Which specialist treats gluteal tendinopathy?

Gluteal tendinopathy affects the tendons of the muscles that help stabilise the outer hip. It may cause pain over the side of the hip or in the buttock, especially with stairs, prolonged sitting, lying on the painful side, or walking uphill. A clinician tests hip strength and movement and checks whether the pain is coming from the tendon, the lower back, or another hip condition. The label is based on the pattern and examination, not pain location alone.

A physiotherapist can reduce aggravating loads, teach positions that limit compression at the outer hip, and build strength in stages. Strength training rehabilitation is usually progressed from comfortable isometric work to controlled loading for walking, stairs, and sport. Shockwave therapy may be discussed by a clinician in selected cases, but it does not replace an examination or a tailored loading plan. Avoid repeatedly stretching directly across a painful outer hip without guidance.

Seek prompt care for sudden severe hip pain after a fall, inability to walk, a visibly deformed joint, fever, or a hot swollen area. New leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin needs urgent assessment. Arrange a routine appointment when buttock pain or hip pain persists, worsens, or limits sleep and normal activity.

Ask which tendon or movement is involved, what loads to reduce, and how to measure progress. Discuss sleeping positions, a staged strengthening schedule, suitable exercise alternatives, and when imaging or a different diagnosis should be considered.