Gluteal Tendinopathy Physiotherapy & Myotherapy in Kilsyth

At Physio Elements, we provide evidence-based physiotherapy and myotherapy treatment for gluteal tendinopathy, helping patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and return to walking, exercise, work, and daily activities.

Gluteal tendinopathy is one of the most common causes of pain on the outside of the hip. It occurs when the tendons of the gluteal muscles become irritated, overloaded, or unable to tolerate the demands placed upon them. Symptoms often develop gradually and can make walking, sleeping, climbing stairs, exercising, or standing for prolonged periods uncomfortable.

Our team focuses on identifying the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms and creating an individualised treatment plan to support long-term recovery.

What is Gluteal Tendinopathy?

Gluteal tendinopathy is a condition affecting the gluteal tendons, particularly the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus tendons where they attach to the outside of the hip.
These tendons play an important role in:

• Hip stability
• Walking and running
• Balance and single-leg control
• Climbing stairs
• Sporting movements
• Pelvic support during movement

When the tendons become overloaded over time, they may become painful and less capable of handling normal activities.
Gluteal tendinopathy is sometimes incorrectly referred to as hip bursitis, although the tendon itself is often the primary source of symptoms.

What Causes Gluteal Tendinopathy?

Gluteal tendinopathy usually develops due to repetitive loading and reduced tendon capacity over time.
Common contributing factors include:

• Sudden increases in walking or running
• Prolonged standing
• Reduced hip strength
• Poor pelvic control
• Repetitive stair climbing
• Running-related overload
• Previous hip injuries
• Lower back dysfunction
• Prolonged sitting
• Reduced physical activity
• Age-related tendon changes
• Biomechanical movement patterns

In many cases, symptoms develop gradually rather than from a single injury.

What Are the Symptoms of Gluteal Tendinopathy?

Common symptoms may include:

• Pain on the outside of the hip
• Tenderness over the bony part of the hip
• Pain when lying on the affected side
• Pain during walking
• Pain climbing stairs
• Pain when standing on one leg
• Stiffness after inactivity
• Pain during running or exercise
• Discomfort when getting out of a chair
• Weakness around the hip and pelvis

Symptoms often worsen with prolonged weight-bearing activities and may become more noticeable at night.

Why Does Gluteal Tendinopathy Hurt at Night?

Night pain is one of the most common complaints associated with gluteal tendinopathy. Lying directly on the affected hip can compress the irritated tendon, increasing symptoms. Even lying on the opposite side can place tension through the painful tendon if the top leg drops across the body.

Simple sleeping modifications and appropriate rehabilitation can often help reduce night-time discomfort.

How Do We Assess Gluteal Tendinopathy?

Accurate diagnosis is important because several hip conditions can cause similar symptoms. During your assessment, we may evaluate:

• Hip movement and mobility
• Gluteal muscle strength
• Walking patterns
• Single-leg balance and control
• Pelvic stability
• Lower back involvement
• Functional movement patterns
• Training and activity loads

A thorough assessment helps identify contributing factors and guides the most appropriate treatment plan.

Physiotherapy for Gluteal Tendinopathy

Physiotherapy focuses on reducing pain, improving tendon capacity, and restoring normal movement patterns.
Treatment may include:

• Comprehensive assessment
• Exercise rehabilitation
• Progressive strengthening programs
• Load management strategies
• Movement retraining
• Hip stability exercises
• Running assessments
• Mobility exercises
• Dry needling
• Joint mobilisation
• Education and activity modification

The goal is to improve the tendon’s ability to tolerate everyday activities and exercise while reducing the risk of recurrence.

Myotherapy for Gluteal Tendinopathy

Myotherapy can assist with managing muscular tension and movement restrictions that may contribute to symptoms.
Treatment may include:

• Trigger point therapy
• Dry needling
• Myofascial release
• Cupping therapy
• Muscle release techniques
• Stretching strategies
• Mobility work
• Postural assessment

Myotherapy is often used alongside rehabilitation exercises to help improve movement and reduce discomfort.

Can Exercise Help Gluteal Tendinopathy?

Yes. Exercise is considered one of the most effective treatments for gluteal tendinopathy. Appropriate strengthening exercises can help:

• Improve tendon capacity
• Increase hip strength
• Improve pelvic stability
• Reduce pain
• Improve walking tolerance
• Improve sporting performance
• Reduce recurrence risk

Exercises should be tailored to the individual and progressed gradually based on symptoms and goals.

Gluteal Tendinopathy in Runners & Active Individuals

Gluteal tendinopathy commonly affects:

• Runners
• Walkers
• Gym-goers
• Tennis players
• Footballers
• Dancers
• Active adults

The repetitive loading placed through the hip during sport and exercise can contribute to tendon overload if strength, recovery, or training loads are not adequately managed. Our team helps active individuals return to sport safely while addressing the underlying factors contributing to symptoms.

When Should You Seek Treatment?

Consider professional assessment if you experience:

• Persistent hip pain
• Pain when lying on your side
• Pain during walking
• Difficulty exercising
• Recurring symptoms
• Pain climbing stairs
• Hip weakness
• Reduced mobility
• Pain affecting sleep
• Symptoms that are worsening

Early treatment may help reduce recovery time and prevent symptoms from becoming more persistent.

What Can I Do at Home for Gluteal Tendinopathy?

Helpful self-management strategies may include:

• Avoiding prolonged standing on one leg
• Modifying aggravating activities
• Improving hip strength
• Managing training loads
• Staying active within comfort levels
• Using pillows between the knees when sleeping
• Following prescribed rehabilitation exercises
• Avoiding excessive stretching of irritated tendons

The most effective home management approach depends on your individual presentation and contributing factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gluteal Tendinopathy Treatment in Kilsyth

At Physio Elements, we provide personalised physiotherapy and myotherapy treatment for gluteal tendinopathy, helping patients reduce pain, improve strength, restore movement, and return to daily activities, exercise, and sport.

We regularly assist patients from Kilsyth, Kilsyth South, Mooroolbark, Montrose, Croydon, Ringwood, Lilydale, Bayswater, and surrounding areas seeking effective treatment for persistent hip pain and gluteal tendon injuries.

Whether your symptoms are recent or ongoing, our team can help guide your recovery with evidence-based assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation.

This page has been reviewed by Nisha Monte Cruz, Physiotherapist at Physio Elements, Kilsyth. Master of Physiotherapy (Orthopaedics, Sports & Manual Therapy), University of South Australia.