- What it is
- Irritated hip tendons and bursa
- How we treat it
- Focused shockwave + corrective exercise
- Typical plan
- Usually 3 to 6 sessions
- Referral
- Not needed
What causes pain on the outside of the hip?
Your glute muscles attach to a bony point on the outside of the hip through strong tendons, with a small fluid-filled cushion (a bursa) nearby. When those tendons are overloaded, the area becomes painful and tender. It's often called hip bursitis, though the tendons are usually the main problem. The medical name is greater trochanteric pain syndrome.
Common symptoms
- Pain and tenderness on the outside of the hip
- Pain when lying on that side at night
- Pain climbing stairs, walking uphill, or standing up from a chair
- Pain after standing on one leg or crossing your legs
What causes it
- Weak glute and hip muscles
- A sudden jump in walking, running, or hiking
- Crossing your legs or standing with your weight on one hip
- Low back problems and differences in how you walk
How we treat it
We check your hip, lower back, and how you walk to find what's overloading the tendons. Then we build a plan around three steps:
- Focused shockwave therapy, which research supports for this type of hip pain
- Soft tissue work and adjustments for the hip and lower back
- Corrective exercises that strengthen your glutes and hips, plus tips for sleeping and sitting
Where we see you
We have two offices, both inside Parkway Athletic Club and open to everyone, no gym membership needed. South Reno is on Double Diamond Parkway, close to Damonte Ranch and South Meadows. Sparks is on East Lincoln Way, near The Outlets at Legends.
Questions
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
Richard Wolf, the maker of our PiezoWave2T, describes the treatment as gentle and for the most part pain-free. Most people feel a firm tapping, and we adjust the intensity to your comfort. No needles or anesthesia.
How many sessions will I need?
Usually 3 to 6 sessions, each about 10 to 20 minutes. Dr. Covert will map out your plan at your first visit based on your exam.
When should I see a medical doctor instead?
If you fell and now can't put weight on your leg, see a medical doctor right away, since that can be a fracture, especially in older adults. Also see a doctor first for a hot, swollen hip with a fever, or deep groin pain that keeps getting worse.
Is shockwave covered by insurance?
Shockwave therapy isn't covered by insurance. Call us for current pricing, and we'll go over the cost before you start.
Paying yourself? You have the right to a Good Faith Estimate
Do I need a referral?
No referral needed. You can book directly with Dr. Covert online or by phone.