Lateral Hip Pain Treatment in Auckland: A Physiotherapy Case Study

carerehabphysio
Jul 13
2 min read

Lateral hip pain is a common condition we see at our Auckland physiotherapy clinic. It can make simple activities like walking, sleeping, and exercising extremely difficult.

In this case study, we share how a structured physiotherapy programme helped a patient recover from severe lateral hip pain and return to a pain-free, active lifestyle.

What Is Lateral Hip Pain?

Lateral hip pain refers to discomfort on the outside of the hip and is often linked to conditions such as:

Gluteal tendinopathy
Trochanteric bursitis
Labral pathology

This group of conditions is commonly known as Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS).

Patient Case: Severe Hip Pain Affecting Daily Life

Our patient presented with:

Persistent pain on the outside of the hip
Difficulty with walking
Severe night pain, unable to sleep comfortably
Stopped gym exercise and walking due to pain

This significantly impacted her quality of life and daily function.

MRI Findings

Imaging revealed:

Labral tear with chondral thinning/delamination
High-grade partial tear of the gluteus minimus
Low-grade partial tear of the gluteus medius tendon
Trochanteric bursa thickening

Despite these findings, surgery was not the first option — physiotherapy was recommended.

How We Treated Lateral Hip Pain

At our Auckland physio clinic, we used a combined treatment approach:

1. Shockwave Therapy for Hip Pain

Shockwave therapy helped to:

Promote healing of tendon tissue
Reduce pain
Improve recovery in chronic conditions

2. Manual Therapy

Hands-on treatment focused on:

Reducing muscle tightness
Improving hip and pelvic mobility
Addressing movement restrictions

3. Exercise Rehabilitation Programme

A tailored programme included:

Progressive glute strengthening
Controlled tendon loading
Functional retraining for walking and daily activity
Gradual return to gym exercise

Results: Pain-Free and Back to Activity

After completing her physiotherapy programme, the patient achieved:

✔️ No hip pain✔️ Sleeping comfortably through the night✔️ Returned to gym training✔️ Walking pain-free✔️ Improved strength and confidence

Can Physiotherapy Help Lateral Hip Pain?

Yes — even with MRI findings such as tendon tears or labral changes, physiotherapy is often highly effective.

The key is:

Accurate diagnosis
Structured rehabilitation
Gradual loading of the hip tendons

When Should You See a Physio for Hip Pain?

You should seek assessment if you have:

Pain on the outside of your hip
Pain when lying on your side
Difficulty walking or exercising
Persistent symptoms lasting more than a few weeks