Lateral Hip Pain Trochenteric Bursitis Gluteus Medius Tendon Tear

Physiotherapy for Lateral Hip Pain (Trochanteric Bursitis & Gluteus Medius Tear)

Physiotherapy for lateral hip pain focuses on relieving pain, restoring hip mobility, and strengthening the gluteal muscles, particularly when symptoms are related to trochanteric bursitis or a gluteus medius tear.

Physiotherapy for Lateral Hip Pain – What We Treat

Lateral hip pain is commonly blamed by trochanteric bursitis, but research and clinical experience show that symptoms are often linked to gluteus medius tears or weakness. This can cause pain when walking, running, lying on the affected side, or climbing stairs. Poor hip strength, biomechanics, or previous injuries often contribute to both bursitis and gluteal muscle tears.

Our physiotherapists specialise in assessing the hip, pelvis, and surrounding musculature to identify the root cause of lateral hip pain and provide targeted treatment that relieves pain and restores function.

Common Symptoms of Lateral Hip Pain & Gluteus Medius Tear

  • Pain and tenderness on the outside of the hip

  • Pain when lying on the affected side

  • Pain during walking, running, or stair climbing

  • Weakness in the hip or difficulty standing on one leg

  • Tightness in gluteal muscles or IT band

  • Clicking or discomfort when moving the hip

  • Sometimes pain radiating down the outer thigh

Areas We Treat

1. Hip Bursa Inflammation

Inflammation of the bursa can contribute to lateral hip pain.
Treatment includes:

  • Manual therapy to reduce pressure on the bursa

  • Soft tissue release for surrounding muscles

  • Ice and other anti-inflammatory strategies

2. Gluteus Medius Tear or Weakness

Tears or weakness in the gluteus medius are a common source of pain.
We provide:

  • Targeted strengthening exercises for gluteus medius and minimus

  • Hip stability and pelvic control training

  • Functional movement retraining

3. Iliotibial (IT) Band Tightness

Tightness along the outer thigh can aggravate the bursa and gluteal muscles.
Treatment includes:

  • Stretching and soft tissue techniques

  • Foam rolling and mobility exercises

  • Movement pattern correction

4. Posture & Biomechanical Correction

Poor gait or hip control increases load on the bursa and gluteus medius.
We address this through:

  • Gait analysis and correction

  • Education on movement and activity modification

  • Strengthening for long-term hip stability

5. Activity-Related Load Management

Overuse during running, cycling, or prolonged standing can worsen bursitis or gluteus medius tears.
We provide:

  • Gradual load progression

  • Exercise programming to prevent flare-ups

  • Ergonomic and sport-specific advice

Our Physiotherapy Treatment Approach

Your personalised treatment plan may include:

  • Manual therapy and soft tissue release

  • Gluteus medius and core strengthening

  • Balance and functional movement exercises

  • Stretching and mobility work for glutes and IT band

  • Education on posture, gait, and activity modification

  • Home exercises for ongoing hip health

All treatments follow current clinical guidelines for lateral hip pain, trochanteric bursitis, and gluteus medius tears.

Book Your Lateral Hip Pain Assessment

If lateral hip pain is affecting your walking, sport, or daily activities, physiotherapy can help reduce pain, restore function, and prevent recurrence.

Contact us today to start your personalised treatment plan.

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