If you are experiencing discomfort in your buttock area, particularly while sitting, walking or standing, you might have a condition called gluteal tendinopathy. This condition typically occurs when the tendons that attach your hip flexor and gluteal muscles to your pelvis become irritation and swollen. Glute tendinopathy does not heal overnight, and you might be wondering whether it goes away on its own. In this blog post, we will explore what glute tendinopathy is, the factors that influence its development, and how you can alleviate the symptoms.
What is Glute Tendinopathy?
Glute tendinopathy is a condition that affects the tendons that connect your gluteal muscles to your hip bones. Your glute muscles may become inflamed or injured, causing pain in the buttock area, particularly when getting up after sitting for prolonged periods or when performing activities such as climbing stairs. In some cases, the pain can radiate down to the outer thigh and knee. It is more common in women than men, especially in middle-aged individuals and in those who participate in high-impact activities such as running or jumping.
What Causes Glute Tendinopathy?
Several factors can contribute to the development of glute tendinopathy. These include a sudden increase in physical activity, repetitive movements that strain the gluteal muscles, and age-related degeneration. Individuals who have a sedentary lifestyle, poor posture, or pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions such as hip arthritis are also at an increased risk of developing tendinopathy.
Can Glute Tendinopathy Go Away on its Own?
Glute tendinopathy does not typically resolve on its own, and it is essential to seek treatment to alleviate the symptoms and prevent further damage to the muscles and tendons. Treatment options for glute tendinopathy include physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and medication. Physiotherapy or chiropractic care can help to stretch and strengthen the gluteal muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility and range of motion. Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also be used to alleviate pain and inflammation.
How Can You Manage Glute Tendinopathy?
In addition to seeking professional treatment, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to manage the symptoms of glute tendinopathy. These include avoiding activities that aggravate the pain, such as running or jumping, and instead, engaging in low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling. You should also adopt proper posture, especially when sitting for prolonged periods, and use a cushion to support your buttocks.
In conclusion, glute tendinopathy is a condition that affects the tendons connecting your gluteal muscles to your pelvis. It can cause pain, discomfort, and limitations in mobility, particularly when sitting, walking, or standing. While the condition does not typically resolve on its own, seeking professional treatment, adopting lifestyle changes, and undergoing physiotherapy or chiropractic care can help to alleviate the symptoms and prevent further damage to the muscles and tendons. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your gluteal muscles, it is essential to seek medical attention to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Sam Heslip, RMT, or another Waterloo registered massage therapist (RMT) at CARESPACE.We are happy to listen and are here to help!
