Conditions we diagnose and treat

Gluteal Tendinopathy Treatment in London

Available at LSRI Harley Street (W1G 9QJ) and LSRI Northwest London, Harrow (HA2 7SJ).

Gluteal tendinopathy is a common cause of pain on the outer side of the hip.

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GMC / FRCR Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist

It affects the tendons of the gluteal muscles (gluteus medius and gluteus minimus) where they attach to the bony point at the side of the hip. It is most common in women in midlife and around the menopause, but it also affects runners and people who have recently increased their activity. It often overlaps with what is sometimes called trochanteric bursitis or greater trochanteric pain syndrome, and you can read more about hip bursitis on our separate page. At LSRI, Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, uses ultrasound to assess the tendons and, where it is the right option for you, offers ultrasound-guided treatment alongside an exercise-based plan.

Why choose LSRI

Consultant-led care from Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist with more than 20 years’ experience.
Diagnosis and ultrasound-guided treatment from the same specialist.
Two clinics: LSRI Harley Street (W1G 9QJ) and LSRI Northwest London in Harrow (HA2 7SJ).
No GP referral needed, and all major insurers accepted.
After Dr Sankaye has reported your scan, you can have a free 5-minute video consultation to go through the results.

Last medically reviewed by Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, on 2 October 2026.

Symptoms of gluteal tendinopathy

Pain on the outer side of the hip, sometimes spreading down the outer thigh.
Pain when lying on the affected side, and sometimes on the other side too.
Pain climbing stairs, walking uphill or standing on one leg.
Pain when sitting with your legs crossed or in a low chair.
Stiffness and pain when you first get up after sitting.

If you have hip pain with fever or feel unwell, sudden severe pain after a fall, or pain that is constant and worse at night regardless of position, seek prompt medical advice.

How we diagnose gluteal tendinopathy

Diagnosis starts with your history and a hip examination. Dr Sankaye will check where you are tender and use simple tests, such as standing on one leg, to see which movements reproduce your pain. He will also check your lower back and hip joint, as these can cause pain in a similar area.

Ultrasound shows thickening and changes in the gluteal tendons, partial or full tears, and any fluid in the bursa. An MRI can help if a larger tear is suspected, or to look at the hip joint and surrounding structures in more detail. An X-ray can check for arthritis in the hip joint if that is thought to be contributing.

Gluteal tendinopathy is also common in runners, alongside iliotibial band problems. You can read more in our article on ITB syndrome and gluteal tendinopathy in runners.

What to expect at your appointment

Dr Sankaye reviews your symptoms, activity levels and any previous scans or treatment.
He scans your hip with ultrasound, and arranges an X-ray or MRI if needed.
He explains the findings and discusses your options, including exercise and everyday changes.
If you decide to go ahead with an injection, it is done under ultrasound guidance.
You receive aftercare advice and a written report, which can be shared with your GP or physiotherapist.

Treatment options

Education and exercise are the mainstay of treatment. Research into gluteal tendinopathy has shown that a combination of advice about everyday positions and a progressive strengthening programme works well for many people. This includes:

Reducing compression of the tendons: avoiding crossing your legs, standing with your weight hitched onto one hip, and sitting in very low chairs.
Sleeping positions: placing a pillow between your knees when lying on your side, or using a soft mattress topper.
A progressive loading programme: exercises that gradually strengthen the hip muscles, guided by a physiotherapist.
Managing activity: adjusting walking, running and stairs while the tendons recover, rather than stopping completely.

If pain persists or is stopping you from starting rehabilitation, the options at LSRI include:

Ultrasound-guided steroid injection: can give short-term relief, which may help you get going with exercise. The benefit often wears off, so it works best as part of a wider plan rather than on its own.
PRP injection: platelet-rich plasma, from a small sample of your own blood, is sometimes used for long-standing gluteal tendon pain. The evidence is still developing.
Tendon procedures: in selected cases, other ultrasound-guided tendon treatments may be considered.
MSK specialist consultation: a detailed review of your symptoms, scans and previous treatment, with a clear plan.

Surgery is rarely needed, but may be considered for a significant tendon tear that does not improve with other treatment. Dr Sankaye can advise when an orthopaedic surgeon’s opinion is worthwhile.

Questions about gluteal tendinopathy

Is gluteal tendinopathy the same as hip bursitis?

They are closely related and often occur together. In many people the main problem is in the tendons rather than the bursa, which is why treatment focuses on the tendons. Ultrasound helps show which structures are involved.

Why does it hurt to lie on my side?

Lying on the painful side presses directly on the tendons. Lying on the other side can also hurt, because the top leg drops across the body and squeezes the tendons against the bone. A pillow between the knees can help.

Should I stretch my hip?

Some stretches, particularly those that pull the leg across the body, can compress the tendons and make symptoms worse. A physiotherapist can advise which exercises suit you.

Will an injection fix the problem?

An injection can ease pain, but it does not strengthen the tendon. Education and a progressive exercise programme remain the most important part of recovery.

Our clinics

Two clinics, one team

Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, sees patients at Harley Street in central London and at our Northwest London clinic in Harrow. Call one number to book at either clinic.