If you’ve been experiencing a persistent ache on the outside of your hip that gets worse when lying on your side, walking, or climbing stairs, you may be dealing with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS). This is a common hip condition that can affect both active individuals and those with more sedentary lifestyles. At GRIT, we understand how frustrating GTPS can be and we’re here to help you get back to moving comfortably.

What Is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?

GTPS is an umbrella term that describes pain around the outer side of the hip, near the bony point called the greater trochanter. This pain is often related to irritation of the tendons and soft tissues in the area, rather than the hip joint itself. Many people are surprised to learn that what they thought was “hip bursitis” often falls under the GTPS category.

Symptoms and Signs

The most common symptoms of GTPS include

  • Pain on the outside of the hip, often spreading down the thigh
  • Discomfort when lying on the painful side, especially at night
  • Pain when walking, climbing stairs, or standing up from a seated position
  • Tenderness to touch on the side of the hip

These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may interfere with your ability to enjoy daily activities, exercise, or even sleep comfortably.

Causes and Risk Factors

GTPS can develop for several reasons. Some of the most common include

  • Overuse or sudden increases in physical activity
  • Weakness or imbalance in the hip and pelvic muscles
  • Poor movement patterns placing extra stress on the outer hip
  • Repetitive activities such as running or stair climbing
  • Hormonal and postural changes, which can be more common in women

Left untreated, GTPS can persist for months and limit both mobility and quality of life.

Our Treatment Options and Solutions

The good news is that GTPS responds well to the right treatment approach. We combine expertise with a personalised plan to help you recover. This may include

  • A thorough assessment to understand your pain and movement patterns
  • Tailored exercise programs to strengthen hip and pelvic muscles
  • Hands-on treatment to ease pain and restore function
  • Education around activity modification to reduce aggravation
  • Guidance on returning to sport or exercise safely

Our goal is to not only reduce your pain but also give you the tools to prevent flare-ups in the future.