Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: Why the Side of the Hip Hurts
Pain at the side of the hip often involves the gluteal tendons and compression around the greater trochanter. It may be aggravated by lying on that side, prolonged standing on one leg, hills or a sudden rise in walking or running.
What does this mean?
GTPS is broader than 'bursitis'. Tendon sensitivity and load tolerance are often important. Hip-joint, lumbar-spine and nerve-related pain can produce similar symptoms.
How we would assess this at Ben Cohen Osteopathy
We start by listening to the history and understanding which everyday, work or sporting activities have changed. The examination is then selected to test the most likely explanation and important alternatives.
map tenderness and test hip abductor loading
examine the hip joint, lumbar spine and neurological system
review walking, running, sleeping positions and recent load changes
Treatment and rehabilitation: practical examples
Treatment is individual rather than a standard sequence of techniques. Where osteopathy is appropriate, hands-on care may be used to help symptoms or movement, but the longer-term plan usually depends on progressive activity and rehabilitation.
reduce sustained compressive positions temporarily
progress hip abductor strength from tolerable to functional loads
rebuild walking, stair and running capacity
What progress may look like
Progress is rarely perfectly linear. We would normally agree one or two functional markers—such as walking time, stairs, sleep, lifting, heel raises or return to training—and review whether capacity is improving. A temporary flare does not automatically mean damage, but a major or unexpected change should be reassessed.
When should you seek medical help?
inability to bear weight after a fall, fever, severe groin pain or rapidly worsening neurological symptoms needs medical review
Useful next steps
If you would like an individual assessment, book an appointment online at Loughton, South Woodford, Chigwell or Epping.
Frequently asked questions
Can osteopathy help?
It may help when examination supports a musculoskeletal diagnosis within an osteopath's scope. We will explain if another clinician, imaging or medical review is more appropriate.
Will I need a scan?
Often not. Imaging is most useful when it can answer a focused question and alter management. We will explain the reason if it is recommended.
How many appointments will I need?
That depends on the diagnosis, duration, goals and early response. We set a review point and avoid recommending treatment without a clear purpose.
This article provides general information and cannot diagnose an individual problem. Clinical recommendations depend on an appropriate history and examination.
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