Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: More Than Just Bursitis
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is the preferred term for outer hip pain that was previously called trochanteric bursitis. Research has shown that the condition is more commonly caused by gluteal tendinopathy (degeneration of the gluteus medius and minimus tendons at their insertion on the greater trochanter) than true bursitis -- a distinction that fundamentally changes treatment.
Who Gets GTPS?
GTPS predominantly affects women over 40 (ratio 4:1 female to male), though it also occurs in distance runners, cyclists, and people with sudden increases in activity. Risk factors include: wide pelvis (increased Q angle), leg length discrepancy, hip OA, previous hip surgery, and obesity.
Symptoms
Outer hip pain over the greater trochanter. Typically aggravated by: lying on the affected side (a common reason for disturbed sleep), crossing the legs (adducting the hip compresses the tendon), prolonged sitting with hip in adduction, climbing stairs. Often misdiagnosed as trochanteric bursitis or hip OA.
Physiotherapy Treatment for GTPS
Load Management and Compression Avoidance
Initially avoiding positions that compress the gluteal tendons: avoid crossing legs, sit with knees level or wider than hips, sleep with a pillow between the knees. This is the most important immediate intervention.
Isometric Loading
Isometric hip abduction exercises provide early loading of the tendon in a non-compressive position, providing pain relief and beginning the remodelling process.
Progressive Hip Abductor Loading
Progressive strengthening through side-lying abduction, clamshells, standing hip abduction with resistance, single-leg exercises. Load is progressed as the tendon adapts over 8-12 weeks.
GTPS Treatment in Faridabad
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we effectively treat GTPS with evidence-based loading programmes. Book your hip assessment today.