Gluteal Tendinopathy Treatment Using LLLT/PBMT
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), uses red and near-infrared light applied over targeted areas. In our clinic it is used as part of a GP-led treatment approach for selected musculoskeletal pain and injury presentations, including gluteal tendinopathy and related lateral hip pain.
PBMT/LLLT is non-invasive and generally well tolerated. Suitability and response vary, and treatment recommendations depend on the diagnosis, severity, duration of symptoms and individual clinical factors. PBMT/LLLT has been studied for a range of musculoskeletal pain and injury conditions. See our references page for supporting literature.
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Key Points
- Gluteal tendinopathy, sometimes called hip tendonitis, is a common overuse injury affecting the gluteus medius, minimus and surrounding tendons, often causing lateral hip pain.
- It results from repeated strain, micro-tears or degeneration of the hip tendons and may be accompanied by hip bursitis or irritation of deeper muscles such as the piriformis.
- Common causes include overtraining, prolonged standing or walking, biomechanical issues or sudden increases in activity, but it can affect anyone, not only athletes.
- Typical symptoms include outer hip pain, stiffness, pain when lying on the affected side, tenderness over the greater trochanter and pain radiating down the thigh.
- Standard treatments such as rest, anti-inflammatory medication, stretching, cortisone or PRP may offer temporary symptom relief for some people, but are not suitable or effective for everyone.
- Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), or Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is considered for selected gluteal tendinopathy presentations where tendon irritation, pain or local inflammatory processes are contributing to symptoms.
- LLLT may be particularly relevant where pain limits rehabilitation or exercise, or where loading, stretching or other interventions have provided only temporary or partial relief.
- Treatment is GP-led by Dr Shikha Parmar and delivered under medical supervision as part of a structured six-week program tailored to the patient’s condition.
- LLLT can be considered for people with persistent lateral hip pain or gluteal tendinopathy who have not improved with usual conservative care, after appropriate medical assessment.
What Is Gluteal Tendinopathy?
Gluteal tendinopathy, also referred to as hip tendonitis, is a common cause of lateral hip pain or pain in the muscles and tendons of the buttock. It involves degeneration and inflammation of the gluteal tendons, most commonly the gluteus medius and minimus tendons, which attach the gluteal muscles to the outside of the hip at the greater trochanter. This condition may also coexist with inflammation of the nearby bursae, termed hip bursitis or trochanteric bursitis.
Gluteal tendinopathy is typically an overuse injury in which the gluteal tendons degenerate or sustain damage and become irritated. It results from repeated loading or strain on the tendons, leading to micro-tears, pain and impaired function over time.
It can involve one or more of the gluteal tendons, including the gluteus maximus, medius and minimus, and may coexist with irritation of deeper muscles including the piriformis, obturator, gemellus and quadratus femoris. The piriformis muscle can also become strained. Read more on our dedicated Piriformis Syndrome page here.
Causes of Gluteal Tendinopathy
Several factors may contribute to the development of gluteal tendinopathy:
- Overtraining or a sudden increase in activity levels, often described as “too much, too soon”
- Jogging and jumping
- Prolonged walking or standing, especially on hard surfaces
- Transitioning to uneven or harder surfaces, such as moving from grass to pavement
- Wearing unsupportive shoes or high heels for long periods
- Repetitive movements such as hill walking or running
- Underlying biomechanical issues or altered gait due to other conditions
Although athletes are commonly affected, the condition can affect anyone whose daily activities place stress on the hip region. Most tendon injuries result from gradual wear and tear associated with overuse or ageing, although a gluteal tendon injury can also occur suddenly.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Pain, tightness or tenderness on the outer side of the hip
- Discomfort during walking, climbing stairs, or standing after prolonged sitting
- Morning stiffness or stiffness after periods of rest or at the onset of exertion
- A burning or aching sensation during or after activity
- Pain when lying on the affected side, often disrupting sleep
- Weakness or reduced flexibility in the hip area
- Pain radiating down the side of the thigh over the iliotibial band, sometimes referred to as ITB syndrome. Read more on our dedicated ITB Syndrome page here.
How Is Gluteal Tendinopathy Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on a thorough clinical evaluation. A detailed history regarding pain onset, activity level and functional impact is obtained, followed by physical examination focusing on localised tenderness and movement patterns.
Ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm tendon damage and any related bursal involvement, or to exclude other causes of hip pain. X-rays can identify associated hip joint pathology such as osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia or other structural changes that may be contributing to gluteal pain.
Gluteal Tendinopathy – Treatment Overview
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is a non-invasive treatment approach used as part of a structured program for selected gluteal tendinopathy presentations. It may help modulate pain and local inflammatory processes and support tendon and soft tissue recovery without adding mechanical stress to sensitive hip structures.
Why Consider Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?
Many patients present after limited relief from rest, ice, pain medication, cortisone or strengthening exercises. These approaches may ease symptoms temporarily, but are not suitable for every stage of recovery, especially if loading or stretching aggravates sensitive tendon tissue.
Why ice, anti-inflammatories, cortisone, and PRP may not support long-term recovery. Read more here.
How LLLT Supports Healing
LLLT uses red and near-infrared light and may support:
- Helping modulate inflammation and oxidative stress
- Local circulation and oxygen delivery
- Lymphatic drainage
- Cellular energy production (ATP)
- Tendon and soft tissue recovery processes where irritation is present
- Assisting pain reduction without mechanical loading or stressing the injured tendon
Non-Invasive and Supported by Research
PBMT/LLLT is non-invasive and generally well tolerated. It has been studied in a range of musculoskeletal pain and injury conditions. Individual responses vary, and outcomes depend on the condition being treated and the stage of recovery.. Read more here.
See how LLLT may support the cellular environment involved in tissue recovery here.
Our Treatment Program
All patients are assessed by Dr Shikha Parmar (GP). Treatment is delivered within a structured six-week program, including:
- Up to 12 LLLT sessions
- Early progress review after the first 6 treatments
- Individualised advice and activity modification
- Guided rehabilitation to support longer-term function
Progress is reviewed during the program. Many patients notice appreciable improvement after the first 6 treatments. If there has not been sufficient improvement by this review point, further treatment may not be recommended.
View the full treatment protocol and expected outcomes here.
Ready to Discuss Your Gluteal Tendinopathy Treatment Options?
If you are experiencing persistent outer hip pain or have been diagnosed with gluteal tendinopathy, we invite you to contact our team at Laser Pain Therapy to discuss the suitability of LLLT for your presentation. Treatment suitability and outcomes vary, and assessment is required before recommendations can be made.
Contact us to arrange your consultation.
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