Hip Bursititis (Greater trochanteric pain syndrome)
Shockwave Therapy for Hip Bursitis | Sunbury & Melton
Hip bursitis, also known as greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), causes pain over the outside of the hip and may involve the gluteal tendons, bursa, and surrounding tissues. Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that may assist some patients by stimulating tissue responses, reducing pain, and supporting rehabilitation.
Evidence suggests Shockwave Therapy can provide meaningful improvements for some tendon-related conditions, although results vary between individuals. A personalised assessment helps determine whether Shockwave Therapy is appropriate and what combination of treatments may provide the best outcome.
Shockwave Therapy may help some people with hip bursitis and greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) by reducing pain sensitivity, improving tendon and soft tissue function, and supporting the body’s natural healing processes. However, treatment suitability depends on the underlying cause of symptoms, which is why an individual assessment is important.
Hip bursitis is a common condition involving pain around the outside of the hip, usually near the greater trochanter — the bony prominence on the side of the upper thigh. Despite the name, many cases are now understood to involve irritation of the gluteal tendons and surrounding soft tissues rather than inflammation of the bursa alone.
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome commonly affects active adults, runners, people who spend long periods sitting, and individuals experiencing changes in activity levels, strength, biomechanics, or load tolerance.
At Health Wise Chiropractic, Shockwave Therapy may be considered as part of a broader management plan that may include exercise rehabilitation, movement advice, and lifestyle strategies. The goal is to identify contributing factors, reduce symptoms, and help patients return to comfortable daily movement.
Health Wise Chiropractic provides evidence-informed musculoskeletal care for patients in Sunbury, Melton, and surrounding Victorian communities.
Hip bursitis, also known as greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), causes pain over the outside of the hip and may involve the gluteal tendons, bursa, and surrounding tissues. Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that may assist some patients by stimulating tissue responses, reducing pain, and supporting rehabilitation.
Evidence suggests Shockwave Therapy can provide meaningful improvements for some tendon-related conditions, although results vary between individuals. A personalised assessment helps determine whether Shockwave Therapy is appropriate and what combination of treatments may provide the best outcome.
Understanding Hip Bursitis and Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Hip bursitis is a term commonly used to describe pain felt over the outer part of the hip, near the greater trochanter. The greater trochanter is the bony area on the upper outside portion of the femur (thigh bone), where several important muscles attach, including the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus.
Traditionally, hip pain in this area was often attributed to inflammation of the trochanteric bursa — a small fluid-filled sac designed to reduce friction between tissues. However, modern research has shown that many people diagnosed with hip bursitis actually have a broader condition called greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS).
GTPS describes pain involving several structures around the outside of the hip, including:
Gluteus medius and gluteus minimus tendons
Trochanteric bursae
Fascia and connective tissues
Surrounding muscles and soft tissues
In many cases, the main issue is not simply inflammation but a reduced ability of the tendons and surrounding tissues to tolerate normal loads.
What Happens in Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?
The tendons of the gluteal muscles help stabilise the pelvis during walking, running, climbing stairs, and standing on one leg.
When these tissues experience repeated stress without enough recovery, they may become irritated and sensitive. This can occur due to:
Sudden increases in exercise volume
Reduced hip strength or endurance
Changes in walking or running patterns
Prolonged compression of the outer hip
Age-related changes in tendon structure
Reduced activity followed by sudden return to exercise
Over time, the tendon may develop changes associated with tendinopathy. These changes may include altered collagen organisation, reduced load tolerance, and increased sensitivity.
This does not necessarily mean the tissue is permanently damaged. Tendons are living tissues that can adapt when provided with appropriate loading, rehabilitation, and recovery strategies.
Common Symptoms of Hip Bursitis and GTPS
The most common symptom is pain on the outside of the hip.
