Gluteal Tendinopathy
Shockwave Therapy for Gluteal Tendinopathy | Sunbury & Melton
Gluteal tendinopathy is a tendon condition affecting the muscles that support the outside of the hip. It commonly causes lateral hip pain, tenderness and discomfort with walking, running, climbing stairs or lying on the affected side.
Shockwave Therapy uses mechanical sound waves to stimulate biological responses within affected tissues. Evidence suggests it may reduce pain and improve function for some people with chronic gluteal tendinopathy, particularly when combined with progressive strengthening exercises.
Health Wise Chiropractic provides evidence-informed assessment and treatment options in Sunbury and Melton to help patients understand their condition and develop an appropriate recovery plan.
Shockwave Therapy may help some people with gluteal tendinopathy, a common cause of persistent outer hip pain. Research suggests that extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) may improve pain levels and function in some people with chronic tendon-related hip pain, particularly when combined with appropriate rehabilitation exercises.
Gluteal tendinopathy affects the tendons of the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles, which help stabilise the pelvis during walking, running and standing on one leg. It is commonly seen in active adults, runners, cyclists, and people experiencing gradual changes in tendon capacity with age.
At Health Wise Chiropractic, Shockwave Therapy for Gluteal Tendinopathy is considered as part of an individualised management plan. Treatment recommendations depend on your symptoms, examination findings, activity levels and overall health.
Early assessment can help identify whether your pain is coming from the tendon, surrounding muscles, the hip joint, the lower back or referred pain from nearby structures. A personalised approach may include Shockwave Therapy, targeted exercises, load management strategies and other supportive treatments available at our Sunbury and Melton clinics.
Gluteal tendinopathy is a tendon condition affecting the muscles that support the outside of the hip. It commonly causes lateral hip pain, tenderness and discomfort with walking, running, climbing stairs or lying on the affected side.
Shockwave Therapy uses mechanical sound waves to stimulate biological responses within affected tissues. Evidence suggests it may reduce pain and improve function for some people with chronic gluteal tendinopathy, particularly when combined with progressive strengthening exercises.
Health Wise Chiropractic provides evidence-informed assessment and treatment options in Sunbury and Melton to help patients understand their condition and develop an appropriate recovery plan.
Understanding Gluteal Tendinopathy
Gluteal tendinopathy is a condition affecting the tendons of the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles, which attach the buttock muscles to the greater trochanter of the femur (the bony prominence on the outside of the hip).
These tendons play an important role in:
stabilising the pelvis during walking
controlling hip movement
supporting single-leg activities
maintaining efficient movement during exercise and daily activities
When these tendons become overloaded or unable to tolerate the demands placed upon them, changes can occur within the tendon structure. This may result in pain, reduced strength and decreased tolerance to activities that load the hip.
Gluteal tendinopathy was previously often referred to as greater trochanteric bursitis because inflammation of the nearby bursa was thought to be the primary cause. Current research suggests that tendon changes are often the main contributor, although irritation of surrounding tissues can also occur.
What Happens Inside the Tendon?
Tendons are strong connective tissues that transfer force from muscles to bones. Healthy tendons adapt to changes in activity through a process called mechanotransduction, where mechanical loading influences tendon structure and function.
With gluteal tendinopathy, repeated stress or compression may exceed the tendon’s ability to repair and adapt.
Possible tendon changes include:
altered collagen organisation
thickening of tendon tissue
reduced tendon stiffness
changes in blood supply and cellular activity
reduced ability to tolerate load
This does not always mean the tendon is permanently damaged. Tendons can adapt and improve with appropriate management, but recovery often requires gradual progression rather than simply resting the area.
Common Symptoms of Gluteal Tendinopathy
The most common symptom is pain on the outside of the hip. Symptoms may vary between individuals but often include:
Outer hip pain
Pain is usually felt around:
the side of the hip
the outer buttock region
the area around the greater trochanter
Some people describe the discomfort as:
aching
burning
sharp during certain movements
tender when touched
Pain with specific activities
Symptoms commonly increase with activities that compress or load the tendon, including:
walking longer distances
climbing stairs
running
standing on one leg
getting out of a chair
prolonged standing
crossing legs
lying on the painful side
Night pain
Many people with gluteal tendinopathy report difficulty sleeping, particularly when lying directly on the affected hip.
Sleep disruption may occur because direct pressure increases compression around the irritated tendon.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Gluteal tendinopathy usually develops gradually rather than from one specific injury.
Common contributing factors include:
Increased activity load
A sudden increase in:
running distance
walking volume
gym training
sporting activities
can place greater demands on the hip tendons than they can currently tolerate.
