Hip Pain Affects More People Than You Think But It Can Be Treated

Gluteal Tendinopathy can affect many people for many reasons but our Physiotherapist, Jack, explains how we can help at Pro Perform Physio in Woodvale

What Is It?

Gluteal Tendinopathy is a common cause of outer hip pain, caused by irritation or overload of the gluteal tendons (primarily gluteus medius and gluteus minimus) where they attach to the outside of the hip.

These tendons play a vital role in stabilising the pelvis during walking, running and single-leg activities. When load exceeds the tendon’s capacity - either from overuse or prolonged compression - pain develops on the side of the hip.

Gluteal tendinopathy is sometimes incorrectly referred to as “hip bursitis”, though in many cases the tendon itself is the primary source of pain.

Common Symptoms:

• Pain on the outside of the hip

• Pain when lying on the affected side

• Pain with walking, running or climbing stairs

• Discomfort during prolonged standing

• Pain when crossing legs or sitting with legs together

• Tenderness when pressing on the outer hip

Pain is often worse at night and may gradually increase over time.

What Causes It?

Gluteal Tendinopathy develops when the tendon is exposed to excessive load or prolonged compression. Common contributing factors include:

• Sudden increases in walking, running or gym activity

• Weakness in the gluteal or hip muscles

• Poor pelvic control during single-leg tasks

• Prolonged standing with weight shifted onto one hip

• Sitting cross-legged frequently

• Reduced recovery between exercise sessions

• Compression of the tendon - such as lying on the hip or standing with the hip pushed out to the side - can also aggravate symptoms.

Who Does It Affect?

• Women aged 40–65 years

• Runners and active individuals

• People who stand for long periods

• Individuals returning to exercise after a break

• Those with reduced hip strength or control

It is more common in females due to differences in pelvic anatomy and hip biomechanics.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Gluteal Tendinopathy is typically diagnosed through a clinical physiotherapy assessment, rather than imaging.

During your assessment, we look for:

• Pain located on the outside of the hip

• Pain when lying on the affected side

• Pain with walking, stairs or single-leg loading

• Tenderness over the greater trochanter (outer hip bone)

Scans are usually unnecessary unless symptoms are severe, atypical, or are not improving with appropriate rehabilitation.

Physio Assessment: What To Expect?

Our physiotherapists complete a thorough assessment that includes:

Movement & Strength Testing

• Single-leg stance assessment

• Squatting and step-down testing

• Hip abductor strength testing

• Pelvic control during walking

Load & Lifestyle Review

• Exercise and walking history

• Sleep positions

• Work and daily activity demands

  
  

Excluding Any Other Causes

• Hip Osteoarthritis

• Lumbar Spine Referral

• True Trochanteric Bursitis

Effective Physiotherapist Treatment:

Physiotherapy focuses on reducing pain while improving the tendon’s capacity to tolerate load. Treatment may include:

Load Management:

• Modifying aggravating activities

• Avoiding compressive positions (e.g. lying on the painful side, crossing legs)

Progressive Strength Training:

• Targeted gluteal strengthening

• Gradual progression from low-load to functional single-leg exercises

Movement Retraining:

• Improving pelvic control during walking and running

• Addressing single-leg stability

Education:

• Understanding tendon pain

• Strategies to reduce night pain

• Gradual return-to-activity planning

Manual Therapy:

• Soft tissue techniques

• Joint mobilisation where appropriate

Cortisone injections may reduce short-term pain but do not address the underlying tendon capacity. Exercise-based rehabilitation provides more sustainable long-term outcomes.

Effective Physiotherapist Treatment:

Most people begin noticing improvement within 4–8 weeks of structured physiotherapy treatment. Full recovery typically takes 8–16 weeks, depending on symptom duration and consistency with rehabilitation. Long-standing or chronic cases may require 3–6 months for full resolution.

Local Physiotherapy In Woodvale

If you live in Woodvale, Kingsley or the surrounding suburbs and are experiencing any of these symptoms or pain in your hips, our physiotherapists can help you get back to comfortable, confident movement.

Take The First Step

Book an appointment at Pro Perform Physiotherapy in Woodvale for expert assessment and treatment. Call us on (08) 9309 3166 or book an appointment online today.