Every runner feels the excitement of being out on the road, the rhythmic pounding of their feet, and the undeniable sense of freedom that comes with each stride. But what happens when that joy is persistently interrupted by long-lasting, nagging pain in the buttocks ?
If you've ever experienced this discomfort, reading this will help you gain a better understanding of your issue.
You may be facing the issue of gluteal tendinopathy.
Gluteal tendinopathy is a condition where the tendons in your buttock muscles can become painful and irritated, often causing discomfort, particularly for people who engage in a lot of running or physical activity. The condition mostly occurs in mid-life, especially among athletes, with females being more afflicted than males.
How do you develop this condition?
Gluteal tendinopathy in runners can develop due to a combination of factors, including overuse of the gluteal muscles, improper running biomechanics, inadequate warm-up or stretching, and insufficient muscle strength and flexibility in the hip and buttock area.
Quick pick-up signs for gluteal tendinopathy:
 • Gluteal tendinopathy in runners is often marked by lateral hip pain or tenderness in the buttocks.
• The onset of pain is frequently insidious, associated with changes in training load or physical activity.
 • Stiffness in the lateral hip or buttock area.
• Discomfort when climbing stairs or rising from a seated position.
How can a physiotherapist help you in this condition ?Â
• Biomechanical Assessment: They can assess your running or movement patterns to identify and address any issues contributing to the condition.
 • Pain Relief: Some manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue massage, trigger point release, or dry needling in the gluteal muscles, can help reduce pain.
• Taping: Taping techniques in gluteal tendinopathy can help provide support and reduce pain by minimizing tension on the affected tendons.
• Exercises: Specific exercises target the gluteal muscles, helping to improve their strength and stability, which can reduce strain on the tendons.
• Footwear Modification: Footwear modification in gluteal tendinopathy involves choosing shoes with proper arch support and cushioning to reduce strain on the affected tendons and improve overall foot and leg biomechanics.
Recovery from gluteal tendinopathy can take time, so be patient and consistent with your treatment plan. It's essential not to rush back into activity too soon to prevent reinjury.