Gluteal tendinopathy is one of the most common causes of pain around the outside of the hip. It is particularly common in runners, active adults, and women aged 40-60, but can affect people of all ages and activity levels.

The condition involves irritation or overload of the gluteal tendons, most commonly the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus tendons, where they attach to the side of the hip. These muscles play an important role in supporting the pelvis during walking, running and single leg activities.

What are the symptoms of gluteal tendinopathy?

Common symptoms include:

• Pain on the outside of the hip
• Pain when lying on the affected side
• Pain walking, running or climbing stairs
• Discomfort when standing on one leg
• Pain after prolonged sitting
• Tenderness over the bony part of the hip
• Weakness around the hip and pelvis
• Morning stiffness or pain after activity

What causes gluteal tendinopathy?

Gluteal tendons are designed to tolerate load, however problems can develop when the tendon is overloaded or repeatedly compressed over time.

Contributing factors may include:

• Sudden increases in walking or running
• Weakness in the hip and pelvic muscles
• Reduced pelvic control
• Poor lower limb biomechanics
• Prolonged standing on one leg
• Low back or pelvic stiffness
• Reduced activity levels
• Training errors
• Menopausal hormonal changes

We also commonly see gluteal tendinopathy alongside low back pain, hip stiffness and knee problems.

Physiotherapy assessment for gluteal tendinopathy

Your physiotherapist will complete a thorough assessment to determine the exact source of your hip pain and identify contributing factors.

Assessment may include:

• Detailed history of your symptoms and aggravating activities
• Walking and functional movement assessment
• Hip and lumbar spine range of motion testing
• Strength testing of the gluteal muscles
• Single leg balance and control assessment
• Palpation of the hip tendons and surrounding structures
• Assessment of running or exercise technique where appropriate

It is important to differentiate gluteal tendinopathy from other causes of hip pain such as lumbar referred pain, hip joint arthritis, bursitis or lower back conditions.

Physiotherapy treatment options

Treatment aims to reduce pain, improve tendon capacity and restore strength and function.

Management may include:

• Education regarding tendon loading and activity modification
• Strengthening exercises for the gluteal and pelvic muscles
• Clinical Exercise or Pilates-based rehabilitation
• Manual therapy for the hip and lower back
• Soft tissue massage
• Dry needling
• Taping techniques
• Gait retraining and running advice
• Postural and ergonomic advice
• Gradual return to sport and exercise

As pain settles, progressive strengthening becomes the key focus of rehabilitation.

Our physiotherapists can also guide you through safe gym modifications and assist with return to walking, running and sport.

How long does gluteal tendinopathy take to recover?

Recovery time varies depending on the duration and severity of symptoms. Mild cases may improve within several weeks, while more persistent tendon pain can take several months to fully settle.

Tendons generally respond best to gradual progressive loading rather than complete rest. Early assessment and appropriate management can help prevent symptoms becoming ongoing or recurrent.

Our physiotherapists can assess your hip pain, identify contributing factors and develop an individualised treatment plan to help you return to activity safely.