What to expect from shockwave therapy for gluteal tendinopathy

A clinician checks the tender area and positions you comfortably, often lying on your side. A handheld applicator delivers sound-wave pulses through gel to the gluteal tendon. The tapping or pulsing can feel sharp, intense, or uncomfortable for a short time, and the setting can usually be adjusted. The session does not remove the tendon problem instantly; the aim is to stimulate a healing response and make movement easier over time. Your clinician may review whether the pain is coming from gluteal tendinopathy rather than the lower back or hip joint.

Wear clothing that allows access to the outer hip. Tell the clinician about blood-thinning medicine, bleeding problems, numbness, pregnancy, or a recent injection before treatment. Mild tenderness, warmth, or bruising can occur afterward. Keep activity gentle for the rest of the day and follow the prescribed hip-strengthening plan. Avoid suddenly adding long walks, steep stairs, or side-lying pressure while the area settles. Improvement may build between appointments rather than appearing immediately.

Contact the treating service if pain becomes severe, swelling keeps increasing, or bruising is extensive. Seek urgent assessment for new leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, fever with a hot or reddened treatment area, or sudden inability to bear weight. These features need assessment because they are not expected reactions to a routine session.

Ask which tendon area will be treated, how many appointments are planned, what activity should be limited, and which strengthening exercises fit your current pain. Ask when progress will be reviewed and what alternatives are available if symptoms do not change.