What is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) – And How Can Physio Help?

If you’re experiencing persistent pain on the outside of your hip—especially when lying on your side, walking, or climbing stairs—you could be dealing with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS). It’s a condition that affects thousands of Australians every year, particularly women over the age of 40 and people who are physically active.

The good news? With the right physiotherapy treatment, most people recover well and get back to doing the things they love—pain free.

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome is a broad term used to describe pain around the greater trochanter, the bony point on the outer part of your hip. While it was once believed to be caused primarily by inflammation of the trochanteric bursa (a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction), recent research has shown that tendon issues—especially involving the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus tendons—are usually the primary cause.

This means that GTPS is more about tendinopathy (tendon overload and degeneration) than classic bursitis. That’s important to understand because it influences the way we treat it effectively.

GTPS can creep up slowly or follow an increase in physical activity. Some tell-tale signs include:

• A deep, aching pain on the outside of your hip.
• Pain that worsens when lying on the affected side (especially at night).
• Discomfort when walking, especially uphill or upstairs.
• Pain or stiffness when getting up after sitting for a while.
• Sensitivity or tenderness when you press on the outside of the hip.

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you’re not alone—and physiotherapy can help.

There are several risk factors that can contribute to GTPS, including:

• Repetitive stress or overuse, often from walking or running.
• Weakness in the hip and glute muscles, leading to poor load distribution.
• Changes in activity levels, such as starting a new exercise routine or increasing training intensity.
• Biomechanical issues, like poor posture or altered gait (how you walk).
• Hormonal changes (particularly in post-menopausal women) that affect tendon health.

Over time, the gluteal tendons can become overloaded, leading to pain and dysfunction. If not managed properly, GTPS can become a chronic issue.

At Nelson Bay Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre, we take a personalised, evidence-based approach to treating GTPS. Here’s how we can help:

Your physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment to confirm that GTPS is the root cause of your pain. It’s important to rule out other conditions like hip arthritis, lower back problems, or sciatica.

Understanding what movements or positions aggravate your pain is essential. We’ll guide you on how to modify your daily activities—like sleeping with a pillow between your knees or adjusting your walking habits—to reduce strain on the affected area.

The cornerstone of GTPS treatment is progressive strengthening, particularly of the gluteus medius and minimus muscles. We’ll prescribe specific exercises to build strength, improve tendon load tolerance, and promote long-term healing.

In some cases, manual therapy techniques can be used to reduce surrounding muscle tension and improve hip mobility, especially in the early stages when pain is higher.

For stubborn, chronic cases, shockwave therapy may be considered. It’s a non-invasive treatment that helps stimulate healing in the tendon and reduce pain.

Ignoring GTPS or simply “resting” it can lead to chronic pain, weakness, and reduced mobility. People often stop doing the activities they love—like walking, gardening, or playing with the grandkids—because the pain becomes too frustrating.

The longer GTPS goes untreated, the harder (and slower) it can be to resolve. Early intervention makes a big difference.

At Nelson Bay Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre, we’re passionate about helping our community stay active, mobile, and pain-free. Whether you’re dealing with a new niggle or a long-standing hip issue, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

📍 Conveniently located in Salamander Bay, our team of experienced physiotherapists will create a customised treatment plan to help you overcome GTPS and return to the life you love.

Don’t let hip pain slow you down. Book an appointment with one of our expert physios at Nelson Bay Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre and start your recovery journey now.

📞 Call us on 02 4981 3461
🌐 Visit us at https://nelsonbayphysiotherapy.com.au/
📍 Find us at 210 Salamander Way, Salamander Bay NSW 2317 (opposite Tomaree Aquatic Centre)

Let’s work together to get you moving again—stronger, better, and pain-free.