Age-related tendon changes
Tendon structure naturally changes with age. Reduced tendon capacity may make some individuals more susceptible to developing symptoms.
Hip and pelvic movement patterns
Factors that may contribute include:
reduced hip muscle strength
poor load tolerance
altered walking mechanics
reduced control during single-leg movements
Compression of the tendon
Positions that compress the tendon against the hip bone may aggravate symptoms, such as:
sleeping on the painful side
sitting with legs crossed
standing with the hip pushed out to one side
Training errors
Athletes and recreational exercisers may develop symptoms after:
increasing intensity too quickly
insufficient recovery between sessions
changing running surfaces
returning to sport after time away
Gluteal Tendinopathy vs Other Types of Hip Pain
Not all hip pain comes from the same structure. A thorough assessment is important because symptoms may overlap with other conditions.
Muscular pain
Muscle-related pain may involve:
buttock muscles
hip stabilisers
surrounding soft tissues
It is often related to muscle fatigue, strain or reduced strength.
Joint-related pain
Hip joint conditions may cause:
groin pain
reduced hip movement
stiffness
clicking or catching sensations
Nerve-related pain
Nerve irritation from the lower back or pelvis may cause:
shooting pain
tingling
numbness
weakness
Referred pain
Pain from the lumbar spine or surrounding structures can sometimes be felt around the hip even when the hip tendon itself is not the primary source.
Acute vs Chronic Gluteal Tendinopathy
Acute symptoms
Early-stage symptoms may occur after:
a sudden increase in activity
unfamiliar exercise
increased walking or sporting demands
Pain may settle more quickly when the aggravating factors are identified and modified.
Persistent or chronic symptoms
Longer-lasting gluteal tendinopathy often develops over months and may involve:
reduced tendon capacity
ongoing sensitivity
weakness
difficulty returning to previous activities
Persistent tendon conditions usually require a gradual strengthening program rather than relying on passive treatments alone.
Prognosis and Recovery
Recovery from gluteal tendinopathy varies depending on:
duration of symptoms
severity
age
activity demands
general health
adherence to rehabilitation
Many people improve with a combination of:
education about tendon loading
activity modification
progressive strengthening exercises
targeted treatments such as Shockwave Therapy when appropriate
Some persistent cases may require referral to a GP, sports physician or specialist for further assessment, particularly when symptoms do not improve or when another diagnosis is suspected.
A personalised assessment helps determine whether Shockwave Therapy is appropriate and what other strategies may support recovery.
Who May Benefit From Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy may be considered for people who have:
persistent outer hip pain consistent with gluteal tendinopathy
symptoms lasting several months
difficulty progressing with exercise due to pain
reduced function despite activity modification
imaging findings that support tendon involvement (when clinically relevant)
It may be particularly useful when combined with:
progressive hip strengthening
load management
movement retraining
gradual return to activity
Who May Not Be Suitable for Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy is not appropriate for everyone.
A practitioner may recommend against treatment or modify the approach if someone has:
suspected fracture
acute traumatic injury requiring medical assessment
infection near the treatment area
certain bleeding disorders
use of some anticoagulant medications
pregnancy considerations depending on treatment location
unexplained severe symptoms
A thorough history and physical assessment helps determine whether Shockwave Therapy is suitable.
What Happens During Your Appointment?
At Health Wise Chiropractic, your appointment begins with understanding your symptoms, goals and lifestyle factors.
1. Health History
Your practitioner will discuss:
when your hip pain started
activities that aggravate or relieve symptoms
previous injuries
exercise and work demands
medical history
previous treatments
Understanding the history helps determine whether the symptoms are consistent with gluteal tendinopathy or another condition.
2. Physical Assessment
The assessment may include:
hip range of motion testing
strength testing
tendon loading tests
walking and movement assessment
posture and pelvic control assessment
evaluation of the lower back and surrounding structures
The goal is to identify contributing factors rather than focusing only on the painful area.
3. Personalised Treatment Plan
If Shockwave Therapy is considered appropriate, your practitioner will explain:
why it may be suitable
expected outcomes
possible side effects
recommended treatment frequency
rehabilitation strategies
Treatment plans are individualised because tendon conditions respond differently between patients.
4. Shockwave Treatment
During treatment:
the practitioner identifies the target area
gel is applied to improve contact
the applicator delivers controlled pressure waves
intensity is adjusted based on comfort
Some patients experience mild discomfort during treatment, but it should generally remain tolerable.