Patients may describe:
Aching or sharp pain over the outer hip
Tenderness when pressing on the greater trochanter
Pain when lying on the affected side
Discomfort when walking, climbing stairs, or standing from a chair
Pain during running or prolonged activity
Reduced ability to sleep comfortably
A feeling of weakness or reduced confidence through the hip
Some people experience pain that spreads down the outside of the thigh. This is usually referred pain from the local tissues rather than a sign of a nerve problem.
Hip Pain: Muscular, Joint, Nerve, or Referred?
Understanding the source of hip pain is important because different causes require different approaches.
Muscular or Tendon-Related Pain
GTPS is commonly associated with the gluteal tendons and surrounding soft tissues.
Typical features include:
Localised outer hip pain
Pain with loading activities
Tenderness around the greater trochanter
Discomfort with single-leg activities
Joint-Related Hip Pain
Pain from the hip joint itself may present differently.
Possible signs include:
Groin pain
Reduced hip rotation
Stiffness
Difficulty putting on shoes or socks
Pain with deep hip movements
Nerve-Related Pain
Nerve irritation may cause:
Burning sensations
Tingling
Numbness
Weakness
Symptoms travelling below the knee
A thorough assessment helps distinguish these conditions.
Acute vs Chronic Hip Bursitis
Hip bursitis and GTPS can occur as either a short-term or longer-lasting problem.
Acute Symptoms
Acute cases may develop after:
A sudden increase in walking or running
A new exercise program
A fall or direct impact
Increased physical workload
Symptoms may improve with appropriate activity modification and early management.
Persistent or Chronic Symptoms
Some people experience symptoms lasting months or longer. Persistent GTPS may involve:
Reduced tendon capacity
Ongoing aggravating activities
Weakness of hip stabilising muscles
Altered movement patterns
Increased sensitivity of surrounding tissues
Chronic cases often require a structured rehabilitation approach rather than simply resting the area.
Who Commonly Develops Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?
GTPS can affect people of all ages but is more common in:
Middle-aged and older adults
Women, particularly during midlife
Runners and recreational athletes
People increasing their exercise suddenly
Individuals with reduced hip strength or endurance
People with occupations involving prolonged standing or walking
Risk factors may include changes in physical activity, body mechanics, muscle capacity, and repetitive loading.
Who May Benefit Most From Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy may be suitable for people who have:
Persistent outer hip pain consistent with GTPS
Tendon-related symptoms around the greater trochanter
Symptoms lasting several weeks or months
Limited improvement with exercise alone
A goal of returning to normal activity
It may be particularly useful for patients who have chronic tendon-related pain where improving tissue tolerance is the primary goal.
Who May Not Be Suitable for Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy is not appropriate for every person with hip pain.
It may not be recommended for individuals with:
Suspected fracture
Certain infections
Active cancer in the treatment area
Significant blood clotting disorders
Certain pregnancy-related considerations
Acute unexplained severe pain
Patients taking blood-thinning medications or with complex medical conditions should discuss suitability with their healthcare provider.
If hip pain is caused by a different condition, such as significant hip joint arthritis, spinal nerve irritation, fracture, or systemic illness, another management pathway may be more appropriate.
What Happens During Your Appointment?
1. Your Health History
Your appointment begins with a discussion about your symptoms and health history.
Your practitioner may ask about:
Where your pain is located
When symptoms started
Activities that aggravate or relieve symptoms
Your exercise and work demands
Previous injuries or treatments
Your goals for recovery
Understanding the pattern of your symptoms helps determine whether Shockwave Therapy may be appropriate.
2. Physical Assessment
A physical assessment may include:
Observation of posture and movement
Hip range of motion testing
Strength assessment of hip muscles
Functional movements such as walking, squatting, or single-leg activities
Palpation of the outer hip region
Assessment of surrounding areas including the lower back and pelvis
The purpose is to identify contributing factors rather than only treating the painful area.
3. Personalised Treatment Plan
Following assessment, your practitioner will discuss suitable options.
