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Specialist treatment therapy in Highams Park 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. Shockwave therapy provides specialist treatment therapy for lateral hip pain (GTPS). 

Despite the old name “trochanteric bursitis,” GTPS usually involves:

  • Gluteal tendinopathy (gluteus medius/minimus tendons)

  • Mild bursa irritation

  • Altered hip and pelvic mechanics

Typical symptoms of GTPS;
 

  • Pain on the outer hip

  • Pain when:

    • Lying on the affected side

    • Walking or standing for long periods

    • Climbing stairs or hills

    • Crossing legs or prolonged sitting

  • Tenderness to touch over the outer hip
     

Pain may radiate slightly down the outer thigh but rarely below the knee.

Hip bursitis Shockwave therapy hip pain

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.

Lateral hip pain GTPS
Where lateral hip pain targets the hip

1. Gluteal tendon overload (primary cause)

  • Repetitive walking, running, or stair climbing

  • Sudden increase in activity (steps, hills, speed)

  • Long periods of standing on one leg

​

2. Tendon compression at the outer hip

  • Crossing legs while sitting

  • Side-lying on the affected hip

  • Standing with the hip “hanging” out to one side

  • Sleeping without a pillow between knees

​

3. Hip muscle weakness

  • Weak gluteal (abductor) muscles

  • Poor pelvic stability during walking or running

Weak muscles increase tendon strain with every step.
 

4. Altered gait or biomechanics

  • Limping from another injury (knee, ankle, back)

  • Leg length differences

  • Poor running or walking mechanics

Shifts extra load onto the lateral hip.
 

5. Postural and lifestyle factors

  • Prolonged sitting with crossed legs

  • Standing with weight always on one hip

  • Repetitive side-bending activities
     

6. Age- and sex-related tendon changes

  • More common in women

  • Tendon strength decreases with age

  • Hormonal factors may affect tendon health
     

7. Secondary causes

  • After hip or knee surgery

  • Following lower limb injuries

  • 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). 

GTPS Shockwave treatment hip pain

Take your recovery to the next level with scientifically proven Shockwave technology. Shockwave Therapy is clinically proven and well approved by top orthopaedics and is now used by well established professional sports bodies, such as elite Premier League Football and Rugby Union clubs.

The effective 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), increases growth factor release and promotes healthier collagen remodelling. 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 signalling, 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:

  • Chronic GTPS (>3 months)

  • Pain not settling with exercise alone

  • Night pain when lying on the side

  • Recurrent flare-ups

Rich and Cher Pearson The Shockwave Therapy Clinic Highams Park

Why choose Rich & Cher Pearson at The Shockwave Therapy Clinic?

  • Elite technology: We use the Storz Medical Focused Shockwave system - the gold standard used by Premier League football clubs and elite athletes worldwide.
     

  • Decades of experience: You aren't just getting a treatment; you are getting 25 years of clinical diagnostic skill (See our feedback)
     

  • Local and personal: We are a dedicated East London clinic. Rich and Cher provide a private, professional, and patient-focused environment right here in Highams Park.
     

  • Proven results: Whether you are looking to return to sport or seeking a discreet solution for ED, our evidence-based approach is designed to get you results fast.

Lateral hip pain (GTPS) - Frequently Asked Questions.

How does Focused Shockwave therapy treat Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS)?

Focused Shockwave Therapy treats GTPS by targeting the gluteal tendons where they attach to the hip bone. The high-energy waves penetrate deep into the hip's soft tissue to reduce inflammation in the bursa and, more importantly, stimulate cellular repair in the tendons. This "restarts" the healing process in chronic cases where the body has stopped repairing itself.
 

Is Shockwave Therapy more effective than steroid injections for hip pain?

Yes, clinical research often shows that Focused Shockwave Therapy provides better long-term results than corticosteroid injections for GTPS. While injections may offer short-term pain relief, they do not repair the underlying tendon damage. Focused Shockwave is a regenerative treatment that strengthens the tissue, reducing the likelihood of the pain returning.
 

How many sessions are needed for Lateral Hip Pain recovery?

Most patients require 3 to 6 sessions at our Highams Park clinic to see significant improvement. Because the hip is a deep, weight-bearing joint, it can take 2 or 3 sessions before you notice a major change in symptoms like sleeping on your side or walking long distances. Completing the full course ensures maximum tissue remodeling.
 

Can I exercise while receiving treatment for Lateral Hip Pain?

We encourage "relative rest." You should avoid activities that cause a flare-up of sharp pain, but staying mobile is important. We recommend waiting 48 hours after each session at our London E4 clinic before engaging in strenuous exercise, allowing the biological healing response to work effectively without interruption.

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