GTPS Treatment in Mona Vale
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of pain around the outside of the hip. Gluteus medius and minimus tendinopathy are frequently involved, while the nearby trochanteric bursa can also contribute to symptoms (bursitis.)
Pain is commonly aggravated by walking, climbing stairs, exercise and sleeping on the affected side.
At Helix Recovery, we'll assess your hip strength, movement and activity demands to identify factors contributing to your symptoms and develop a personalised treatment and rehabilitation plan.
What is GTPS?
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome describes pain arising from structures around the outside of the hip, near the greater trochanter.
The gluteus medius and gluteus minimus tendons are commonly involved. The nearby trochanteric bursa can also become irritated, which is why the condition is sometimes referred to as hip bursitis.
Rather than assuming the bursa is always responsible, assessment considers the gluteal tendons and surrounding structures alongside hip strength, movement and loading.
Common Symptoms
Pain around the outside of the hip
Tenderness over the greater trochanter
Pain when lying on the affected side
Pain when walking or climbing stairs
Discomfort standing on one leg
Pain during running or exercise
Symptoms after prolonged walking or standing
How We Assess GTPS
Several conditions can cause pain around the hip, so identifying the likely source of your symptoms is important.
Your assessment may include hip movement, gluteal strength, single-leg loading and functional testing, as well as examination of the lower back and surrounding structures where relevant.
This helps differentiate GTPS from other potential causes of hip pain and guides your treatment and rehabilitation.
How We Treat GTPS
Treatment depends on how long symptoms have been present, their severity and the activities you want to return to.
Treatment may include:
Osteopathic manual therapy
Shockwave therapy
Progressive exercise rehabilitation
Gluteal and hip strengthening
Activity and load modification
Strategies to reduce excessive compression of the gluteal tendons
Gradual return to walking, running, gym and sport
Shockwave Therapy for GTPS
Shockwave therapy may be incorporated into treatment to help reduce pain and improve function in people with gluteal tendinopathy and GTPS.
Treatment is generally directed around the affected gluteal tendon region and used alongside osteopathic manual therapy and progressive strengthening to improve the tendon's ability to tolerate load.
Common Questions
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Not exactly. Hip bursitis has traditionally been used to describe pain around the outside of the hip. We now understand that the gluteal tendons are frequently an important contributor, with the trochanteric bursa sometimes also involved. GTPS is therefore a broader term covering these lateral hip pain presentations.
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If lying directly on the affected hip significantly aggravates symptoms, temporarily avoiding that position can help reduce compression. If you sleep on the opposite side, placing a pillow between your knees can also reduce compression around the painful hip.
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Usually. Rather than completely resting the hip, aggravating activities can generally be adjusted while gradually rebuilding strength and load tolerance through rehabilitation.
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Recovery varies depending on symptom duration, severity and activity demands. Improvement typically occurs progressively over several weeks to months, particularly when appropriate strengthening and load management are maintained.
Ready to Get Back to Comfortable Movement?
Whether lateral hip pain is affecting your sleep, walking, gym training or sport, we'll identify the factors contributing to your symptoms and develop a treatment plan tailored to your goals.