How Do You Fix Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?

Pain on the outside of the hip can make everyday activities more challenging than they should be. Whether you're walking, climbing stairs, exercising, or trying to get comfortable in bed, persistent hip pain can affect your mobility and quality of life. Many people assume the pain is coming from the hip joint itself, but that is not always the case.

If you've been experiencing tenderness or aching along the outer hip, you may be dealing with greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Understanding what causes this condition and how it is treated can help you find relief and get back to doing the things you enjoy.

What Is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome, often called GTPS, is a condition that causes pain along the outer side of the hip. The condition commonly involves irritation of the gluteal tendons and surrounding tissues near the greater trochanter, which is the bony prominence on the outside of the hip.

GTPS is one of the most common causes of lateral hip pain and can affect people of all activity levels.

Common Symptoms of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

Symptoms may include:

• Pain on the outside of the hip

• Tenderness when touching the hip

• Pain when walking or climbing stairs

• Discomfort when lying on the affected side

• Hip weakness

• Increased pain with prolonged standing

Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen if the underlying cause is not addressed.

How Do You Fix Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?

The most effective treatment typically focuses on reducing irritation while improving hip strength and movement patterns.

Managing Activity Levels

Certain activities may temporarily aggravate the affected tissues. Modifying movements that increase symptoms can help reduce stress on the hip while it heals.

Strengthening the Hip Muscles

Weakness in the gluteal muscles is often associated with GTPS. Strengthening these muscles can improve hip stability and reduce strain on the tendons.

Improving Movement Mechanics

Poor movement patterns may increase stress on the outer hip. Correcting these patterns can help reduce irritation and improve function.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is commonly recommended because it addresses strength deficits, mobility limitations, and movement dysfunctions that contribute to the condition.

What Causes Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?

Several factors may contribute to GTPS, including:

• Repetitive overuse

• Hip muscle weakness

• Poor lower body mechanics

• Prolonged pressure on the hip

• Sudden increases in activity

• Tendon irritation around the hip

Identifying contributing factors is an important part of successful treatment.

Can Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome Go Away on Its Own?

Some mild cases may improve with rest and activity modification. However, many cases persist when weakness, movement dysfunction, or tendon irritation are not addressed.

A structured rehabilitation program often helps improve outcomes and reduce the likelihood of recurring symptoms.

What Exercises Help Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?

Exercises often focus on:

• Strengthening the gluteal muscles

• Improving pelvic stability

• Enhancing balance and coordination

• Improving lower body movement patterns

Exercise selection should be individualized based on symptoms and functional limitations.

What Activities Should You Avoid with GTPS?

Activities that significantly increase symptoms may need to be modified temporarily. Common aggravating factors can include prolonged standing on one leg, excessive stair climbing, or sleeping directly on the affected side.

As symptoms improve, activities can typically be reintroduced gradually.

Why Hip Strength Is Important for Recovery

The hip muscles play a critical role in supporting the pelvis and controlling movement throughout the lower body. Weakness in these muscles can increase stress on the tendons and surrounding tissues.

This is closely related to gluteal tendinopathy, which often contributes to greater trochanteric pain syndrome. It can also be seen in conditions like femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), where hip mechanics influence pain and movement quality.

Getting Back to Pain Free Movement

Living with chronic hip pain can be frustrating, but many people are able to significantly improve their symptoms with the right treatment approach. Improving strength, mobility, and movement patterns can help restore function and support long term relief.

Start Your Path to Recovery

If you are experiencing symptoms of greater trochanteric pain syndrome, contact Altair Integrative Wellness in Wasilla, AK to schedule an evaluation. A thorough assessment can help identify contributing factors and guide an appropriate treatment plan to support recovery and long term hip health.

Altair Integrative Wellness

892 E Usa Cir Ste 108

Wasilla, AK 99654

Phone: +1 907-357-1818