Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) refers to pain felt over the outer side of the hip, often where the gluteal tendons attach to the bony prominence called the greater trochanter (the upper part of the thigh bone). It is commonly caused by tendon irritation or inflammation, bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sac over the bone), or muscle weakness affecting hip stability.
GTPS is particularly common in women aged 40–70, runners, and people with lower back or knee problems that alter gait. It may also follow injury, overuse, or prolonged pressure (for example, sleeping on one side).
Typical symptoms include:
Although GTPS is often self-limiting, persistent cases can significantly affect mobility, sleep, and exercise tolerance — making specialist input valuable for lasting recovery.
At Wessex Pain Clinic, diagnosis begins with a detailed clinical history and physical examination. Our consultants identify tenderness and pain reproduction with specific movements such as resisted hip abduction or side-lying compression.
We may arrange ultrasound or MRI imaging to assess the gluteal tendons and bursa, confirm inflammation, and rule out other causes such as hip arthritis or referred spinal pain.
When appropriate, a diagnostic local anaesthetic injection may be used to confirm the pain source and guide treatment.
Our physiotherapists and rehabilitation partners play a key role in long-term recovery. Treatment focuses on:
Hydrotherapy can help restore mobility through low-impact, supported exercise.
Our pain psychology partners offer support for managing the emotional and behavioural aspects of persistent pain, using pacing and relaxation strategies.
At Wessex Pain Clinic, we work as a team and meet regularly to discuss complex, treatment resistant or unusual cases. As such you will often receive the expertise of several pain consultants. We believe that we are one of very few pain clinics to offer this.
We may prescribe:
Medication is often used alongside physical therapy to optimise outcomes.
Our consultants perform ultrasound-guided and x-ray guided injections directly into the affected bursa
Our treatment approach for GTPS is multidisciplinary and tailored, combining precise medical management, image-guided interventions, and specialist rehabilitation to relieve pain and restore movement.
Our friendly team is on hand to support you every step of the way. Please get in touch at any time.