Depending on your presentation, management may include:
Shockwave Therapy
Exercise rehabilitation
Mobility strategies
Strengthening programs
Activity modification advice
Other musculoskeletal treatments where appropriate
Not every patient requires Shockwave Therapy, and treatment recommendations are based on individual findings.
4. Shockwave Therapy Treatment
During treatment:
The practitioner applies a handheld applicator to the targeted area
Controlled acoustic waves are delivered into the tissues
Treatment intensity is adjusted according to comfort and clinical findings
Patients commonly describe the sensation as tapping or pulsing around the treatment area.
Sessions are usually brief, although the exact duration depends on the individual treatment plan.
5. Aftercare Advice
After Shockwave Therapy, patients may be advised to:
Continue appropriate movement
Avoid unusually heavy loading immediately after treatment
Follow prescribed exercises
Monitor symptom response
Mild temporary soreness can occur after treatment as the tissues respond.
Home Care & Exercises
Exercise rehabilitation is one of the most important components of recovering from hip bursitis and greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). While Shockwave Therapy may help reduce pain and support tissue recovery in suitable patients, improving hip strength, movement control, and load tolerance is essential for long-term improvement.
Exercises should be progressed gradually. The aim is not to repeatedly aggravate the painful area, but to provide the right amount of controlled stress so the muscles and tendons can adapt.
If an exercise significantly increases pain or causes symptoms to remain worse for more than 24 hours, reduce the intensity or seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
1. Gluteal Isometric Contractions
Purpose:
Helps activate the gluteal muscles without placing excessive load through irritated hip tissues.
Instructions:
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
Gently squeeze your buttock muscles together.
Hold the contraction without lifting your hips.
Relax fully between repetitions.
Repetitions:
Hold for 5–10 seconds
Repeat 10 times
Frequency:
Daily
Progression:
Increase the hold time gradually or progress to bridging exercises as symptoms improve.
2. Side-Lying Hip Abduction
Purpose:
Strengthens the gluteus medius muscle, which helps stabilise the pelvis during walking and single-leg activities.
Instructions:
Lie on your non-painful side.
Keep your top leg straight.
Slowly lift the upper leg upwards while keeping your toes pointing forwards.
Avoid rolling your pelvis backwards.
Lower slowly.
Repetitions:
2–3 sets of 8–12 repetitions
Frequency:
3–4 times per week
Progression:
Add resistance with a band around the thighs or ankles once the movement becomes comfortable.
3. Glute Bridge
Purpose:
Improves hip extension strength and activates the gluteal muscles.
Instructions:
Lie on your back with knees bent.
Place your feet hip-width apart.
Tighten your abdominal muscles gently.
Lift your hips until your body forms a straight line from shoulders to knees.
Lower slowly with control.
Repetitions:
2–3 sets of 10 repetitions
Frequency:
3 times per week
Progression:
Progress to single-leg bridges or weighted bridges when appropriate.
4. Standing Hip Abduction With Resistance Band
Purpose:
Builds strength and endurance needed for walking, stairs, and sporting activities.
Instructions:
Stand upright holding a stable surface if needed.
Place a resistance band around your thighs or ankles.
Move one leg sideways slowly.
Keep your pelvis level.
Return with control.
Repetitions:
2 sets of 10–15 repetitions each side
Frequency:
3 times per week
Progression:
Increase resistance or perform the exercise without holding support.
5. Single-Leg Balance Exercise
Purpose:
Improves hip stability and movement control.
Instructions:
Stand near a stable surface.
Lift one foot slightly from the floor.
Maintain balance while keeping your pelvis level.
Avoid allowing the knee to collapse inward.
Repetitions:
Hold for 20–30 seconds
Repeat 3–5 times each side
Frequency:
Daily or most days of the week
Progression:
Perform on a softer surface or add gentle movements such as reaching with the arms.
Activity Modification Advice
During recovery, completely avoiding movement is usually not necessary.
Instead, consider modifying activities that repeatedly aggravate symptoms.
