Why Do I Have Pain on the Outside of My Hip? Understanding Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

If you have pain on the outside of your hip that makes it hard to sleep on your side, walk up stairs, or get in and out of the car, you may be dealing with something called Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome, often called GTPS.

Many people are told they have “hip bursitis,” but in many cases, the real problem is a little more complex.

At Thrive Chiropractic & Functional Health, we help patients every week who are struggling with this kind of hip pain. The good news is that there are effective, non-surgical treatment options that can help.

Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?

GTPS is a condition that causes pain on the outside of the hip.

The greater trochanter is the bony bump on the side of your hip. Several important tendons attach there, especially the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus tendons. These muscles help stabilize your pelvis when you walk, stand, and move.

When these tendons become irritated, weak, or damaged, pain develops.

Sometimes the small fluid-filled sac called the bursa also becomes irritated, which is why people often hear the term “bursitis.”

But research shows that many chronic cases are actually more about tendon damage than just inflammation.

Common Symptoms of GTPS

People with GTPS often notice:

• Pain on the outside of the hip

• Pain when lying on that side at night

• Pain walking up stairs

• Pain getting out of a chair

• Pain getting in and out of the car

• Pain after long walks

• Pain standing on one leg

• Tenderness when pressing on the side of the hip

Sometimes the pain travels down the outside of the thigh, which can make people think it is coming from their back.

Why GTPS Happens

GTPS usually develops over time.

It often starts from repeated stress on the hip tendons. This can happen from:

• Walking or running changes

• Weak hip muscles

• Poor movement patterns

• Previous injuries

• Low back problems

• Sitting too much

• Sudden increases in activity

Over time, the tendon may not heal properly.

Instead of strong, healthy tissue, it can develop poor blood flow, weaker collagen, and chronic irritation.

This is why rest alone often does not solve the problem.

Why Traditional Treatments Often Fail

Many people are told to rest, take anti-inflammatory medication, or get a cortisone injection.

Sometimes this helps for a short time.

But if the real problem is a poorly healed tendon, not just inflammation, the pain often comes back.

That is why chronic GTPS needs a treatment plan focused on healing the tendon—not just covering up symptoms.

How We Treat GTPS

At Thrive Chiropractic & Functional Health, we often combine:

1. Acoustic Wave Therapy (Shockwave Therapy)

This helps stimulate healing by improving blood flow, increasing collagen production, and reducing pain sensitivity in the damaged tendon.

2. Chiropractic Care

Improving movement in the low back, pelvis, and hip can reduce stress on the irritated tissue.

3. Targeted Rehab Exercises

Specific strengthening exercises help rebuild the glute muscles and improve long-term stability.

This combination helps address the real cause of the problem.

Can GTPS Get Better?

Yes—absolutely.

Most people improve very well when the right treatment is used.

The key is identifying whether the problem is true tendon dysfunction and creating a plan that helps the tissue heal.

Ignoring it usually makes it worse.

Final Thoughts

If pain on the outside of your hip is affecting your sleep, walking, or daily life, do not assume it is “just bursitis.”

It may be Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome.

And the right treatment can make a huge difference.

Schedule your Complimentary Pain Relief Consultation at Thrive Chiropractic & Functional Health today and let’s find out what is really causing your hip pain.

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation

This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any healthcare concerns, decisions, and actions must be made through the advice and counsel of a healthcare professional familiar with your updated medical history.