Lateral hip pain can be frustrating, especially when it interferes with walking, sleeping, exercise, or even simple daily tasks. Many people notice the pain gradually worsening over time, particularly when lying on their side, walking longer distances, or climbing stairs.
If you’re searching for an osteopath for gluteal tendinopathy Tweed Coast, understanding what is happening in the hip and how load affects the tendons is an important step toward long-term recovery.
Gluteal tendinopathy is one of the most common causes of persistent outer hip pain and is frequently seen in active adults across the world!
What Is Gluteal Tendinopathy?
Gluteal tendinopathy refers to irritation or change of the gluteus tendons, where they attach to the outer part of the hip bone known as the greater trochanter.
This condition is often associated with greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), a broader term used to describe pain on the outside of the hip involving the gluteal tendons and surrounding bursas.
Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine highlights that gluteal tendinopathy is commonly linked to tendon compression and overload, particularly when the hip moves into positions that increase pressure on the tendons against the greater trochanter.
Common symptoms may include:
- Pain on the outside of the hip
- Discomfort when lying on the affected side
- Pain climbing stairs or walking uphill
- Aching during longer walks or exercise
- Tenderness over the greater trochanter
- Pain when standing after sitting for long periods
- Weakness in the hip muscles
For many people, the condition develops gradually rather than after a single injury. Without addressing the underlying load and movement patterns, symptoms can persist for months.
Why Does Gluteal Tendinopathy Happen?
Gluteal tendinopathy typically develops due to repeated mechanical load combined with reduced tendon capacity. Over time, the tendon can become irritated if the demands placed on it exceed what it can tolerate.
Current research emphasises that compressive forces on the gluteal tendons play a significant role in the development and persistence of symptoms. These compressive forces occur when the hip moves into adduction, where the leg crosses toward the midline of the body.
Examples of positions that increase tendon compression include:
- Crossing your legs when sitting
- Standing with weight shifted onto one hip
- Running on cambered surfaces
- Sleeping on the affected side
Other contributing factors may include:
- Sudden increases in walking or running volume
- Reduced gluteal muscle strength
- Prolonged standing
- Previous lower limb injuries
- Changes in physical activity levels
- Biomechanical factors affecting hip control
Across the Tweed Coast and Northern Rivers, we often see gluteal tendinopathy in people returning to exercise programs, increasing step counts, training for walking events, or participating in sports such as running, tennis, or hiking.
Women over the age of 40 appear to be particularly affected, likely due to changes in tendon health, pelvic biomechanics, and load distribution.
How Osteopathy May Help
If you’re looking for an osteopath for glute injury on the Tweed Coast, osteopathic management focuses on addressing both the source of irritation and the mechanical factors contributing to tendon overload.
At our Kingscliff osteopathy clinic, assessment typically includes a comprehensive evaluation of the hip and surrounding structures.
This may include:
- Hip strength testing
- Pelvic stability assessment
- Lower limb biomechanics
- Gait analysis
- Lumbar spine screening
- Load tolerance assessment
- Functional movement testing
Research into gluteal tendinopathy management suggests that education and progressive strengthening are key components of recovery.
Treatment may involve:
- Hands-on therapy to reduce surrounding muscle tension
- Education around positions that reduce tendon compression
- Load management planning to avoid aggravating movements
- Targeted gluteal strengthening exercises
- Progressive rehabilitation programs
- Movement retraining to improve hip control
Strengthening the gluteus muscles plays an important role in restoring stability and improving how forces are distributed through the hip during walking and activity.
Equally important is modifying positions that place excessive compression on the tendon. For example, avoiding leg crossing and adjusting sleeping positions can significantly reduce irritation during the early stages of recovery.
Our experienced osteopaths Dr Olivia Westbrook and Dr Akiko Nobuhara in our Kingscliff clinic focus on restoring strength, improving movement patterns, and gradually building confidence in activity – not just settling pain temporarily.
When to Seek Further Care
While gluteal tendinopathy is a common musculoskeletal condition, further medical review may be recommended in some situations.
Seek medical assessment if:
- Pain occurs after a fall or trauma
- Symptoms worsen rapidly
- There is significant swelling or redness
- Pain is severe and persistent
- There is suspicion of hip joint pathology
In some cases, imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be used to assess tendon changes, although diagnosis is often made clinically.
Our clinic works collaboratively with local GPs, sports physicians and imaging providers across Kingscliff, Tweed Coast and Northern Rivers to ensure patients receive appropriate care when required.
Lateral hip pain can significantly affect sleep, walking and physical activity. Early assessment and management can help reduce irritation and guide a safe return to movement.
If you’re searching for an osteopath for gluteal tendinopathy Tweed Coast, our team at the Kingscliff osteopathy clinic supports patients across the Tweed Coast, Northern Rivers and southern Gold Coast.
Book online today or call our friendly team on (02) 5613 6964 to arrange your appointment
