The Gluteal Tendon is formed by the Gluteal Muscles around the buttock. The Gluteal Tendon transmits force from the Gluteal Muscles which primarily rotate and extend the hip.
In some cases, what appears to be Gluteal Tendinopathy pain can be Hamstring Tendinopathy amongst others. These are two different pathologies and must be treated differently.
Gluteal Tendinopathy is a degenerative process. It happens gradually over time. It is common in field sports and runners and as people get older. Typically, symptoms include pain around the outside of the hip, pain moving down the side of the thigh, pain on moving or lying on the affected side
Avoiding aggravating factors is important to help the tendon to heal. Tendinopathies heal best when they are loaded, but it must be the correct type and amount of load. Too much and the tendon will become painful, too little and the tendon will not respond.
A thorough History and Physical Examination by your Chartered Physiotherapist will determine the likelihood of a Gluteal Tendinopathy. If the examination shows an obvious Tendinopathy then a series of exercises and advice will be prescribed. These exercises will be progressive in nature to help the healing process. Shockwave Therapy should be considered in the case of Gluteal Tendinopathy.
Following your Initial Consultation, a strict set of exercises as per our Gluteal Tendinopathy Protocol will help in a full return to sports. The protocol consists of progressive loading for the tendon to aid healing. All loading protocols are research-based and proven to be effective in the management of Tendinopathy.
MyPhysio’s thoughts on Gluteal Tendinopathy:
More often than not the reason why I see people with Gluteal Tendinopathy is because it affects their sleep. Of course, you can try sleeping on the other side but inevitably you will move. This direct compression on the tendon will make it irritable.
Lower Limb Biomechanics, how your joints move in relation to each other, can play a role in developing and curing Gluteal Tendinopathy. Video Analysis may be required if you have a walking or running injury. Click here to see a Runner with Gluteal Tendinopathy who I treated successfully at MyPhysio.
Controlling load is key. Load meaning; how much walking/exercise/standing you are doing. If you have a very active job where you are on your feet all day then this must be taken into consideration when designing your rehab programme. It may sound pedantic but controlling as many variables as possible will ensure you have the best chance to recover.
Often, clients come to MyPhysio and have had their symptoms for a few months. Typical early Tendinopathy symptoms include pain after exercise or the following morning this is probably the start of your Tendinopathy, do not let it get out of hand and have it looked at early on. Side lying is often uncomfortable and an early sign of a Gluteal Tendinopathy.