Gluteal Tendinopathy Treatment in Cincinnati | SoftWave Therapy at Simply Well Chiropractic
Schedule your $49 Discovery Session today!
What is gluteal tendinopathy?
Gluteal tendinopathy is irritation and degeneration of the tendons of your gluteus medius and minimus muscles where they attach on the bony point at the side of your hip (the greater trochanter). Instead of a simple “inflamed bursa,” research now shows that these sore outer hips are usually due to tendon overload and compression, often grouped under “greater trochanteric pain syndrome.”
This problem is especially common in women over 40, runners, and people who spend a lot of time standing, walking hills or stairs, or doing repetitive single‑leg activities. For many, it starts as a mild ache and gradually becomes a sharp, burning, or bruised feeling at the side of the hip.
Common gluteal tendinopathy symptoms people notice
If you have gluteal tendinopathy, you may recognize several of these symptoms:
- Pain or tenderness on the outside of your hip, directly over the bony bump.
- Pain that can spread down the outer thigh, sometimes toward the knee.
- Hip pain when lying on your side in bed, often waking you up at night.
- Discomfort with walking, climbing stairs or hills, standing on one leg, or getting out of low chairs or cars.
- A constant ache or “bruised” feeling on the side of the hip, worse first thing in the morning or after sitting.
Many people are told they have “hip bursitis,” sciatica, or arthritis, but the true pain generator is the gluteal tendons themselves. The good news is that when we treat the tendon correctly, sleep, walking, and daily activities become much more comfortable.
Why gluteal tendinopathy happens
Gluteal tendinopathy usually develops over time, not from one single injury. Common contributors include:
- Sudden increases in walking, running, or stair climbing (like starting a new program or trip)
- Weakness or poor control of the hip muscles, which overloads the tendons.
- Repeated compression of the tendons, for example from crossing your legs, standing with your hip “hanging” to one side, or sleeping on the painful hip.
- Hormonal and age‑related changes in tendon tissue, especially in mid‑life women.
Over time, the tendon fibers become disorganized and sensitive, so normal loads like walking or lying on your side can become very painful. That’s why rest alone rarely fixes it long‑term, and why smart load management plus progressive strengthening are key.
How SoftWave Therapy in Cincinnati can help with gluteal tendinopathy
At Simply Well Chiropractic’s SoftWave Therapy center in Cincinnati, we combine detailed assessment, evidence‑based rehab, and advanced technology to calm the tendon and restore strength. Your visit typically includes:
- Thorough exam of your hip, low back, and gait to confirm gluteal tendinopathy and rule out other causes of hip or leg pain.
- Education on what to avoid (like certain stretches, side‑lying positions, and prolonged hip‑crossing) and how to modify daily activities so the tendon can heal.
- A graded strengthening program focused on the gluteus medius and minimus, starting with low‑load isometrics and progressing to functional, weight‑bearing exercises.
- Manual therapy and chiropractic care when appropriate to address contributing factors in your spine, pelvis, and gait mechanics.
For many stubborn cases, we also integrate SoftWave Therapy (a form of shockwave) to help stimulate tendon healing and reduce pain so you can tolerate rehab more comfortably.tment field and a comfortable, non-invasive experience.
SoftWave / shockwave therapy for gluteal tendinopathy
High‑quality research shows extracorporeal shockwave therapy can significantly reduce pain and improve function in people with confirmed gluteal tendinopathy. In recent studies, focused or combined shockwave has produced long‑term pain relief and high treatment success rates compared to options like corticosteroid injections.
At our Cincinnati SoftWave Therapy clinic, treatment sessions are designed to:
- Increase blood flow and stimulate tissue regeneration within the gluteal tendons.
- Decrease pain sensitivity so you can sleep better and move more normally.
- Support the strengthening process so your hip muscles can gradually tolerate more load without flaring up.
SoftWave is non‑invasive and performed in‑office, and most patients are able to walk out and resume light daily activities right away. Treatment is typically combined with a personalized home program so you get both rapid symptom relief and long‑term tendon resilience.
Cincinnati’s trusted softwave provider
Dr. Faith Swartzendruber is a licensed chiropractor and SoftWave Therapy provider in Cincinnati, Ohio, who helps people recover from gluteal tendinopathy and persistent hip pain. She focuses on easing discomfort, restoring strength and mobility, and supporting the body’s natural healing process—without surgery or reliance on medication. Using an evidence-informed, individualized approach, Dr. Faith combines SoftWave Therapy with targeted chiropractic and rehabilitative care to encourage lasting recovery and improved hip function.
Dr. Faith earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2022.
She holds Ohio chiropractic license (DC-05144).
Dr. Faith Swartzendruber, DC, integrates her SoftWave Therapy training and chiropractic license with her education background to deliver SoftWave treatments that are both clinically informed and patient-centered.
Dr. Faith has helped hundreds of Cincinnati patients overcome chronic pain with SoftWave Therapy and chiropractic care.
Schedule a softwave therapy appointment for gluteal tendinopathy
You don’t have to wait until you can’t sleep or walk without pain to get your hip checked. It’s time to schedule an evaluation at Simply Well Chiropractic’s Cincinnati SoftWave Therapy clinic if:
- Hip or outer thigh pain has lasted more than a few weeks.
- You avoid lying on one side because of pain.
- Walking, stairs, or standing on one leg feel weak, wobbly, or painful.
- You have been told you have “hip bursitis,” “greater trochanteric pain syndrome,” or “gluteal tendinopathy” and still don’t have lasting relief.
Call Simply Well Chiropractic or request an appointment online today to schedule a gluteal tendinopathy evaluation at our Cincinnati SoftWave Therapy clinic.
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Faith Swartzendruber, DC
Ohio Chiropractic License: DC-05144 | Palmer College of Chiropractic
Founder, Simply Well Chiropractic, Cincinnati