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Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS): What It Is & How Physiotherapy Can Help

PhysioChoice

PhysioChoice

31 July, 2025
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Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS): What It Is & How Physiotherapy Can Help

1. What is GTPS & Who’s Affected

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is a common condition that causes pain on the outer side of the hip. It involves irritation of the gluteal tendons and/or the trochanteric bursa, not the hip joint itself. GTPS affects around 10–25% of adults and is most prevalent in women aged 40–60 years.

Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent aching pain on the side of the hip

  • Tenderness over the greater trochanter

  • Pain that worsens with walking, stairs, or lying on the affected side

It’s often mistaken for arthritis or lower back pain but originates in the soft tissues over the hip bone.

Authoritative Source:
Better Health Channel – Hip Pain
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/hip-pain

2. Causes, Diagnosis & Who’s at Risk

GTPS is usually caused by gluteal tendinopathy (of the gluteus medius or minimus), with bursitis being a secondary issue.

Risk factors include:

  • Being female (approx. 3:1 ratio)

  • Age 40–60

  • Obesity

  • Lower back or knee pain

  • Sudden increase in physical activity

  • Poor biomechanics

Diagnosis is typically clinical:

  • Tenderness when pressing the side of the hip

  • Pain during single-leg stance or resisted hip movements

  • Imaging (like ultrasound or MRI) is used only when needed

Authoritative Source:
La Trobe University – GLoBE Hip Trial
https://semrc.blogs.latrobe.edu.au/the-globe-trial/

3. PhysioTherapy, Treatment & Evidence

Research shows that structured physiotherapy provides the best long-term outcomes. While corticosteroid injections or shockwave therapy may help in the short term, long-lasting improvement typically comes from exercise and movement retraining.

What physiotherapy includes:

  • Education and load management

  • Targeted gluteal and core strengthening

  • Postural correction and walking retraining

  • Manual therapy, if needed

  • Advice on footwear and sleeping position

Evidence-based tip:
Structured exercise has been shown to reduce pain and improve function more effectively than corticosteroid injections.

Authoritative Source:
Springer – Evidence-Based GTPS Management
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40141-020-00294-0

4. Long-Term Management & When to Seek Help

GTPS may take 6–9 months to fully resolve. Without proper rehabilitation, flare-ups are common.

To prevent recurrence:

  • Maintain gluteal and core strength

  • Avoid sudden increases in physical activity

  • Do low-impact exercise like swimming or Pilates

  • Use a pillow when side-sleeping

  • Avoid prolonged standing on one leg or crossing legs

See a physiotherapist if:

  • Pain lasts longer than 2 weeks

  • It disturbs your sleep

  • You notice a limp or altered walking

  • Self-management isn’t improving symptoms

At PhysioChoice, our experienced physiotherapists can guide you through recovery with a tailored treatment plan. Learn more about our services:

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