Helpful strategies may include:
Reducing steep hill walking temporarily
Avoiding sudden increases in running distance
Breaking up long periods of sitting
Avoiding sleeping directly on the painful hip
Gradually returning to exercise
A gradual increase in activity is generally more beneficial than cycles of overactivity followed by complete rest.
Prevention Tips
Preventing recurrence of hip bursitis and greater trochanteric pain syndrome involves improving the ability of the hip and surrounding tissues to tolerate daily demands.
Maintain Hip Strength
Strong gluteal muscles help control the pelvis during movement.
Regular strengthening exercises may help reduce excessive stress on the outer hip tissues.
Focus on:
Gluteal strengthening
Core stability
Lower limb control
Functional movements
Increase Exercise Gradually
A common trigger for GTPS is a sudden increase in workload.
When increasing:
Walking distance
Running volume
Gym training
Sporting activity
aim to progress gradually and allow recovery time between harder sessions.
Improve Workstation Habits
For people who sit for long periods:
Change position regularly
Take movement breaks every 30–60 minutes
Avoid prolonged sitting with legs crossed if it aggravates symptoms
Adjust chair height and desk setup
Long periods of inactivity can contribute to reduced hip strength and stiffness.
Optimise Lifting Technique
When lifting:
Keep loads close to your body
Use your legs and hips rather than relying only on your lower back
Avoid sudden twisting movements under load
Increase lifting demands gradually
Sleep Position Strategies
Sleeping directly on the painful side may increase compression around the greater trochanter.
Helpful options may include:
Sleeping on the opposite side with a pillow between the knees
Using additional support to maintain comfortable hip positioning
Adjusting sleeping position based on symptoms
Manage Stress and Recovery
Pain sensitivity can be influenced by factors such as:
Poor sleep
Stress levels
Reduced recovery time
Overall fatigue
Supporting general health through adequate sleep, regular movement, balanced nutrition, and stress management may improve recovery capacity.
Prevalence and Burden of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome in Australia
Reliable Australian population data specifically measuring greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is limited. However, lateral hip pain and musculoskeletal conditions affecting the hip represent a significant health burden in Australia.
GTPS is considered one of the more common causes of pain around the outside of the hip. International studies suggest it affects approximately 10–25% of adults, with higher rates reported among middle-aged and older adults, particularly women. One large population study reported GTPS symptoms in approximately 17.6% of adults aged 50–79 years, highlighting that lateral hip pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint.
Australian health data consistently shows that musculoskeletal conditions are among the leading causes of disability and healthcare use. Hip pain contributes to reduced mobility, reduced participation in exercise, workplace limitations, and reduced quality of life.
Common factors associated with hip pain presentations in Australian healthcare settings include:
Increasing age
Reduced physical activity
Osteoarthritis and other joint conditions
Sporting injuries
Occupational physical demands
Reduced muscle strength and conditioning
Although GTPS is often called “hip bursitis”, current understanding recognises that many cases involve the gluteal tendons and surrounding soft tissues rather than isolated inflammation of the bursa.
Because symptoms can overlap with hip joint problems, lower back-related pain, and nerve-related conditions, accurate assessment is important before choosing treatment.
Current Evidence for Shockwave Therapy for Hip Bursitis and GTPS
Shockwave Therapy (extracorporeal shockwave therapy or ESWT) has been investigated as a treatment option for people with persistent greater trochanteric pain syndrome, particularly where gluteal tendinopathy contributes to symptoms.
Current evidence suggests Shockwave Therapy may provide improvements in pain and function for some patients, although results are not identical across all studies and it should be considered alongside active rehabilitation rather than as a standalone treatment.
Randomised Controlled Trial Evidence
A randomised controlled trial by Carlisi et al. investigated focused Shockwave Therapy in 50 patients with GTPS associated with gluteal tendinopathy.
The study found:
Pain scores improved significantly over time
The Shockwave Therapy group had greater pain reduction compared with ultrasound therapy at 2 months and 6 months
Functional improvements occurred, although differences between groups were less consistent
The authors concluded that focused Shockwave Therapy may be effective for reducing pain in patients with GTPS.