5. Aftercare Advice
After treatment, patients may be advised to:
continue appropriate movement
avoid excessive aggravating activities temporarily
complete prescribed exercises
gradually increase load as symptoms allow
Some soreness after treatment can occur and usually settles within a short period.
Home Care & Exercises
Exercise is one of the most important components of managing gluteal tendinopathy. While Shockwave Therapy may help reduce pain and improve tolerance to activity for some people, progressive strengthening helps improve the tendon’s ability to handle everyday demands.
Exercises should be performed at a level that is challenging but does not significantly increase symptoms. A small amount of discomfort during exercise may be acceptable for some people, but symptoms should generally settle back to baseline within 24 hours.
If an exercise causes a significant flare-up, reduce the intensity, repetitions or frequency and discuss modifications with your healthcare practitioner.
1. Isometric Gluteal Contraction
Purpose:
Helps activate the gluteal muscles while placing lower stress on the tendon.
Instructions:
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
Gently tighten your buttock muscles as if squeezing them together.
Hold the contraction without lifting your hips.
Relax and repeat.
Dosage:
Hold for 5–10 seconds
Repeat 10 times
Perform once or twice daily
Progression:
Increase the hold time or progress to bridging exercises when comfortable.
2. Side-Lying Hip Abduction
Purpose:
Strengthens the gluteus medius muscle, which helps stabilise the pelvis during walking and running.
Instructions:
Lie on your non-painful side.
Keep your top leg straight.
Slowly lift the top leg upward without rolling your pelvis backwards.
Lower slowly with control.
Dosage:
2–3 sets
8–12 repetitions
Perform 3 times per week
Progression:
Add resistance with a resistance band once strength improves.
3. Glute Bridge
Purpose:
Builds hip extension strength and improves gluteal muscle capacity.
Instructions:
Lie on your back with knees bent.
Tighten your abdominal muscles gently.
Push through your feet and lift your hips.
Squeeze your glute muscles at the top.
Slowly lower back down.
Dosage:
2–3 sets
10–15 repetitions
Perform 3–4 times per week
Progression:
Progress to single-leg bridges when appropriate.
4. Sit-to-Stand Exercise
Purpose:
Improves functional hip strength for everyday activities such as standing from chairs and climbing stairs.
Instructions:
Sit on a stable chair.
Place feet shoulder-width apart.
Stand up using your hips and legs.
Slowly return to sitting.
Dosage:
2–3 sets
10 repetitions
Perform 3 times per week
Progression:
Increase difficulty by lowering the chair height or holding light weights.
5. Single-Leg Balance Exercise
Purpose:
Improves hip stability and pelvic control during weight-bearing activities.
Instructions:
Stand near a stable surface for support.
Lift one foot from the floor.
Maintain a level pelvis and steady posture.
Hold the position.
Dosage:
Hold for 20–30 seconds
Repeat 3–5 times each side
Perform daily
Progression:
Progress to standing on an unstable surface or adding controlled movements.
Prevention Tips
Preventing gluteal tendinopathy flare-ups involves improving tendon capacity, managing training loads and reducing unnecessary stress on the hip.
Maintain Strong Hip Muscles
Regular strengthening of:
gluteal muscles
hip stabilisers
core muscles
can improve movement control and help the tendons tolerate daily activities.
Strength training should be progressed gradually rather than increased suddenly.
Manage Exercise Load
Many tendon problems occur when activity increases faster than the body can adapt.
Helpful strategies include:
increasing running distance gradually
allowing recovery days between intense sessions
avoiding sudden increases in hills or stairs
adjusting training when returning after injury
Improve Workstation Setup
For people who sit for long periods:
avoid sitting in one position for several hours
take movement breaks every 30–60 minutes
maintain comfortable hip and lower back positioning
avoid prolonged leg crossing if it aggravates symptoms
Use Good Lifting Technique
When lifting:
keep loads close to the body
avoid twisting while carrying heavy objects
use your legs and hips rather than repeatedly bending through the lower back
increase lifting demands gradually
Optimise Sleeping Positions
Because side sleeping may compress the painful tendon:
avoid lying directly on the painful side if it increases symptoms
place a pillow between your knees if comfortable
experiment with positions that reduce pressure on the hip
Prioritise Recovery
Tendon health is influenced by overall wellbeing.
Helpful habits include:
adequate sleep
balanced nutrition
regular movement
stress management
maintaining healthy activity levels
Prevalence of Gluteal Tendinopathy in Australia
Gluteal tendinopathy is a common cause of lateral hip pain, particularly among middle-aged and older adults.
