Gluteal Tendinopathy vs. Hip Bursitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Do you feel pain on the outside of your hip, especially when climbing stairs or lying on your side? These symptoms might be caused by gluteal tendinopathy or hip bursitis.

While these conditions are different, they share similarities in symptoms and treatments. The good news is that chiropractic and physiotherapy can help speed up recovery and get you back to feeling your best.

What is Gluteal Tendinopathy?

Gluteal tendinopathy, also known as Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS), is when the tendons of the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles become irritated. These muscles help stabilize your hip, and their tendons attach to the upper part of your thigh bone (the greater trochanter).

What Causes It?

• Repeated strain from activities like running or climbing stairs.
• Long periods of inactivity or suddenly increasing activity levels.
• Injuries like falls.
• Weight gain, which increases stress on the tendons.

Chiropractic care, through adjustments and soft tissue techniques, and physiotherapy, with guided exercises and stretches, can address these causes and reduce pain effectively.

Symptoms of Gluteal Tendinopathy

• Pain in the hip, groin, lower back, or buttock.
• Pain that spreads down the outside of the leg to the knee or lower leg.
• Discomfort when:
  • Climbing stairs or walking uphill.
  • Getting out of bed.
  • Lying on the painful side.
  • Sitting for a long time or crossing your legs.
  • Standing on one leg.
• Morning stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes.
• Tenderness on the outer hip.

If these symptoms persist, a chiropractor or physiotherapist can help pinpoint the issue and provide a tailored recovery plan.

What is Hip Bursitis?

Hip bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the hip joint become inflamed.

What Causes It?

• Repeated pressure on the hip from activities or sitting for too long.
• A fall or bumping the hip.
• Lying on one side for extended periods.
• Hormonal changes or fluid retention during pregnancy.

Chiropractors and physiotherapists can treat hip bursitis with manual therapies, exercises, and advice on posture and movement to prevent flare-ups.

Check out the treatment options for hip pain at Fulcrum Therapy.

Symptoms of Hip Bursitis

• Sharp pain at the outer hip, which can turn into a dull ache over time.
• Pain spreading to the outer thigh.
• Tenderness and burning sensation in the hip area.
• Pain when:
  • Lying on the affected side.
  • Standing up after sitting for a while.
  • Moving the hip or climbing stairs.

How Are These Conditions Related?

Gluteal tendinopathy can sometimes lead to hip bursitis. When the tendons in the hip are irritated, it can inflame the bursae, creating a cycle of pain and discomfort. A chiropractor or physiotherapist can help break this cycle with targeted treatments.

Who is at Risk?

Certain groups are more vulnerable, including:

• People with physically demanding jobs or hobbies.
• Pregnant women due to weight gain and hormonal changes.
• Those who sit or lie in one position for extended periods.
• Individuals with weak hip muscles.

Tips to Manage and Treat Gluteal Tendinopathy and Hip Bursitis

Both conditions usually improve with simple, non-surgical treatments and lifestyle changes.

At Home

• Rest and avoid activities that make the pain worse.
• Apply ice to the painful area to reduce swelling.
• Take breaks during repetitive activities.
• Use a pillow between your knees when sleeping to keep your hips aligned.

If pain persists, visiting a chiropractor or physiotherapist can speed up the healing process with tailored treatments and advice.

Exercise and Stretching

Gentle exercises can strengthen the hip muscles and reduce strain.

Avoid: High-impact activities like running, jumping, deep squats, or twisting motions until healed.

Your physiotherapist and chiropractor can guide you through these exercises safely to avoid worsening your condition.

Professional Treatments

• Chiropractors can help realign the hip and improve blood flow with soft tissue techniques.
• Physiotherapists provide exercises to strengthen and stabilize the hip while relieving pain.
• Shockwave therapy may help with chronic pain but isn’t recommended during pregnancy.

Diet for Recovery

A balanced diet rich in protein, collagen, and vitamin C supports tendon and ligament repair.

Conclusion

Hip pain from gluteal tendinopathy or hip bursitis can disrupt your daily life, but it’s manageable with the right approach. Rest, targeted exercises, and lifestyle changes can go a long way in reducing pain and preventing future problems.

For faster and more effective recovery, consult a chiropractor or physiotherapist. Their expertise in realignment, strengthening exercises, and pain relief techniques can help you return to your routine more comfortably and confidently.