Physical Therapy for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Physical Therapy for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome in Kansas City
The greater trochanter is part of your femur on the outside of your hip where your gluteal muscles attach to your femur. This place of attachment has a bursa, a small sac of fluid that acts as a cushion for the bone and protects the muscle’s tendon. The bursa can become irritated when the muscles surrounding it are functioning improperly. This results in an inflammatory process—and subsequent pain.
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome, commonly referred to as trochanteric bursitis, can also include other dysfunctions of the hip, such as gluteal tendinopathy, IT band disorders, and myofascial trigger points.
GTPS Symptoms
- Pain over the outside of the hip that can radiate down the side of the thigh
- Pain when standing for long periods of time
- Pain going up stairs
- Pain rising from a chair
- Pain walking or running
- Pain with lying on your hip or crossing your leg
- Swelling over the outside of the hip
Physical Therapy Treatment of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Conservative treatments for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome are often very successful. At F.I.T. Muscle & Joint Clinic in Kansas City, our physical therapists utilize soft tissue work, including Active Release Technique, FAKTR, and dry needling to address soft tissue restrictions and decrease inflammation. This will be complemented with rehab exercises to correct abnormal bio-mechanical movements that may be occurring.

Our Treatment Process
The physical therapists at F. I.T. Muscle & Joint Clinic use research-based techniques and evidence-based functional testing to address GTPS. Our physical therapy treatment process corrects any muscle imbalances and tissue restrictions that may be contributing to movement dysfunctions.
Our thorough evaluation will assess core and lower extremity strength, dynamic stability, balance, and proprioception to create a personalized treatment program to not only rehabilitate injury but also contribute to improved sport or activity specific performance.
Possible Treatments for greater trochanteric pain syndrome
For other treatment options, check out our chiropractic services for greater trochanteric pain syndrome.

Graston Technique
The physical therapy Graston technique is one of the leading instrument assisted soft tissue therapies for the treatment of muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves.
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Active Release Technique
Active Release Technique (A.R.T) is one of the leading soft tissue therapies for the treatment of muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves.
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Dry Needling
Dry Needling is the process of using a thin needle inserted into a trigger point to relieve a contracture within a muscle.
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
What is greater trochanteric bursitis?
Greater trochanteric bursitis is an overuse injury related to improper movements and muscle imbalances of the pelvis and hips. A bursa acts a cushion to the bone, protecting the attachment site of a muscle. When a muscle is functioning incorrectly, it leads to more force through the tendon, which irritates the bursa it overlies and creates pain.
What kind of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome exercises can I do?
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome exercises often include rebalancing the muscles of the hip and strengthening the muscles that help support the pelvis. This may also include stretching and flexibility exercises that target any tight spots or joint restrictions to reduce the load placed on the painful area of the hip and stabilizing the core.
are you suffering from gtps?
Take a couple of minutes to tell us about your symptoms and pain areas. Prefer to chat over the phone? Call us for a free phone consultation.
Visit your local F.I.T. Physical Therapist
Meet the team at any of our 10 locations: Lee’s Summit, Crossroads, Liberty, Blue Valley, Overland Park, Leawood, Paola, Olathe, Kansas City & Shawnee.