Hip
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Quick answer
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome is a gluteal tendon-related condition causing pain over the outer hip, often worse when lying on that side or climbing stairs. Management centres on reducing tendon compression and progressive hip strengthening, with shockwave therapy considered in selected persistent cases.
Common symptoms
- Outer hip tenderness
- Pain lying on the affected side
- Discomfort on stairs and hills
- Pain after prolonged walking
Potential causes and contributing factors
- Compressive postures such as crossing legs or hanging on one hip
- Reduced gluteal strength
- Rapid increases in walking load
Who commonly experiences it
Most common in women over 40, runners and walkers increasing distance.
How it is assessed at Back2Health
- Palpation of the greater trochanter
- Single-leg stance testing
- Hip abductor strength testing
- Sleep and posture review
Where shockwave may fit
It may be considered as an adjunct where outer hip tendon pain persists despite compression management and progressive loading.
Where it may not fit
Hip joint pathology and lumbar-referred pain present similarly and must be excluded first.
Rehabilitation and alternative treatment
Whether or not shockwave is used, the rehabilitation plan does the long-term work. Alternatives and adjuncts may include physiotherapy alone, manual therapy where indicated, load management, footwear or equipment changes, and referral for imaging or a medical opinion.
- Compression management advice
- Isometric then progressive hip abductor loading
- Walking and running load planning
- Sleep positioning advice
When medical referral may be needed
Hip pain with a history of trauma, fever or night pain needs medical review.
Seek urgent care for major trauma, sudden inability to bear weight, suspected fracture, severe swelling or redness, fever, unexplained weight loss, progressive weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome — questions patients ask
Side-lying compresses the gluteal tendons against the bone, which commonly aggravates symptoms.
Medical disclaimer. Information on this website is provided for general education and does not replace an individual clinical diagnosis or medical advice. Shockwave therapy is not suitable for every person or every condition. A qualified clinician must assess suitability.
Written by the Back2Health physiotherapy and rehabilitation team · Clinically reviewed by the Back2Health clinical team · Last reviewed 3 August 2026
Find out whether shockwave is right for your condition
Start with a clinical assessment. The Back2Health team will evaluate the source of your symptoms, explain whether shockwave is appropriate and build a rehabilitation plan around your goals.