Australian research into greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), which commonly includes gluteal tendinopathy, suggests:
approximately 10–25% of adults may experience lateral hip pain during their lifetime
women are affected more commonly than men
symptoms are particularly common between the ages of 40 and 60 years
The condition is frequently seen in:
recreational runners
active adults
people returning to exercise
individuals with increased walking demands
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) identifies musculoskeletal conditions as one of Australia’s leading contributors to chronic pain, disability and healthcare use.
Source:
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Musculoskeletal conditions.
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions
Burden of Musculoskeletal Pain in Australia
Musculoskeletal conditions affect millions of Australians and contribute significantly to:
reduced quality of life
reduced participation in work and recreation
healthcare costs
chronic pain burden
While specific national statistics for gluteal tendinopathy are limited, lateral hip pain represents a meaningful proportion of musculoskeletal presentations in primary care and physiotherapy settings.
Current Evidence for Shockwave Therapy and Gluteal Tendinopathy
Scientific evidence suggests that Shockwave Therapy may provide benefit for selected patients with chronic gluteal tendinopathy, particularly when combined with exercise-based rehabilitation.
However, results vary because studies differ in:
shockwave type used
treatment dosage
patient selection
duration of symptoms
comparison treatments
Current clinical thinking supports using Shockwave Therapy as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation approach rather than as a replacement for exercise.
Randomised Controlled Trial Evidence
A landmark randomised controlled trial by Mellor et al. investigated treatments for persistent gluteus medius and minimus tendinopathy.
The study compared:
education plus exercise
corticosteroid injection
wait-and-see approach
At 8 weeks:
education plus exercise produced greater improvements in pain and function compared with other approaches
At 52 weeks:
exercise-based management continued to demonstrate meaningful clinical improvements
Reference:
Mellor R, Bennell K, Grimaldi A, et al. Education plus exercise versus corticosteroid injection versus wait and see for persistent gluteus medius and minimus tendinopathy. BMJ. 2018.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29720374/
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is gluteal tendinopathy?
Gluteal tendinopathy is a condition affecting the tendons of the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles, which attach to the outside of the hip. These tendons help stabilise the pelvis during walking, running and standing activities.
The condition commonly causes pain on the outer side of the hip, tenderness around the greater trochanter and discomfort during activities such as climbing stairs, walking longer distances or lying on the affected side.
2. Can Shockwave Therapy help gluteal tendinopathy?
Shockwave Therapy may help some people with gluteal tendinopathy by reducing pain and improving function. Research suggests that extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) may be beneficial, particularly for people with persistent tendon-related hip pain.
However, results vary between individuals. The best outcomes are generally seen when Shockwave Therapy is combined with an appropriate rehabilitation program, including progressive strengthening exercises and activity modification.
3. How does Shockwave Therapy work for hip tendon pain?
Shockwave Therapy delivers controlled mechanical waves into the affected area. These waves may stimulate biological responses within the tendon, influence pain sensitivity and assist with tendon adaptation.
The aim is not to instantly repair the tendon but to support the body’s natural recovery processes and improve tolerance to rehabilitation exercises.
4. How many Shockwave Therapy sessions are needed for gluteal tendinopathy?
The number of treatments varies depending on:
how long symptoms have been present
severity of the condition
activity requirements
individual response to treatment
Many treatment programs involve several sessions over a number of weeks. Your practitioner will recommend an appropriate schedule based on your assessment.
5. Is Shockwave Therapy painful?
Some people experience discomfort during Shockwave Therapy because the treatment targets sensitive tendon areas.
Most patients describe the sensation as:
strong tapping
pressure
mild discomfort
The intensity can be adjusted to suit your tolerance. Temporary soreness after treatment can occur and usually settles.
6. Is Shockwave Therapy better than exercise for gluteal tendinopathy?
Shockwave Therapy and exercise serve different purposes.
Exercise remains a core component of gluteal tendinopathy management because tendons need progressive loading to improve strength and capacity.
Shockwave Therapy may be used as an additional treatment to help some people manage pain and improve participation in rehabilitation.
Current evidence supports education and exercise as a foundation of care, with Shockwave Therapy considered a possible additional option for suitable patients.
7. What activities should I avoid with gluteal tendinopathy?
Activities that significantly increase compression or load on the tendon may aggravate symptoms.
Depending on your situation, you may need to temporarily modify:
running hills
long walks
repeated stairs
lying directly on the painful hip
prolonged standing with weight shifted onto one side
Complete rest is usually not recommended because tendons require appropriate loading to improve.
