Persistent outer hip pain when walking, sleeping or exercising? Discover how Shockwave Therapy at Physio Three Sixty in Hitchin can help treat Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS), gluteal tendinopathy and trochanteric bursitis.
Shockwave for Greater Trochanteric Bursitis and Gluteal Tendinopathy
Are you experiencing persistent pain on the outside of your hip, especially when lying on your side, walking, or climbing stairs? You might be dealing with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) – a condition that includes both trochanteric bursitis and gluteal tendinopathy.
GTPS is more common than many people realise, particularly among women over 40, runners, and those who sit for long periods. It can be frustrating to treat, especially if you've already tried rest, stretches, or pain relief with limited success.
This blog explores what causes GTPS, why it often lingers, and how shockwave therapy is becoming an increasingly used treatment for long-term relief – based on Physio Three Sixty’s clinical experience in hip pain treatment in Hitchin.
What Is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS)?
GTPS refers to pain around the greater trochanter – the bony point on the outside of your hip. It usually involves:
- Gluteal tendinopathy: strain or degeneration in the gluteus medius or minimus tendons.
- Trochanteric bursitis: inflammation of the fluide-filled bursa that sits over the bone.
You may notice:
- Pain when lying on the affected side
- Discomfort during walking, especially uphill or upstairs
- Soreness after standing or sitting for long periods
- Reduced hip strength or mobility
It’s often caused by a combination of:
- Overuse (e.g. running or walking long distances)
- Hip muscle weakness or imbalance
- Prolonged sitting or poor posture
- Hormonal changes or ageing tissue
Learn more about Greater Trochanteric Pain syndrome here.
Why GTPS Can Be Difficult to Treat
Unlike an acute injury, GTPS tends to build gradually over time and becomes persistent. Many patients try rest, ice, foam rolling, or basic stretching routines – only to see little progress.
What makes GTPS tricky is that the pain is often due to tendon overload and degeneration, not just inflammation. That’s why passive treatments alone (like anti-inflammatories or massage) usually fall short. Strengthening the gluteal muscles plays a key role in helping the tissue to recover.
Successful treatment requires a combination of:
- Targeted strengthening of the glutes and hip stabilisers
- Activity modification
- Hands-on therapy
- Adjunct treatments like shockwave to stimulate tissue repair
How Shockwave Therapy Helps GTPS Recovery
Shockwave therapy is now widely used to treat gluteal tendinopathy and trochanteric bursitis, particularly when conservative care hasn’t resolved the issue.
How it works:
- High-energy shock waves are applied directly to the painful area
- This stimulates healing in the tendon and soft tissue
- Increases blood flow and cell regeneration
- Breaks up scar tissue and reduces pain sensitivity
Benefits include:
- Non-invasive and drug-free
- Quick sessions (20–30 minutes)
- Minimal side effects
- Often effective in 3–6 treatments
It’s a practical alternative to injections or surgery, especially when paired with a structured rehab plan.
What to Expect During Your Shockwave Appointment
Here’s how your session may look:
- Initial Assessment – We confirm a diagnosis of GTPS and identify contributing factors
- Treatment Setup – Gel is applied, and the handheld device is positioned on the lateral hip
- Shockwave Delivery – A series of short pulses targets the gluteal tendon and surrounding tissue
- Recovery Plan – We discuss exercises, activity guidance, and how to support healing between sessions
Some clients begin feeling change within 2–3 treatments. As strength improves and pain reduces, we can guide you safely back to walking, running, or everyday movement without discomfort. It can be 6-8 weeks for full resolution of symptoms from the last shockwave session
Who Benefits Most from This Treatment?
We often see success with:
- Runners and walkers with persistent outer hip pain
- Women over 40, who are statistically more prone to gluteal tendinopathy
- Desk-based workers with hip tightness or poor posture
- Post-surgical patients who are rebuilding strength and function
If you’ve been dealing with this pain for over 12 weeks and haven’t found relief from standard physio, shockwave therapy could help break the cycle.
Why Choose Physio Three Sixty for Shoulder Pain Treatment in Hitchin?
Our team has a strong background in both manual therapy and progressive rehab for persistent hip issues. We take a patient-first approach that combines:
- Expert diagnosis with a tailored recovery plan
- Use of shockwave technology as part of a wider treatment strategy
- Longer sessions to allow time for hands-on work and education
- Fast, online bookings via Setmore
- Trusted care in a friendly, professional physiotherapy clinic in Hitchin
We’ve helped clients return to running, strength training, or simply sleeping on their side again – pain-free.
Book a Hip Pain ConsultationFAQs
Q: Is shockwave therapy safe for gluteal tendinopathy?
A: Yes. It’s widely used in sports and rehab settings with very few side effects.
Q: How painful is the treatment?
A: Most patients tolerate it well. You may feel discomfort during the session, but it typically subsides quickly.
Q: Will I need to stop exercising?
A: Not necessarily. We often recommend modifying activity, but encourage you to stay active with guidance.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: Most people see improvement after 3–6 treatments, depending on the severity and duration of symptoms.
Ready to Move Without Hip Pain?
If outer hip discomfort has been holding you back, don’t wait. Shockwave therapy could be the missing piece in your recovery.
Click below to book your first consultation and start your personalised plan for hip pain treatment in Hitchin:
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