Are you experiencing pain and discomfort in your buttocks that is affecting your daily activities? You may be suffering from gluteal tendinopathy, a common condition that can be caused by overuse or injury. Thankfully, physiotherapy can be a highly effective treatment option for relieving pain and helping you get back to your normal routine.
Gluteal tendinopathy is a condition that affects the tendons in the buttocks, leading to pain and stiffness in the hip area. It can be a frustrating condition to deal with, as it can limit your ability to walk, stand, and perform everyday tasks. However, with the right treatment and care, you can manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
If you are struggling with gluteal tendinopathy, you may need physiotherapy to get back to better health and well-being.
What is gluteal tendinopathy?
Gluteal tendinopathy is a leading cause of hip pain, discomfort, and dysfunction.
It is a condition that causes pain in the outer hip and buttock area caused by overuse or irritation of the tendons that connect the gluteus medius and minimus muscles to the femur (thighbone).
Gluteal tendons can tear, causing pain and diminished strength and function. It can be torn by abrupt excessive or minor repetitive stresses in which the tendon structure is insufficient to fulfil the demands of thigh muscle contractions.
The gluteus medius is one of three gluteal muscles. It is a fan-shaped muscle located on the side of the hip. The muscle allows you to move your hip to the side and rotate it outward.
The greater trochanter is the side of the hip bone where the gluteal muscle joins. The gluteal tendon works with the muscles in the buttocks to move and stabilise the hip during movements.
Common causes of gluteal tendinopathy
Gluteal tendinopathy is characterised by pain on the outside of the hip. The main cause of gluteal tendinopathy is thought to be too much activity, including different activities that the body is usually unaccustomed to, or too little activity (sedentary lifestyle).
Common risk factors for gluteal tendinopathy include:
- Gender: women more likely than men
- Age: more likely in those older than 40 years of age
- History of lower back pain
- Pelvis and hip shape
- Higher body mass index
Common symptoms of gluteal tendinopathy
The pain from gluteal tendinopathy can be sharp or achy, and it may worsen with activity. It is often worse when lying on the affected side or climbing stairs. Other symptoms may include weakness in the hip and difficulty walking.
People who have gluteal tendinopathy often report pain and discomfort (aggravation) associated with the following tasks and activities:
- Crossing legs
- Side-lying
- Steps/stairs
- Walking
- Sitting to standing
- Hip/back stretching exercises
- Touching the side of the hip
What is the best exercise for gluteal tendinopathy?
There isn't one single "best" exercise for gluteal tendinopathy, but there are several exercises that can be helpful in a rehabilitation program. Gluteal tendinopathy is best treated with progressive exercises that target the lateral hip muscles. A physiotherapist will design a specific exercise program for you based on your individual needs.
Physiotherapy treatment for gluteal tendinopathy
Physiotherapy is a very effective treatment for gluteal tendinopathy. A physiotherapist can help you with:
1. Pain relief
In the initial stages, a physiotherapist may use modalities like massage, or dry needling to reduce pain.
2. Strengthening exercises
Once the pain is under control, a physiotherapist will prescribe strengthening exercises to improve the strength and stability of the gluteal muscles. This will help to support the tendons and prevent future injuries.
The main features of physiotherapy management for gluteal tendinopathy include:
- Load management
- Exercise therapy
- Modifying risk factors
Our team at Enhance Physiotherapy are skilled in accurately assessing, diagnosing and managing individuals experiencing gluteal tendinopathy.
Final thoughts
Physiotherapy for gluteal tendinopathy can be a game-changer for those suffering from this painful condition. With the right exercises and physiotherapy treatments, you can regain strength and mobility in your glutes, allowing you to get back to living a pain-free and active life.
Don't let gluteal tendinopathy hold you back any longer – seek out one of our qualified physiotherapists and start your journey to recovery today!