Larger Clinical Trial Evidence
A multicentre randomised controlled trial involving 103 patients with chronic GTPS compared focused Shockwave Therapy plus exercise with sham treatment plus exercise.
Results included:
Pain scores reduced from an average baseline VAS score of approximately 6.3/10 to 2.0/10 at 2 months in the Shockwave Therapy group
The control group improved to approximately 4.7/10
The study reported an overall treatment success rate of 86.8% at 2 months
Improvements were maintained through follow-up
The authors concluded that focused Shockwave Therapy combined with exercise was safe and effective for this patient group.
Shockwave Therapy Compared With Injection Treatment
A randomised controlled trial comparing focused Shockwave Therapy with ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection found improvements in both groups.
At 12 months:
The Shockwave Therapy group demonstrated better pain scores compared with injection treatment
Visual analogue pain scores were approximately 37.1 versus 55.0 in favour of Shockwave Therapy
Functional outcomes also favoured Shockwave Therapy in longer-term follow-up
The study suggested Shockwave Therapy may provide useful longer-term benefits for some people with GTPS.
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated Shockwave Therapy for GTPS.
The review included multiple randomised controlled trials and found:
Shockwave Therapy generally demonstrated improvements in pain and function across studies
Some improvements were clinically meaningful
The overall certainty of evidence was limited by differences between studies, treatment protocols, and risk of bias
The authors concluded that Shockwave Therapy appears to be a reasonable treatment option for GTPS, while noting that further high-quality research is required.
Another systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials included 8 RCTs involving 754 participants and found evidence supporting ESWT as a potential option for improving outcomes in GTPS, although researchers highlighted variability between studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Shockwave Therapy help hip bursitis?
Shockwave Therapy may help some people with hip bursitis and greater trochanteric pain syndrome by reducing pain sensitivity and supporting tendon rehabilitation. Results vary depending on the underlying cause, symptom duration, and individual factors.
2. Is hip bursitis the same as greater trochanteric pain syndrome?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but modern research suggests many cases involve the gluteal tendons and surrounding tissues rather than only inflammation of the bursa. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome is now commonly used as a broader diagnosis.
3. How many Shockwave Therapy sessions are needed for hip bursitis?
The number of sessions varies depending on symptoms and clinical findings. Many Shockwave Therapy programs involve several sessions spaced over multiple weeks, combined with exercise rehabilitation.
4. Is Shockwave Therapy painful?
Most patients describe Shockwave Therapy as a tapping or pulsing sensation. Treatment intensity can be adjusted to maintain comfort while providing an appropriate therapeutic stimulus.
5. How long does it take to notice improvement after Shockwave Therapy?
Some people notice changes within a few sessions, while others improve gradually over several weeks or months. Tendon-related conditions often require time and progressive strengthening.
6. Can I exercise while having Shockwave Therapy for hip bursitis?
In many cases, exercise is encouraged because strengthening helps improve long-term outcomes. However, exercises should be adjusted based on symptoms and guided by individual assessment.
7. Can Shockwave Therapy fix a torn hip tendon?
Shockwave Therapy does not repair major tendon tears. If a significant tear or structural problem is suspected, further assessment or referral may be required.
8. Is Shockwave Therapy better than cortisone injections for hip bursitis?
Research suggests Shockwave Therapy may provide longer-term benefits for some patients, while corticosteroid injections may provide short-term symptom relief. The best option depends on individual circumstances.
9. When should I see a doctor about hip pain?
Medical assessment is recommended if hip pain follows significant trauma, causes inability to bear weight, worsens rapidly, is associated with fever, unexplained weight loss, or includes neurological symptoms.
10. Can hip bursitis come back after treatment?
Yes. Recurrence can occur if contributing factors such as weakness, sudden activity changes, or poor load management are not addressed. Maintaining strength and gradually progressing activity can help reduce recurrence risk.
