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GTPS (Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome) Treatment in Waterlooville

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Effective Treatment for Persistent Outer Hip Pain

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome—commonly shortened to GTPS—is one of the most frequent causes of pain on the outer side of the hip. While it was previously known as “trochanteric bursitis,” modern research has shown that for the majority of people, the primary issue is actually gluteal tendinopathy. This involves the wear and tear of the gluteal tendons where they attach to the hip bone, rather than inflammation of the bursa alone.
GTPS affects approximately 10–25% of the general population and is particularly common in women aged 40 to 60, with a strong link to perimenopause and menopause. It can be significantly debilitating, making it difficult to walk, climb stairs, or stand for long periods. One of the most frustrating aspects of GTPS is its impact on rest, as it often makes sleeping on the affected side nearly impossible.

Specialist Treatment at The Physiotherapy Centre

At our clinic in Waterlooville, GTPS is one of our most frequently treated conditions. We move beyond the “rest and wait” approach, providing treatment based on the latest evidence. Our pathway combines progressive gluteal tendon loading to strengthen the tissue with hands-on therapy to manage discomfort. For cases that are particularly stubborn, we can integrate Shockwave Therapy or EMTT to help stimulate the healing process.

We regularly support patients from across Widley, Purbrook, Waterlooville, Cosham, Havant, and Petersfield who are looking for a long-term solution to hip pain. Our goal is to move you away from temporary relief and toward a stronger, more resilient hip.

E10IRUAL

Understanding GTPS

What Causes GTPS?
The gluteal tendons (particularly gluteus medius and gluteus minimus) attach to the greater trochanter — the bony prominence you can feel on the outer side of your hip. These tendons work constantly during walking, standing on one leg, and climbing stairs to stabilise the pelvis. When they become overloaded or develop degenerative changes, the result is pain over the outer hip.
Factors that increase your risk of developing GTPS include female sex (the condition is two to four times more common in women than men), age over 40, perimenopause and menopause (declining oestrogen levels directly affect tendon health), sedentary lifestyle or sudden increase in walking or exercise, hip weakness (particularly gluteus medius), excessive hip adduction during walking or running (allowing the knee to cross the midline), and sleeping on the affected side.
Symptoms
The hallmark symptom of GTPS is pain over the outer hip, directly over the greater trochanter. Other common symptoms include pain when lying on the affected side (particularly at night), pain climbing stairs or walking uphill, pain standing on one leg (for example, when putting on shoes), stiffness and pain first thing in the morning, and pain that worsens with prolonged sitting with legs crossed. The pain can range from a mild ache to a severe, constant pain that significantly limits your activity. Some patients also experience pain radiating down the outer thigh, which can be mistaken for sciatica.
What GTPS Is Not
GTPS is not hip arthritis (though it can coexist with it), not sciatica (though the pain can refer down the thigh), and not simply a “tight IT band” (though the iliotibial band sits over the affected area and can contribute to compression). An accurate clinical assessment is essential to distinguish GTPS from other causes of hip pain.
GTPS Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome1

How We Treat GTPS

Your recovery begins with a targeted assessment to pinpoint the exact source of your hip pain. Your physiotherapist will perform a series of clinical tests, including the single-leg stand and Trendelenburg tests, to see exactly how your gluteal muscles are functioning under load. We also assess your hip abduction strength and check for sensitivity to compressive loading. By combining this with a detailed gait analysis, we can identify the specific movement patterns or biomechanical factors that are keeping the tendon irritated. If there is any diagnostic uncertainty, an ultrasound scan with Peter Monk can be arranged on-site to confirm the presence of gluteal tendinopathy or bursitis. 

The most effective treatment for GTPS is a carefully graded gluteal strengthening programme. We start with isometric exercises—holding specific positions without movement—which are excellent for reducing pain while beginning to load the tendon safely. As you improve, we move into isotonic exercises to build strength through a full range of motion, eventually progressing to functional drills like step-ups and single-leg balance work. Because tendons adapt slowly, it is important to remember that significant improvement typically takes eight to twelve weeks of consistent work, though most patients feel a reduction in pain much sooner. 

A key principle in successfully managing GTPS is learning how to reduce “compressive load” on your hip tendons. Your physiotherapist will guide you through simple but vital daily modifications, such as avoiding crossing your legs, standing with your hip “hitched” to one side, or sleeping on the affected side without a pillow between your knees. We also advise against certain stretches that can actually aggravate the condition in the early stages. These small changes to your daily habits can make a significant difference in how quickly your symptoms settle.

For cases that are particularly persistent, we can integrate advanced adjunct treatments to support your recovery. Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is backed by strong clinical evidence for treating chronic gluteal tendinopathy and can be a “game-changer” for stubborn hip pain. We also offer EMTT for deeper tissue engagement and pain reduction. While ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections are sometimes appropriate for confirmed bursitis, we always recommend these be used alongside a rehabilitation plan, as injections alone tend to provide only short-term relief without addressing the underlying cause. 

