Specialist treatment therapy for lateral hip pain (GTPS)
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is pain felt on the outside (lateral side) of the hip, over the bony point called the greater trochanter. Despite the old name “trochanteric bursitis,” GTPS usually involves:
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Gluteal tendinopathy (gluteus medius/minimus tendons)
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± mild bursa irritation
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Altered hip and pelvic mechanics
Typical symptoms of GTPS;
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Pain on the outer hip
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Pain when:
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Lying on the affected side
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Walking or standing for long periods
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Climbing stairs or hills
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Crossing legs or prolonged sitting
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Tenderness to touch over the outer hip
Pain may radiate slightly down the outer thigh but rarely below the knee.
What are the main causes of lateral hip pain (GTPS)?
The main causes of GTPS (Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome) all relate to overload and compression of the gluteal tendons on the outside of the hip, combined with reduced tendon load tolerance.
1. Gluteal tendon overload (primary cause)
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Repetitive walking, running, or stair climbing
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Sudden increase in activity (steps, hills, speed)
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Long periods of standing on one leg
2. Tendon compression at the outer hip
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Crossing legs while sitting
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Side-lying on the affected hip
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Standing with the hip “hanging” out to one side
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Sleeping without a pillow between knees
3. Hip muscle weakness
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Weak gluteal (abductor) muscles
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Poor pelvic stability during walking or running
Weak muscles increase tendon strain with every step.
4. Altered gait or biomechanics
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Limping from another injury (knee, ankle, back)
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Leg length differences
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Poor running or walking mechanics
Shifts extra load onto the lateral hip.
5. Postural and lifestyle factors
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Prolonged sitting with crossed legs
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Standing with weight always on one hip
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Repetitive side-bending activities
6. Age- and sex-related tendon changes
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More common in women
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Tendon strength decreases with age
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Hormonal factors may affect tendon health
7. Secondary causes
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After hip or knee surgery
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Following lower limb injuries
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Coexisting lumbar spine issues
We can speed up your recovery from injury with a combination of Myofascial release, Radial and Focused Shockwave Therapy within the same sessions.
Depending on whether it is Acute or Chronic, 3 - 6 sessions are generally required for most people to gain complete pain relief and make a full recovery from lateral hip pain (GTPS).
The new way to treat MSK.
How Shockwave Therapy helps with lateral hip pain (GTPS).
1. Stimulates tendon healing
In GTPS, the gluteal tendons often show tendinopathy.
Shockwaves therapy activate tendon cells (tenocytes), increase growth factor release and promote healthier collagen remodeling. This improves tendon strength and load tolerance.
2. Improves blood flow
Gluteal tendons have limited circulation.
Shockwave therapy encourages new small blood vessel formation, improves oxygen and nutrient delivery and supports tissue recovery.
3. Reduces pain sensitivity
Shockwaves influence local nerve endings which decrease pain signaling, reduces tissue hypersensitivity and makes daily activities (walking, sleeping) more comfortable.
4. Reduces muscle guarding
It helps to relax overactive hip muscles, reduce constant pulling on the tendon and decreases ongoing irritation.
5. Improves tolerance to rehab
By lowering pain and stiffness strengthening exercises become easier and people are more confident moving so rehab becomes more effective.
When shockwave therapy works best for GTPS
It’s most effective for:
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Chronic GTPS (>3 months)
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Pain not settling with exercise alone
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Night pain when lying on the side
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Recurrent flare-ups
Take your recovery to the next level with scientifically proven Shockwave technology. Shockwave Therapy is clinically proven and well approved by top orthopedics and is now used by well established professional sports bodies, such as elite Premier League Football and Rugby Union clubs.