Focused Shockwave for Hip Bursitis (Trochanteric Pain Syndrome)

If you’ve been struggling with pain on the outside of your hip, especially when lying on your side, climbing stairs or after sitting for long periods, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with hip bursitis or greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). At My Family Podiatry in Albany Creek, we see this condition regularly, particularly in people whose hip pain stems from lower limb alignment issues, foot posture or weak gluteal control.

What Is Hip Bursitis?

Your hip has several bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion tendons where they run over bone. The most common one involved in hip pain is the trochanteric bursa, which sits over the bony bump on the outside of the hip called the greater trochanter.

When this bursa becomes inflamed or compressed, it can cause sharp pain over the outer hip that may radiate down the outside of the thigh. While “hip bursitis” is a common term, most patients actually have a combination of bursal irritation and gluteal tendon overload, known as greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS).

Why It Happens

GTPS is rarely just a hip problem.Often, it develops as a result of imbalances in the way you walk or move. Common contributors include:

• Foot posture – Excessive pronation can cause internal rotation at the knee and hip, increasing strain through the gluteal tendons.

• Weak glutes or lateral hip muscles – This causes poor pelvic control during walking or running.

• Overuse or poor training progression – Sudden increases in walking, running or gym activity.

• Direct compression – Prolonged side-lying, sitting cross-legged or leaning into one hip can irritate the area.

We also see GTPS more often in hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), where joint laxity causes ongoing stress on tendons and surrounding structures.

The Role of Shockwave Therapy

At My Family Podiatry, we use EMS Dolorclast Focused Shockwave Therapy to help manage hip bursitis and associated tendon pain.

Shockwave therapy delivers high-energy acoustic waves to the injured tissue, stimulating blood flow and promoting the body’s natural healing response. The treatment can reduce pain, encourage tissue repair and help remodel chronic degenerative tendon tissue.

For hip bursitis and gluteal tendinopathy, focused shockwave allows us to target deeper tissues like the gluteus medius and minimus tendons where inflammation and micro-tears often occur.

What to Expect in a Session

Your appointment begins with a thorough assessment of your hip and lower limb. This may involve a referral for a diagnostic ultrasound to confirm whether your pain is coming from the bursa, the gluteal tendons or both.

Once we’ve identified the source of your pain, we apply the shockwave handpiece directly to the affected area. Each shockwave session typically lasts 10-15 minutes before working on strengthening exercises in our rehab space. Most patients describe the sensation as mildly uncomfortable but manageable.

You can expect:

• Improved pain levels within 2 to 3 sessions.

• Continued tissue regeneration for several weeks after the final treatment.

• Minimal downtime, as you can usually continue normal activities immediately after.

Radial vs Focused Shockwave

Our clinic is equipped with both focused and radial EMS Dolorclast systems.

• Focused shockwave penetrates deeper and is ideal for the gluteal tendons and bursal region around the hip.

• Radial shockwave spreads energy more broadly and can be applied to surrounding muscles such as the gluteus maximus and iliotibial band to release tension and improve overall function.

Using both technologies together provides a comprehensive approach to treating GTPS, addressing the tendon pathology and relieving muscular overload that perpetuates pain.

Supporting Treatments

Shockwave therapy is most effective when combined with:

• Targeted strengthening for the gluteal muscles and lateral hip stabilisers.

• Foot posture assessment to ensure alignment supports hip function.

• Custom orthotics if excessive pronation or poor biomechanics are contributing.

• Load management strategies to gradually build tissue resilience without aggravating pain.

Our team uses VALD Force Decks to measure symmetry and strength, ensuring your rehabilitation is backed by objective data.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve been dealing with persistent hip pain that isn’t resolving with rest, massage or stretching, it’s time to get assessed. Pain that’s been present for months can become chronic and harder to treat, but with the right diagnosis and structured care, full recovery is achievable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does shockwave therapy feel like?

It’s a pulsing sensation that can be mildly uncomfortable, but most patients tolerate it well. The intensity can be adjusted during treatment.

How many sessions will I need?

Most patients require 3 to 6 sessions, spaced about a week apart, depending on the severity and chronicity of their condition.

Can shockwave therapy help hip bursitis caused by hypermobility or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

Yes. By reducing chronic tendon pain and dysfunction, shockwave therapy can support symptom management and help restore function in patients with connective tissue disorders.

Is there downtime after treatment?

No. You can return to normal daily activities immediately, though high-intensity exercise should be limited for 48 hours after a session.

The Bottom Line

Hip bursitis and greater trochanteric pain syndrome can be debilitating, but they don’t have to become a long-term issue. At My Family Podiatry, we combine evidence-based treatments including focused and radial EMS Dolorclast Shockwave Therapy with strength, posture and gait assessment to help you move comfortably again.

If you’re struggling with outer hip pain, book your assessment with our team in Albany Creek today.

Book Now