Gluteal Tendinopathy

Gluteal tendinopathy can cause persistent pain and tenderness along the outside of the hip, making walking, climbing stairs, exercising, sleeping on your side, and everyday activities uncomfortable.

At Spine Align Chiropractic & Wellness in Huntsville, AL, we evaluate your symptoms, movement, and functional limitations to develop an individualized treatment plan focused on reducing symptoms and improving strength, mobility, and function.

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What Is Gluteal Tendinopathy?

Gluteal tendinopathy involves irritation or degeneration of the tendons that connect the gluteal muscles to the outside of the hip.

It is a common cause of lateral, or outer, hip pain and is sometimes associated with greater trochanteric pain syndrome.

Symptoms may include:

  • Pain or tenderness on the outside of the hip
  • Pain when lying on the affected side
  • Discomfort with prolonged walking or standing
  • Pain climbing stairs
  • Pain when getting up from a chair
  • Symptoms during or after exercise
  • Difficulty walking or exercising comfortably

Because several conditions can cause pain around the hip, an examination can help determine whether the symptoms are consistent with gluteal tendinopathy or another condition.

Our Approach to Gluteal Tendinopathy

Treatment is personalized based on your examination findings, symptoms, activity level, and functional goals.

Depending on your individual needs, care may include:

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy may be used as part of conservative treatment for persistent gluteal tendinopathy. Acoustic pressure waves are applied to targeted tissues to stimulate a biological response and support the tissue recovery process.

Therapeutic Exercise

Individualized exercises may be used to progressively strengthen the gluteal muscles and tendons, improve hip stability, and increase the tendon’s ability to tolerate everyday and recreational activities.

Activity & Movement Guidance

Certain positions and activities can place additional compression or load on irritated gluteal tendons. Treatment may include guidance on temporarily modifying aggravating activities while gradually rebuilding strength and activity tolerance.

Chiropractic Care

When appropriate, chiropractic care may be used to address mobility restrictions involving the hip, pelvis, lower back, or other areas that may influence lower-extremity movement and function.

Physiotherapy

Additional supportive therapies may be incorporated when appropriate based on examination findings and individual treatment needs.

Treatment Focused on More Than Hip Pain

With gluteal tendinopathy, improving the tendon’s ability to tolerate load and restoring function are important parts of recovery.

Treatment may focus on helping you:

  • Walk more comfortably
  • Climb stairs with less difficulty
  • Improve hip strength and stability
  • Stand for longer periods more comfortably
  • Improve tolerance for daily activities
  • Return to exercise and recreational activities
  • Sleep more comfortably

Gluteal Tendinopathy or Hip Bursitis?

Outer hip pain has historically often been described as “trochanteric bursitis.” However, pain in this area can involve the gluteal tendons, the bursa, or a combination of structures.

An examination can help identify which tissues may be contributing to your symptoms and guide an appropriate treatment plan.

Could Outer Hip Pain Be Coming From the Lower Back?

Not all pain around the hip originates in the hip. Certain lower-back conditions can cause pain extending into the buttock or hip region.

Evaluating both the hip and surrounding areas can help determine whether symptoms appear to be related to the gluteal tendons, lower back, or another source.

When Should Outer Hip Pain Be Evaluated?

Consider an evaluation if outer hip pain persists, repeatedly returns, interferes with sleep, limits walking or exercise, or affects your normal activities.

Significant trauma, inability to bear weight, rapidly worsening symptoms, marked swelling or redness, fever, or other concerning symptoms should receive appropriate medical evaluation.

Gluteal Tendinopathy Care in Huntsville, Alabama

Spine Align Chiropractic & Wellness provides personalized conservative musculoskeletal care for gluteal tendinopathy and outer hip pain in Huntsville, AL. Treatment focuses on improving symptoms while restoring strength, mobility, activity tolerance, and function.

Spine Align Chiropractic & Wellness
7914 Memorial Parkway SW, Suite E-18
Huntsville, AL 35802

Ready to move more comfortably? Schedule your new patient visit today.