Why Choose Health Wise Chiropractic?
At Health Wise Chiropractic, patients with hip bursitis and greater trochanteric pain syndrome receive an individualised approach focused on understanding the cause of their symptoms and developing an appropriate management plan.
Hip pain can involve different structures, including muscles, tendons, joints, nerves, and referred pain from the lower back. Experienced practitioners assess the full picture rather than focusing only on the painful area.
Shockwave Therapy may be recommended when appropriate as part of an evidence-informed treatment approach. Your care plan may also include rehabilitation exercises, movement advice, strength training strategies, and other suitable musculoskeletal treatments.
Health Wise Chiropractic focuses on:
Personalised assessments based on your symptoms, goals, and lifestyle
Evidence-informed treatment approaches
Clear explanations about your condition and recovery options
Rehabilitation strategies designed to improve strength and movement
Helping patients return to daily activities, exercise, and work
With clinics located in Sunbury and Melton, Health Wise Chiropractic provides musculoskeletal care for local communities seeking practical, patient-focused solutions for hip pain and related conditions.
Patients can request an assessment or use the online booking system to discuss whether Shockwave Therapy may be suitable for their presentation.
If hip pain is affecting your sleep, exercise, work, or daily activities, an individual assessment can help identify what may be contributing to your symptoms and whether Shockwave Therapy is an appropriate option.
At Health Wise Chiropractic, our practitioners take the time to assess your movement, understand your goals, and develop a personalised approach based on your presentation. Treatment may include Shockwave Therapy, rehabilitation exercises, and other evidence-informed strategies where clinically appropriate.
Whether you are located in Sunbury, Melton, or surrounding areas, our team can help you better understand your hip pain and your available options.
Book an appointment online or contact Health Wise Chiropractic to discuss your symptoms and begin your recovery plan.
Recovery Timeline
Recovery from hip bursitis and greater trochanteric pain syndrome varies significantly between individuals.
Factors that influence recovery include:
How long symptoms have been present
Severity of symptoms
Age and overall health
Activity demands
Strength and movement patterns
Consistency with rehabilitation
Mild Cases
People with recent symptoms may improve within several weeks with:
Activity modification
Appropriate exercises
Education
Early management strategies
Moderate Cases
Symptoms lasting several months may require a more structured approach involving:
Progressive strengthening
Load management
Manual therapy where appropriate
Shockwave Therapy for suitable patients
Regular reassessment
Improvement may occur over several months as tissues regain strength and tolerance.
Persistent or Chronic Cases
Long-standing GTPS can take longer to improve.
Chronic cases may require:
A gradual rehabilitation program
Identification of contributing factors
Patience with progressive loading
Adjustments to activity levels
The goal is not only reducing pain but restoring confidence and capacity for normal activities.
When Should You Review Your Progress?
A reassessment may be appropriate if:
Symptoms are not improving as expected
Pain is worsening
Function continues to decline
New symptoms develop
Your healthcare provider can determine whether the current approach should be modified or whether further investigation is needed.
Hip bursitis, also known as greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), causes pain over the outside of the hip and may involve the gluteal tendons, bursa, and surrounding tissues. Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that may assist some patients by stimulating tissue responses, reducing pain, and supporting rehabilitation.
Evidence suggests Shockwave Therapy can provide meaningful improvements for some tendon-related conditions, although results vary between individuals. A personalised assessment helps determine whether Shockwave Therapy is appropriate and what combination of treatments may provide the best outcome.
Hip bursitis, also known as greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), causes pain over the outside of the hip and may involve the gluteal tendons, bursa, and surrounding tissues. Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that may assist some patients by stimulating tissue responses, reducing pain, and supporting rehabilitation.
Evidence suggests Shockwave Therapy can provide meaningful improvements for some tendon-related conditions, although results vary between individuals. A personalised assessment helps determine whether Shockwave Therapy is appropriate and what combination of treatments may provide the best outcome.