Outer Hip Pain (Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome) in Marple
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.

Understanding Your Condition
Pain on the outside of your hip that stops you lying on that side at night, makes stairs harder and aches after a long walk is very often greater trochanteric pain syndrome, or GTPS. You might have been told it's "hip bursitis". Usually it's the gluteal tendons that are the real problem. It's especially common in women from their 40s onwards, and it responds well to the right exercise and advice. At Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple we'll confirm the diagnosis and give you a clear plan to settle it. We see people from Marple, Stockport, Romiley, Hazel Grove, High Lane and Disley.

What You Feel
- Pain on the bony point on 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
- Aching that may spread down the outer thigh
- Discomfort getting up from a low chair
- Pain that worsens with running or prolonged activity
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 activity
Check with a Doctor If
The hip is hot and swollen and you feel unwell, you can't put weight on it, or the pain came on after a fall.
Struggling with Outer Hip Pain?
Book your assessment today. We'll confirm the diagnosis and give you a clear plan to settle it.
Your First Appointment, How We Treat It and the Timeline
Your first appointment is 45 minutes. We'll check that the pain is coming from the tendons and not the hip joint or your back. Treatment combines a specific gluteal strengthening programme with simple changes that take pressure off the tendon, such as not crossing your legs, not hanging on one hip when you stand, and sleeping with a pillow between your knees. Shockwave therapy can help stubborn cases. Most people improve steadily over two to three months.
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.
Meet the Team
GTPS Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Complete Recovery Physiotherapy?
Tendon-Loading Specialists
GTPS needs a specific gluteal 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 finally 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.
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Expert, hands-on physiotherapy in Marple. Free parking. Same-day and short-notice appointments often available.











