Gluteal tendinopathy is a common cause of pain on the outer side of the hip, also known as lateral hip pain or greater trochanteric pain syndrome. It occurs when the tendons of the gluteus medius and minimus muscles become irritated or damaged. This condition is most prevalent in individuals over 40, especially women, and can greatly impact daily activities like sitting, walking, and climbing stairs. Gluteal tendinopathy is very often misdiagnosed as gluteal bursitis, leading to treatments focused on rest and anti-inflammation, which fail to address the underlying tendon damage. As a result, patients may experience limited improvement in symptoms and struggle to regain full function (Grimaldi et al., 2015).
Isolated bursitis is extremely rare, with only 2-8% of the population having bursal changes without gluteal tendon pathology. (Blankenbaker et al. 2008, Lange et al. 2022)
Gluteal Bursitis / Tendinopathy
9 Common Myths About Gluteal Tendinopathy
Compression, Not Tight Muscles
The pain in gluteal tendinopathy is primarily caused by the compression of the tendons and bursae, not by tight muscles. Stretching the hip will actually worsen the condition by increasing this compression and aggravating the pain. It’s important to avoid hip stretches that may cause further irritation to the affected area and focus on strategies that relieve pressure on the tendons and support proper movement patterns.
Several factors can contribute to gluteal tendinopathy, including muscle imbalances, hormonal changes, abnormal movement patterns, and structural issues in the pelvis causing excessive compression of the gluteal tendons. Women over 40 and individuals with conditions like low back pain are at higher risk. Research suggests that pelvic abnormalities, such as coxa vara or increased trochanteric offset, may increase stress on the gluteal tendons, leading to pain and dysfunction (Grimaldi et al., 2015). In addition, poor lateral stability in the pelvis may contribute to this condition.
At Performance Sport & Spine, we specialize in the accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of gluteal tendinopathy. Our approach combines advanced diagnostic techniques with targeted exercise programs designed to address the root causes of your pain. We focus on restoring proper movement patterns, strengthening the hip muscles, and reducing stress on the gluteal tendons. By tailoring treatments to your specific needs, we provide faster, longer-lasting results to get you back to your active lifestyle (Grimaldi et al., 2015).
