Understanding Gluteal Tendinopathy: A Common Cause of Lateral Hip Pain in Women
Written by Mirae Oldmeadow from Cranbourne Osteopathy.
Gluteal tendinopathy, also known as greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), is a condition that involves irritation, degeneration or inflammation of the tendons that attach the gluteal muscles to the hip. It can cause significant pain and discomfort, especially when walking, standing or lying on the affected side. While gluteal tendinopathy can affect anyone, it is particularly common among women, and understanding the reasons behind this, along with knowing how to manage and treat it, is key to recovery.
At Cranbourne Osteopathy, we see many clients, particularly women, dealing with this condition. In this blog, we’ll dive into the causes, symptoms and treatment options for gluteal tendinopathy, and how we can help you manage and recover from this painful condition.
Why is Gluteal Tendinopathy More Common in Women?
Studies show that women are more likely than men to develop gluteal tendinopathy, with the condition being up to four times more common in women, particularly those aged 40-60. But why is this the case?
Several factors contribute to the increased prevalence of gluteal tendinopathy in women:
Anatomical Differences: Women typically have a wider pelvis and a greater Q-angle (the angle formed by the hip and knee), which can place more strain on the hip muscles and tendons, making them more susceptible to stress and overuse.
Hormonal Influences: The hormonal changes that women experience during their lifetime, particularly during menopause, can lead to changes in tendon strength and flexibility. As estrogen levels decrease, the tendons may become more prone to injury and degeneration.
Higher Prevalence of Predisposing Factors: Women tend to have higher rates of conditions that can contribute to gluteal tendinopathy, such as hip osteoarthritis, pelvic floor dysfunction and muscle imbalances.
Common Causes and Symptoms of Gluteal Tendinopathy
The most common cause of gluteal tendinopathy is overuse or repetitive stress, often due to activities like running, cycling or standing for long periods. Other factors include:
Muscle Imbalances: Weakness in the gluteus medius or other hip stabilisers can place undue stress on the tendons.
Trauma or Injury: A direct impact or fall can damage the gluteal tendons, leading to tendinopathy.
Poor Posture and Biomechanics: Misalignment or incorrect movement patterns, such as walking with a limp or uneven weight distribution, can contribute to tendon overload.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of movement and prolonged sitting can lead to stiffness and weakened muscles, increasing the risk of tendon issues.
Symptoms of gluteal tendinopathy often include:
Pain and tenderness over the outside of the hip, particularly at the greater trochanter (the bony prominence on the side of the hip).
Pain that worsens with activities like climbing stairs, standing up after sitting, or lying on the affected side.
Difficulty with walking, especially uphill or while bearing weight on the affected leg.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid further degeneration of the tendon.
Treatment Options for Gluteal Tendinopathy
At Cranbourne Osteopathy, we take a holistic approach to treating gluteal tendinopathy. Our treatment plan typically involves several phases to firstly reduce pain and then to improve function and strength to prevent recurrence of the condition.
Activity Modification: Rest and modifying activities that exacerbate symptoms are crucial in the early stages of recovery. Avoiding high-impact activities and focusing on low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling, can help reduce strain on the hip.
Dry Needling: One of the effective treatments we use for gluteal tendinopathy is dry needling. This technique involves inserting fine needles into the muscle and tendon to stimulate healing, reduce muscle tightness, and promote blood flow. It’s particularly effective for relieving the pain and discomfort associated with tendinopathy. Link - https://cranbourneosteopathy.com.au/services/dry-needling/
Manual Therapy: Manual therapy techniques can help reduce muscle tightness, improve flexibility and relieve pressure on the tendon. Osteopathic or myotherapy treatments that focus on the pelvis, hip and spine may help to address any biomechanical issues contributing to the condition.
Strengthening: Strengthening the gluteus medius and other hip stabilisers is crucial to recovery, as weakness in these muscles can contribute to tendinopathy. However, it’s important not to rush into strengthening too soon, as pushing too hard can hinder healing and prolong the condition. We will provide a home exercise program and often recommend Pilates-based rehab. Pilates improves hip and pelvis stability while ensuring proper form with expert supervision. Through our long-standing relationship with Gracia at Aura Health Collective, we’ve seen excellent results when we collaborate on client care.
Shockwave Therapy: For more stubborn cases of gluteal tendinopathy, shockwave therapy is another effective treatment option. This non-invasive therapy uses high-energy sound waves to promote healing in damaged tissues, reduce pain, and stimulate blood flow. It is particularly helpful for chronic tendinopathies that have not responded to other treatments. Link - https://cranbourneosteopathy.com.au/services/shockwave-therapy/
In the rare instance that the conservative treatments mentioned above aren't effective, we have a network of trusted health professionals to recommend. If necessary, we can explore additional diagnostic options, such as ultrasound or MRI, or consider interventions like a cortisone (steroid) injection to target surrounding inflammation or Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections directly into the tendon to promote healing.
When to Seek Help
If you are experiencing symptoms of gluteal tendinopathy or if your pain persists for several weeks, it’s important to seek help from a qualified healthcare provider. At Cranbourne Osteopathy, our team is experienced in diagnosing and treating gluteal tendinopathy and we can guide you through the healing process. The sooner you address the issue, the sooner you can return to pain-free activities.
If you’re struggling with gluteal tendinopathy or any other musculoskeletal issue, don't delay—get in touch with Cranbourne Osteopathy today and take the first step toward a pain-free life!
Book your appointment now and start your recovery journey with us.
Thank you to Mirae from Cranbourne Osteopathy for sharing her expertise in this guest blog. If you'd like to learn more or schedule an appointment with the Cranbourne Osteopathy team, visit their website for more information. I’ve collaborated with the team for years - they’re highly knowledgeable and can assist with a wide variety of concerns. To discover more about how osteopathy can benefit you, head to their website. Contact details for Cranbourne Osteopathy are provided below.
Address: 108/1060 Thompsons Rd Cranbourne West 3977
Phone Number: 03 8790 0136
Email: reception@cranbourneosteopathy.com.au
Website: cranbourneosteopathy.com.au
Book Online Link: cranbourneosteopathy.com.au/book-now
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