What Is Gluteal Tendinopathy?

Gluteal tendinopathy involves irritation or degeneration of the gluteus medius and/or gluteus minimus tendons, which attach to the side of the hip. These tendons play a key role in stabilising the pelvis during walking, running, and single-leg activities.

It is often referred to as:

• Lateral hip pain

• Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS)

• Previously labelled as “hip bursitis”

However, in most cases, the tendon is the primary source of pain rather than inflammation of a bursa.

Common Symptoms of Gluteal Tendinopathy

People with gluteal tendinopathy often report:

• Pain on the outside of the hip

• Pain when lying on the affected side

• Discomfort with walking, especially uphill

• Pain when climbing stairs

• Pain when standing on one leg

• Pain that worsens after activity rather than during

Symptoms are typically load-related and may fluctuate day to day.

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

Gluteal tendinopathy usually develops due to a combination of factors, including:

• Reduced hip and pelvic strength

• Repetitive single-leg loading (walking, running, stairs)

• Prolonged standing with weight shifted to one side

• Sudden increases in activity levels

• Poor tolerance to compressive loads across the hip

• Previous hip or lower-limb injury

Identifying which factors apply to you is essential for effective treatment.

How Physiotherapy Helps Gluteal Tendinopathy

Physiotherapy focuses on improving the tendon’s ability to tolerate load, rather than resting it completely.

Comprehensive Assessment

Your physiotherapist will assess:

• Hip strength and endurance

• Pelvic control during walking and single-leg tasks

• Movement patterns that increase tendon compression

• Load tolerance and daily activity demands

• Contributing factors from the knee, ankle, or lower back

This allows treatment to target the cause of symptoms rather than just pain.

Individualised Rehabilitation Programme

Your rehabilitation plan may include:

• Progressive strengthening of the gluteal muscles

• Exercises that improve pelvic control and load tolerance

• Gradual exposure to single-leg and functional activities

• Education around flare-ups and pain behaviour

• A structured return-to-activity plan

Exercise selection and progression are key to recovery.

Load Management & Activity Guidance

Physiotherapy helps you:

• Reduce aggravating positions and movements

• Modify activity without stopping completely

• Avoid repeated flare-ups

• Build confidence in loading the hip again

Manual Therapy & Supportive Strategies

Where appropriate, treatment may include:

• Soft tissue techniques

• Joint mobilisation

• Advice on sleep positioning

• Education around posture and daily habits

These support rehabilitation but do not replace exercise-based treatment.

How Long Does Gluteal Tendinopathy Take to Improve?

Many people notice improvement within 6–12 weeks of consistent physiotherapy. Recovery time depends on how long symptoms have been present and how well rehabilitation is followed.

Long-standing symptoms may take longer, but outcomes are generally very good with a structured approach.