Condition profile · Hip

    Gluteal tendinopathy

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    Protocol from 4'860 CHF · ≈ 10 weeks

    Open entrance of the Off-Field centre in Gland with treadmill and squat racks

    Understand

    What is gluteal tendinopathy?

    Gluteal tendinopathy causes pain on the side of the hip, which can spread down the thigh. It hurts when walking, on stairs, standing on one leg and at night lying on your side.

    It mostly affects women over 40 and runners. It used to be called trochanteric bursitis: we now know the tendon is usually the cause. Explanation and tailored exercise give better long-term results than an injection alone.

    See a doctor promptly if…

    • Groin pain with inability to bear weight after a fall
    • Night pain with fever or unexplained weight loss

    Common causes

    • Overload in long-distance runners and trail runners
    • Weakness of the hip stabilizers

    Symptoms

    • Pain on the side of the hip
    • Worse when running, climbing stairs, or lying on the affected side

    Timeline

    How long does gluteal tendinopathy last?

    Everyday habits matter as much as the exercises: avoiding compression of the tendon clearly speeds up improvement.

    Treated early
    6 to 12 weeks
    Long-standing pain
    3 to 6 months

    Diagnosis

    Our approach

    The first step is always a medical consultation. Complementing this: clinical assessment (gluteal strength tests) by the physiotherapist. Ultrasound with Dr Massimo Donalisio to confirm the degree of involvement.

    Care at Off-Field

    • Physiotherapy
    • Physical preparation (progressive gluteal strengthening)
    • In coordination with Dr Massimo Donalisio when indicated: shockwaves, PRP if these fail

    Rehab

    Physio treatment

    1. 01

      Stop compressing the tendon

      Don't cross your legs or stand leaning on one hip, avoid sleeping on the painful side or put a pillow between your knees.

    2. 02

      Settle pain with isometrics

      Isometric glute exercises, without movement, to ease the pain.

    3. 03

      Strengthen progressively

      Bridges, step-ups, single-leg standing exercises, then heavier loads.

    4. 04

      Return to activity

      A gradual return to long walks, stairs and running, with a maintenance programme.

    Exercises

    Exercises for gluteal tendinopathy

    • Isometric glute push

      On your back with a strap around your knees, push outwards without moving for 30 to 45 seconds. 5 repetitions.

    • Glute bridge

      On your back with knees bent, lift your hips and hold for 3 seconds. 3 sets of 10 to 15.

    • Step-up

      Step up onto a step keeping your pelvis level and your knee in line. 3 sets of 10.

    • Single-leg balance

      Standing on the affected leg, pelvis level, 30 seconds. 3 to 5 repetitions.

    Examples to adapt with your physio after the assessment: pain during exercise should stay moderate and settle within 24 hours.

    Return to sport

    Getting back to running and long walks

    • Pain-free nights lying on your side
    • Pain-free single-leg standing and stairs
    • Glute strength similar on both sides, measured with a dynamometer
    • Running rebuilt in stages, with no pain the next day
    Our strength and jump tests (VALD)

    Investment

    Base protocol price

    From

    4'860CHF

    ≈ 10 weeks

    Indicative price that may vary with the number of protocol weeks. It will be adjusted after the clinical assessment by the physician and physiotherapist, based on the actual protocol duration and specific needs.

    Mandatory prerequisite (not included)

    Initial consultation with a partner physician (entry assessment): mandatory prerequisite, not included in the package. If needed, our team handles the referral and booking.

    Included in the package

    • Private physiotherapy sessions (2× 1h / week)
    • One-on-one personal training (1× 1h / week)
    • Initial + follow-up consultation with a partner nutritionist
    • Case coordination: premium orchestration across all experts, direct booking of appointments once your schedule is shared

    Extras not included. Imaging (ultrasound, MRI), orthobiologics (PRP, hyaluronic acid, SVF, BMAC), injections, shockwave therapy, biomarker panels: billed on top, only when clinically indicated by the responsible practitioner.

    Orthobiology & movement

    Optimised tissue regeneration

    Orthobiological and technology-based solutions to support the repair of muscles, tendons, ligaments and joint structures throughout injury care. The goal: optimise recovery time, improve repair quality and promote a faster, more durable return.

    Understand tissue regeneration

    Questions

    Frequently asked questions about gluteal tendinopathy

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    Can I sleep on my side?

    Avoid the painful side. On the other side, put a pillow between your knees so the top leg does not drop forwards and compress the tendon.

    Does an injection work?

    It often brings relief for a few weeks, but studies show that explanation and exercise give better results at one year. It can be discussed with the doctor as an add-on.

    Should I stretch my hip?

    Stretches that cross the leg, such as the cross-legged glute stretch, compress the tendon and keep the pain going: they are avoided during rehab.

    Bursitis or tendinopathy: what is the difference?

    The bursa is a small cushion next to the tendon. Both can be irritated together, but in most cases the tendon is the source of the pain, which is why strengthening matters.

    Same area

    Other conditions treated: hip

    The diagnosis drives the protocol. Here are the other situations we treat in this area.

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