts, disturbs sleep, changes your walking pattern or prevents normal exercise. Prompt review is appropriate after a significant fall, or when pain is accompanied by inability to bear weight, fever, pronounced swelling, numbness or new weakness.

Which activities are currently compressing or overloading the tendon? What progression should I follow for strengthening? Would shockwave therapy add value now, and how will we judge whether my training load is appropriate?