The pattern behind Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome or GTPS for short is surprisingly consistent. Numbers from large studies put it at about 15% of women and 8% of men over a lifetime, with a yearly rate near 1.8 per 1,000. Most cases cluster between ages 40–60 and people with a higher BMI raises the risk by about 2.8 times.
Here is how it shows up in the room. The outside of your hip aches when you lie down or put weight on the affected side. You may remedy that with rest, but the pain will most likely return as soon as you get back to a normal pace.
That cycle tells me the tissue is still being squeezed and the hip is still taking load it cannot handle.
My plan at The Disc Chiropractic in Wheat Ridge is simple, here’s how we do it and what else you may need to know about GTPS.
What Is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome is an outer-hip disorder. It most often involves tendinopathy of the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus at their insertions on the greater trochanter, sometimes with partial-thickness tearing.
Bursitis may coexist, but in many cases tendon degeneration is the leading pathology rather than isolated bursitis.
Common symptoms of GTPS includes:
- Leg pain and tenderness over the greater trochanter (outer hip).
- Pain that worsen when lying on the affected side.
- Walking with a noticeable limp during flare ups.
- Pain that may spread into the outer thigh or buttock, usually not below the knee.
- Pain or stiffness with the first steps after prolonged sitting.
Common Causes of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Gluteus Medius Tendinopathy
This is the main driver in most people I see. Repeated load from long walks strains the abductor tendons. Over time the fibers weaken and thicken, which makes the outer hip sore and easy to flare.
Bursitis
The bursa over the greater trochanter can swell when the area is compressed and irritated. Often people feel sharp, pinpoint tenderness on the bony spot, and side-lying on that hip is tough.
External Snapping Hip
The band or the front fibers of the gluteus maximus slide over the greater trochanter and “snap.” That friction keeps the bursa and nearby tendons irritated, so the region stays sensitive and tight, especially with walking on a slope or repeated stairs.
Osteoarthritis
When the ball-and-socket joint is stiff or painful, gait changes. Many people shorten their steps or lean their trunk to protect the joint. That shift raises compression at the outer hip and triggers Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome.
Chronic Low Back Pain
When the lower back hurts, the pelvis and trunk do not control side-to-side motion as well. The hip abductors have to work harder to hold the pelvis level during single-leg stance, which increases strain at the greater trochanter.
How We Treat GTPS at The Disc Chiropractic
Chiropractic Adjustments
Using my hands or with the aid of an instrument, I use gentle and precise thrusts to the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hips to reduce compression at the greater trochanter and restore better joint alignment.
Shockwave Therapy
Using the Intelect® RPW 2, acoustic waves pass through the tender areas and break up calcified scar tissues and trigger points, these in turn boost local blood flow thus inducing your body’s natural healing process. Sessions are short, often just 10 minutes.
Therapeutic Exercises
After treatment we start with isometrics to settle the tendon, then move to eccentric loading to build capacity, and finish with functional abductors. Week by week, we raise the workload in a way your hip can handle, so strength returns without flare-ups.
FAQs About Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
What is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome, and how is it different from hip arthritis ?
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome is pain from the outer-hip tissues near the greater trochanter. It usually causes side-lying pain and focal tenderness on the hip’s bony point. Hip arthritis is felt more in the groin.
What specifically causes Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome to develop or flare?
Common drivers are gluteus medius or gluteus minimus tendinopathy (sometimes with a partial-thickness tear), trochanteric bursitis, and external snapping hip from the iliotibial band or anterior gluteus maximus sliding over the trochanter.
How is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome diagnosed?
Doctors will palpate the greater trochanter, and use tendon-loading and side-lying tests for confirmation. They may also check pelvic and lumbar mechanics and screen for hip joint or nerve signs.
How is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome treated ?
Chiropractors restore hip and pelvic mechanics with precise adjustments, in conjunction with the use of shockwave therapy for stubborn tendon or bursal irritation, and coach a phased loading plan for the abductors.
How long does recovery from Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome take, and will I need surgery?
With consistent care, many mild to moderate cases improve within 4–8 weeks; long-standing cases can take longer. Surgery is usually considered only after a solid course of conservative care without progress.
Take the Next Step Toward Lasting Hip Relief
I help people with outer-hip pain at every stage. Nothing here is one-size-fits-all. Your plan is built around your exam. If you’re ready for more than quick fixes, and want a clear plan grounded in methods that hold up in the clinic, I’d be glad to help you move forward.
Start with our $97 New Patient Special to get a clear diagnosis and a personalized recovery plan.
Book an Appointment Now or Call: 720-573-4910 to get started.