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What to Expect at Your First Appointment

At The Physiotherapy Centre, we understand that when you are in pain, you want answers as much as you want relief. Your initial 45 to 60-minute consultation is designed to provide both.

Practicalities for your visit:

  • What to wear: Please wear a pair of shorts or bring them with you. Your physiotherapist will need to observe your hip clearly, assess your gait, and perform standing clinical tests.
  • Assessment Activities: Be prepared to move; you may be asked to walk, stand on one leg, and perform functional movements so we can see exactly how your hip is behaving under load.
  • Clinical Clarity: You won’t leave wondering what is wrong. By the end of the session, your therapist will provide a clear explanation of the likely cause of your pain and a bespoke roadmap for your recovery.
  • Immediate Progress: You will leave with a clear diagnosis, specific advice on which positions or activities to modify to reduce irritation, and an initial exercise programme to begin at home.

We believe in realistic expectations. While many patients experience a significant reduction in pain within the first few sessions, tendons—like those involved in GTPS—adapt slowly. Your physiotherapist will provide an honest assessment of your prognosis, outlining the expected eight to twelve-week timeline for significant improvement and the milestones we are aiming for along the way.

Whether your goal is to get a full night’s sleep without pain, walk the dog comfortably, or return to your favorite sport, we are here to help you achieve it.

Pricing and Appointments

  • Initial Assessment £79 (45 minutes) or £89 (60 minutes)

  • Follow-Up Session £72 (30 minutes)

We are recognised providers for Bupa, AXA PPP, Aviva, WPA, and Cigna.
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Conveniently Located in Waterlooville

  • The Physiotherapy Centre 96 London Road, Widley, Waterlooville, Hampshire, PO7 5AB
  • Opening Hours: Mon: 8.00–7.00 | Tue: 8.00–7.30 | Wed: 8.00–8.00 | Thu: 8.00–7.00 | Fri: 8.00–5.00 | Sat: 8.30–1.00
  • We serve patients from Widley, Purbrook, Waterlooville, Cosham, Havant, and Petersfield. The clinic is on the old A3 / London Road, just north of Portsdown Hill, near the Hampshire Rose pub. The No. 8 bus (Bushy Mead) stops just up the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GTPS the same as trochanteric bursitis?

GTPS is the current, more accurate term. While bursitis (inflammation of the bursa over the greater trochanter) can be a component, research has shown that the primary problem in most cases is gluteal tendinopathy — degeneration of the gluteal tendons. The treatment approach reflects this, focusing on progressive tendon loading rather than anti-inflammatory measures alone.
Several factors contribute. Women have a wider pelvis, which increases the angle of pull on the gluteal tendons. Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause reduce oestrogen, which directly affects tendon health and repair capacity. Gluteal weakness is also more prevalent in women, increasing the load on the tendons during walking and standing.
A cortisone injection can provide significant short-term pain relief (typically lasting four to twelve weeks) and can be useful for managing severe pain that is preventing you from sleeping or engaging with exercise. However, injection alone does not address the underlying tendon problem and is associated with high recurrence rates. The best outcomes combine injection (if needed) with a structured gluteal loading programme.
With consistent treatment, most patients notice a meaningful improvement within eight to twelve weeks. The tendon itself takes time to adapt to loading — three to six months is a realistic timeframe for full resolution. Pain relief often comes before the tendon has fully recovered, which is why continuing your exercise programme beyond the point where symptoms improve is important.
Probably not. Traditional ITB stretches often involve positions that compress the gluteal tendons against the greater trochanter — exactly what you want to avoid. Your physiotherapist will advise on appropriate stretches and explain which positions to avoid.
Yes, with modifications. Walking is generally safe, though you may need to reduce your distance or pace initially. Your physiotherapist will advise on which activities to continue, which to modify, and how to progress your exercise as your symptoms improve. Avoiding all activity is counterproductive.
GTPS and lumbar spine conditions can coexist and share some contributing factors (such as gluteal weakness). Your physiotherapist will assess both your hip and spine to ensure the correct diagnosis and address all contributing areas.
Yes. Shockwave therapy is supported by evidence for gluteal tendinopathy and can stimulate tendon healing while reducing pain. It is typically used alongside a progressive loading programme for best results.
Some mild cases resolve spontaneously, but many persist for months or years without appropriate treatment — particularly if the contributing factors (gluteal weakness, compressive positions) are not addressed. Physiotherapy provides the most reliable route to recovery.
Most cases of GTPS are diagnosed clinically through assessment. If there is uncertainty or if your symptoms are not responding as expected, a diagnostic ultrasound scan can be arranged at the clinic to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the tendon changes.
Team

Meet the Team Supporting Your Recovery

Angela Goldstein
Physiotherapist & Male Pelvic Health Specialist
Cameron Hawley
Sports Therapist & Rehab Practitioner
Catherine Wheeler
Physiotherapist and Reformer Pilates Instructor
Jack Phillips
Physiotherapist, Sports Therapist
Jeannette Small
Physiotherapist & Adolescent Physiotherapist
Laura Holdway
Community Physiotherapist