Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy for Gluteal tendinopathy

What is Gluteal Tendinopathy?

Gluteal tendinopathy is a painful injury that can be acute or chronic. It is characterized by pain on the lateral (outside) hip caused by recurring or prolonged compressive forces. Tendons are designed to accept and disperse load efficiently, as long as it is manageable and regular. Changes in force or load can alter the tendon, reducing its threshold to tolerate previous loads. This means normal activities such as walking or climbing stairs can more easily overload a compromised tendon.

This condition generally affects inactive people, but it can also be a problem for runners.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Pain on the lateral/outside hip joint

  • Pain when lying on the problematic side

  • Discomfort walking, climbing stairs, standing, and/or running

  • Pain with single-leg tasks

  • Prolonged sitting is uncomfortable

  • Pain can refer down the thigh

Risk Factors

  • More prevalent in females than males

  • Peri-menopausal or post-menopausal

  • Weight gain or sedentary lifestyle

  • Increasing vigorous exercise too quickly

  • Direct impact (e.g., falling)

  • Glute weakness

  • Poor hip and pelvic control / core strength

  • Sitting with knees together or crossed

  • Running on a banked surface or in the same direction on an athletics track

Diagnosis

Gluteal tendinopathy is diagnosed through a hands-on clinical assessment, which also helps rule out other potential injuries.

Is Shockwave Therapy Effective?

A mixed modality approach is most effective, including:

  • Load management via tailored rehabilitation programs

  • Tendon rehabilitation

  • Shockwave therapy

  • Soft tissue release

  • Strengthening and re-conditioning

Shockwave therapy delivers acoustic waves and energy impulses directly to the irritated tendon.

  • A 2018 study found shockwave therapy effective for pain relief in gluteal tendinopathy.

  • A 2014 systematic review showed it is superior to rest, NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, and stretching for reducing pain and improving function.

  • Shockwave is also more effective than corticosteroid injections for long-term pain relief.

Key Mechanisms of Shockwave Therapy

  • Increases blood flow

  • Modifies pain perception

  • Promotes pro-inflammation for healing

  • Supports tendon regeneration and remodeling

  • Promotes scar remodeling

  • Reduces spasticity in surrounding muscles

If you would like to learn more about shockwave therapy or book an appointment for glute or hip pain, Physio-logical in Rowlands Castle, Hampshire can help. Research suggests 6 sessions at intervals of 5–10 days for optimum results.

Please get in contact with 02394 350270 | Email us: enquiries@physio-logical.net if you want some help, treatment or advice.