Gluteal Tendinopathy
Gluteal tendinopathy is a tendon problem causing pain on the outside of the hip, often from running or lying on the side. We rebuild the tendon with a progressive loading programme at our Marple clinic.

Understanding Your Condition
Gluteal tendinopathy is a common tendon problem affecting the gluteal tendons where they attach to the bony point on the outside of your hip. It causes aching pain over the outer hip — often when lying on the side, walking, climbing stairs or running — and it can be stubborn without the right approach.
It's closely related to greater trochanteric pain syndrome. At Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple, we settle the irritation and rebuild the gluteal tendon's capacity with a progressive loading programme — the approach that reliably resolves this stubborn condition.

What You Feel
- Aching pain on the bony point at the outside of the hip
- Discomfort lying on the affected side at night
- Pain walking, climbing stairs or standing for long periods
- Tenderness when pressing the outer hip
- Pain when crossing the legs or standing on one leg
- Discomfort getting up from a low chair
- Pain that worsens with running or prolonged activity
- Aching that may spread down the outer thigh
Common Causes
- Gluteal tendon overuse or degeneration
- Compression of the tendon by crossing legs or lying on the side
- Weak hip abductor muscles failing to support the tendon
- Sudden increases in walking, running or training
- Poor lower limb biomechanics and alignment
- Age-related tendon changes, particularly in women
- Weight gain increasing load on the tendons
- Inadequate recovery between repetitive activities
Who Physiotherapy Can Help
Gluteal tendinopathy commonly affects women in their 40s, 50s and 60s, and runners of any age. We help people whose outer hip pain disturbs sleep, limits walking or running, or aches through the day. Whether it came on suddenly or has grumbled for months, a structured loading programme makes a real difference.
If lying on your side hurts the outside of your hip, or walking and stairs aggravate it, you may have gluteal tendinopathy — and the right, tendon-specific treatment will help.
Struggling with Gluteal Tendinopathy?
Book your assessment today. We'll find the root cause and start hands-on treatment in your first session.
Your Assessment
Your assessment confirms gluteal tendinopathy and identifies the factors driving it. We test the gluteal tendons with palpation and resisted movements, assess your hip strength and biomechanics, and review the habits and activities compressing or overloading the tendon.
Tendinopathy needs a specific loading approach and advice on reducing tendon compression. We'll design a programme matched to your tolerance and explain how to progress it.
How We Treat It
Our hands-on treatment approach:
- Assessment to confirm gluteal tendinopathy and identify the causes
- Hands-on treatment to ease pain and soft tissue tension
- A progressive gluteal tendon-loading programme to rebuild the tendon
- Advice on reducing tendon compression (sleep, sitting, crossing legs)
- Strengthening the hip and core to support the tendon
- Shockwave therapy for stubborn, long-standing cases where appropriate
Expected Recovery
Gluteal tendinopathy typically improves over 8–12 weeks of consistent, progressive loading and compression management. It can be a stubborn condition, so patience and the right programme are key — but it does resolve with the correct approach.
Reducing tendon compression is just as important as loading — changing how you sleep, sit and stand takes pressure off the tendon while it heals. We guide both carefully, so you keep progressing toward comfortable sleeping, walking and activity.
Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
No GP referral needed. Direct access appointments available — often same-day or within a few days.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first session is a 45-minute comprehensive assessment. We start by listening — understanding your symptoms, your history, and what you want to get back to. We then carry out a thorough hands-on physical examination to identify the root cause of your problem. You'll receive a clear explanation of what's going on, a personalised treatment plan, and hands-on treatment begins in that very first session. You leave knowing exactly what's wrong, what we'll do about it, and how long recovery will take.
What Should I Wear?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area we're treating. For knee, hip, or leg problems, shorts are ideal. For shoulder, neck, or back issues, a loose top or vest works well. You'll never be asked to undress beyond what's necessary for examination and treatment, and you'll always be treated with dignity and respect in our private treatment room.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
This depends on your condition, how long you've had it, and your goals. Many patients feel significant improvement within 3–6 sessions. Acute injuries often resolve faster, while long-standing or complex conditions may need more. We'll give you a clear treatment timeline at your first appointment — and we only ever recommend sessions you genuinely need. Our goal is to get you independent and pain-free as quickly as possible, not to keep you coming back.
Can I Claim Through Insurance?
Yes. We are recognised by most major health insurance providers including AXA, Vitality, Bupa, WPA, and Healix. We can bill your insurer directly so you don't need to pay upfront — simply bring your insurance authorisation number to your appointment. If you're not sure whether you're covered, call us and we'll help you check before you book.
Treated by a Qualified, Experienced Professional

Rob Wood
Head Physio & Clinic Owner
Meet Rob, founder of Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple.
Gluteal Tendinopathy Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Complete Recovery Physiotherapy?
Tendon-Loading Specialists
Gluteal tendinopathy needs a specific tendon-loading programme — not generic glute exercises. We build this around your tendon's tolerance for proper, lasting recovery.
Compression Management
Reducing tendon compression — how you sleep, sit and stand — is just as important as loading. We guide both carefully, which is what resolves stubborn cases.
Shockwave for Stubborn Cases
For long-standing gluteal tendinopathy, we offer shockwave therapy to stimulate healing in chronic tendons — often avoiding injections or surgery.
Runner-Aware
We understand how running loads the gluteal tendons, assessing gait and training to address the factors specific to runners.
Hands-On Plus Loading
Manual therapy to ease your pain combined with a structured strengthening programme — the combination that produces lasting results.
Free Parking in Marple
Easy visits at Bowden Hall with free parking right outside — important when hip pain makes getting about harder.
Related Conditions We Treat

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome causes aching on the outside of the hip, often from the gluteal tendons. We rebuild the tendon with a progressive loading programme and ease your pain, restoring comfortable sleeping and walking at our Marple clinic.
Learn More
Hip Pain
Hip pain can come from the joint, the tendons, the muscles or the back — and the right treatment depends on the exact source. We assess precisely and rebuild strong, pain-free hip movement at our Marple clinic.
Learn More
Tendinopathy
Tendinopathy is a painful tendon condition caused by overuse, affecting tendons throughout the body. We rebuild the tendon with a progressive loading programme at our Marple clinic.
Learn More
Bursitis
Bursitis is inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints, causing pain and swelling. We settle the inflammation and address the mechanics causing it at our Marple clinic.
Learn MoreRelated Services

Physiotherapy
At Complete Recovery Physio, everything we do is built around high-quality physiotherapy. Whether you're recovering from an injury, dealing with ongoing pain, or looking to move more freely, we're here to support you.
Learn More
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy is an evidence-based treatment that is particularly effective for stubborn tendon problems, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, shoulder tendinopathy, and other chronic soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to conventional treatment.
Learn More
Sports Physio
Whether you're a weekend warrior, a dedicated athlete, or someone who simply loves staying active, sports injuries can be incredibly frustrating. Our specialist sports physiotherapy service is designed to help you recover fully, safely, and as quickly as possible.
Learn MoreDon't Let Pain Hold You Back
Expert, hands-on physiotherapy in Marple. Free parking. Same-day and short-notice appointments often available.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Book your assessment today and take the first step towards a pain-free, active life. Free parking at our Marple clinic.


