Greater trochanteric pain often involves the gluteal tendons. See where it occurs and how load management and strengthening can help.
What is it?
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome describes pain around the outside of the hip. The gluteal tendons are often involved, sometimes with nearby bursal irritation. Not all outer-hip pain is bursitis, and the back or hip joint can produce similar symptoms.
- Tenderness over the outer hip
- Pain lying on that side
- Discomfort with stairs or longer walks
Assessment and diagnostic limits
Repeated loading and compression can aggravate gluteal tendons, but there is not always one cause. Assessment considers the pain pattern, tenderness, hip strength and function, while checking the back and hip joint when appropriate. No symptom diagram proves the diagnosis; persistent or atypical findings may require medical assessment. Assessment guidance
How physiotherapy may help
Reduce compression
Find comfortable sleep and sitting positions; avoid repeatedly leaning into a painful hip.
Build tendon capacity
Use progressively challenging hip-strengthening exercises.
Plan activity
Adjust walking, hills and other loads, then build them back gradually.
Everyday approach
A pillow between the knees when lying on the other side may improve comfort. Avoid aggressive stretches that compress the sore outer hip. The right starting exercise depends on how irritable the symptoms are.
What to keep in mind
Education plus exercise has good trial support for gluteal tendinopathy, but results vary. Persistent pain should be reassessed; the same treatment is not appropriate for every cause of outer-hip pain.
General educational information, not a diagnosis or personal treatment plan. For an emergency in Australia, call 000.
Sources and further reading
Selected guidance and research; this brief guide is not an exhaustive evidence review.