Severe Gluteal Tendinopathy — Why It’s Not Just About Weak Hips
Severe gluteal tendinopathy is more complex than most people realise. While hip strength is important, it rarely explains why some cases become persistent or highly irritable. Research by Plinsinga et al. (2018) showed that people with severe gluteal tendinopathy had higher pain sensitivity, more pain catastrophising, lower activity levels and reduced overall quality of life — yet their hip strength was similar to those with milder symptoms.
This tells us that stubborn tendon pain isn’t only a physical issue. It’s often shaped by a combination of load tolerance, sleep, stress, recovery habits, beliefs about pain, and general activity levels. Ignoring these factors can slow progress or make the condition feel unpredictable.
What Effective Rehab Should Focus On
A successful treatment plan looks at the whole picture. This usually includes:
- Progressive strengthening for the glutes and lateral hip
- Gradual tendon loading (slow → heavy → functional)
- Modifying aggravating tasks such as stair use or long walks
- Improving sleep, recovery and overall movement habits
- Clear education that reduces threat and improves confidence
- Addressing lifestyle or psychological factors that influence pain sensitivity
When to Seek Help
If your hip pain hasn’t improved with basic exercises, keeps flaring with walking or running, or is affecting your sleep or mood, it’s worth getting a thorough assessment. A tailored plan is far more effective than simply “trying more strength work.”
Getting Help at BeachLife Physiotherapy
We see a lot of gluteal tendon pain across our
Narrabeen and Frenchs Forest clinics, as well as patients from surrounding suburbs dealing with long-standing lateral hip pain. If you’re struggling to make progress,
book an appointment and we’ll help you understand what’s driving your symptoms and build a plan that addresses both the physical and non-physical contributors.