8. Can gluteal tendinopathy heal without treatment?
Some mild cases may improve with activity modification and appropriate exercise. However, persistent cases often benefit from professional assessment to identify contributing factors and create a structured recovery plan.
Long-standing tendon conditions may require months of gradual rehabilitation.
9. When should I see a doctor about hip pain?
You should seek medical advice if:
pain is severe or worsening
symptoms follow significant trauma
you cannot put weight through the leg
you experience unexplained weakness
there is numbness or neurological symptoms
symptoms are not improving despite appropriate management
A GP or specialist assessment may be recommended if another condition is suspected.
10. Is Shockwave Therapy suitable for everyone with hip pain?
No. Shockwave Therapy is not suitable for every person with hip pain.
An assessment is important because symptoms may come from:
gluteal tendons
hip joint structures
muscles
the lower back
nerves
Treatment recommendations depend on identifying the likely pain source and your individual health circumstances.
Why Choose Health Wise Chiropractic?
Managing gluteal tendinopathy effectively requires more than simply treating the painful area. A thorough assessment helps determine whether symptoms are related to the gluteal tendons, surrounding muscles, the hip joint, the lower back or referred pain.
At Health Wise Chiropractic, patients receive an evidence-informed approach focused on understanding the cause of their symptoms and developing an individualised management plan.
Your care may include:
detailed assessment of movement and function
Shockwave Therapy when clinically appropriate
rehabilitation exercises
advice about activity modification
strategies to improve long-term tendon capacity
The experienced practitioners at Health Wise Chiropractic provide personalised care for patients throughout Sunbury and Melton, with treatment plans tailored to individual goals and lifestyle requirements.
Patients can conveniently access online bookings and discuss whether Shockwave Therapy and rehabilitation may be appropriate for their condition.
Persistent outer hip pain can affect walking, exercise, sleep and everyday activities. If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to gluteal tendinopathy, a professional assessment can help determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
At Health Wise Chiropractic, our practitioners assess each person individually to understand the cause of their symptoms and develop a personalised plan that may include Shockwave Therapy, rehabilitation exercises and other supportive treatments where appropriate.
Whether you are located in Sunbury, Melton or surrounding areas, our team can help you understand your options and guide you through your recovery journey.
Book an assessment online today or contact Health Wise Chiropractic to discuss whether Shockwave Therapy for Gluteal Tendinopathy may be suitable for you.
Recovery Timeline
Recovery from gluteal tendinopathy varies significantly between individuals. Tendons generally adapt more slowly than muscles, so improvement often occurs gradually rather than overnight.
Mild Cases
People with mild symptoms may improve within:
6–12 weeks
when they:
modify aggravating activities
begin appropriate exercises
improve hip strength
address contributing factors
Moderate Cases
Symptoms that have been present for several months may require:
3–6 months
of progressive rehabilitation.
A treatment plan may include:
Shockwave Therapy when appropriate
strengthening exercises
load management
gradual return to normal activities
Persistent or Long-Standing Cases
Chronic gluteal tendinopathy may take:
6–12 months or longer
to fully improve, particularly when there are multiple contributing factors.
Longer recovery may be influenced by:
years of symptoms
significant weakness
high physical demands
poor tolerance to loading
other health factors
Important Recovery Considerations
Improvement is not always linear.
Patients may experience:
good days and bad days
temporary flare-ups
gradual improvements in function before complete pain resolution
The goal is usually not simply eliminating pain immediately, but improving the tendon’s capacity so normal activities become easier and more sustainable.
Gluteal tendinopathy is a tendon condition affecting the muscles that support the outside of the hip. It commonly causes lateral hip pain, tenderness and discomfort with walking, running, climbing stairs or lying on the affected side.
Shockwave Therapy uses mechanical sound waves to stimulate biological responses within affected tissues. Evidence suggests it may reduce pain and improve function for some people with chronic gluteal tendinopathy, particularly when combined with progressive strengthening exercises.
Health Wise Chiropractic provides evidence-informed assessment and treatment options in Sunbury and Melton to help patients understand their condition and develop an appropriate recovery plan.
Gluteal tendinopathy is a tendon condition affecting the muscles that support the outside of the hip. It commonly causes lateral hip pain, tenderness and discomfort with walking, running, climbing stairs or lying on the affected side.
Shockwave Therapy uses mechanical sound waves to stimulate biological responses within affected tissues. Evidence suggests it may reduce pain and improve function for some people with chronic gluteal tendinopathy, particularly when combined with progressive strengthening exercises.
Health Wise Chiropractic provides evidence-informed assessment and treatment options in Sunbury and Melton to help patients understand their condition and develop an appropriate recovery plan.