Does anyone have gluteal tendinopathy? Any successful treatments?

@dlydailyhope and others have mentioned gluteal tendinopathy in other discussions. Here's a search link that lists the comments made by others who may have some suggestions for you - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/comments/?search=gluteal%20tendinopathy.

Here's some research and treatment recommendations if you haven't already seen it.

-- Treatment of Gluteal Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review and Stage-Adjusted Treatment Recommendation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34377713/

@bunstuffer
Have you talked with your orthopedic specialist about debridement surgery? My bilateral gluteal tendinopathy and bilateral hamstring tears are not getting better on their own and pt is painful (I’m 55 and have no idea how I got this). It is hard for me to go up stairs, stand up from a seated position, lift legs to put pants and socks on, etc. and wonder if I may need surgery to help repair the tears/attachments for new healing. Certain movement really can be uncomfortable/painful and I don’t feel stable when I walk.

I've been to 4 orthopedic specialists one at a large university hospital/clinic. The last one locally told me he couldn't help me because my problems were all soft tissue and not bones and joints. He did do several injections none of which helped much. I've been bothered by this issue for at least 40 years and it has gotten gradually worse. It started from a fall I had while in the Army. The VA recognizes that I have an injury but rated me 0% disability. After all, I was a WAC so how would I get hurt that bad? I went to the pain clinic at the VA and they told me that they couldn't help me because I had nerve pain. They offered hydrocodone or tramadol. I try to keep moving because if I don't I won't be able to. I'm also caregiver for my husband who has aFib and other heart issues. Guess I just keep on doing what I'm doing. I WILL go back to the orthopedic guy and ask about surgery. Thanks.

I found a couple of board certified rehabilitation specialists in the area who treat gluteal tendinopathy. It never entered my mind that a rehab specialist might treat this. I'm going to make an appointment with one of them for an evaluation.

Today I've been reviewing my exercise journal and ran across modalities that I completely forgot about. Looking back, I figure GT began with me about August 2018, and has escalated since. In Septembe 2019, I was forced to give up walking around the apartment complex because my right hip would lock up on me. And it would lock up on me when shopping in town.

I've been keeping journals on all my health care modalities, and the suffering I've endured, ever since treatment for anal cancer (after 2013). And, yes, I've tried PT for several months, seen an Asian Chirpractor for months, until he left, and I've used an assortment of copper belts, sleeves, a bazillion shoe styles, pain creams, CBD pain sticks, bath and foot soaks, TENS, walking videos, Yoga, Tai Chi, EFT (tapping), 15 NORCO pills each month for about 5 months, and, diets (including KETO) and been on plant based and non-dairy since March 2024. I've had so many xrays of the upper and lower extremities. I need to go back over my diagnosed health records because I honestly don't ever remember being told I have gluteal tendinopathy. I figured that out myself last month after entering my symptoms into Google, and reading and evaluating like crazy. I have a doctor's visit this month, and I will find out once and for all and ask for the diagnosis. My PA is a Nutritionist, Vegan and Chinese. I am not Vegan but I still refrain from meat, but not fish. To each his/her own.

Back to my exercise journal and what I will start back on regularly. I've been successful with these programs but was too impatient to stick with them. Plus I've been dealing with chronic fatigue from pain and not sleeping well. If it isn't one thing, it's another.

1. Tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique) Many good videos on Youtube. I would enter the terms, "Tapping for pain." (name your pain)
2. Walking with Leslie Sansones at home. Find her on Youtube. Choose the miles you want to walk.
3. Qigong (8 brocades) Find on Youtube Just try the 1st one. It takes the pain away in my back so I can get out of bed. You can do it sitting or standing.
4. Keep the faith. Often, I just say one word: Jesus, and he knows what's on mind. Gives me chills thinking about the power of His name. Sometimes He saves me from going mad from pain and loss of freedom of movement.
5. Stay positive and repeat often: "When there is nothing to lose by trying, by all means, try." W Clement Stone
6. TENS It takes time to find the method, intensity, and pad/s placement for each area of pain. But once found, it does feel good. And it's relaxing.

Note: Prayerfully, if I stay with this for several months, I will lose weight and control pain levels, so I can go for walks and hikes once again. Glory be in the power of the name of Jesus. I honestly believe it will take a miracle for me gain back my ability to walk at will. But I will have to work hard to make that miracle happen.

Hugs to All, Carolyn (CB)

Have you been able to see the rehab specialist yet? If so, did they come up with a treatment plan for you?

I just had an MRI which showed gluteal tendinopathy! I have an autoimmune disease that targets my spine and hips (Non-Radial Axial Spondyloarthopathy), and my muscles in that area hurt 24-7. Immune suppressants have made a huge difference in my life. It took 25 years to get a diagnosis, but all I know is that during those years nobody ever made the connection about how much better I felt on anti-inflammatories or steroids - they worked like magic when I was on them, but my symptoms returned fairly quickly once I stopped the course of treatment. Has anyone ever run blood work looking for inflammation markers?

Also, I'm not sure of your sex or age, but I remember seeing something recently about post-menopausal women and gluteal tendinopathy. There seems to be a correlation between the two due to the decrease in estrogen. I found the following (obviously not relevant for you if you're a guy!):
https://bsmfoundation.ca/menopause-a-pain-in-the-butt/
Hope you're able to find something that works.
Best, Pauline 🙂

Did not pursue rehab specialist yet. My Husband collapsed and spent several days in the hospital. Now I'm involved with trying to get all my medical records sent to Mayo because they called about 2 weeks ago. I also reopened my disability claim with the VA. I'm doing my best but I'm just so tired after years of dealing with my husband's ongoing issues and my own. I have to make and change all the appointments (About a half hour before we are supposed to leave for his appointment, he'll call me and tell me to cancel it because he's "sick". ) I admit I'm a little resentful about the situation.
Thanks for asking.

Exactly the same for me - cortosteroid injections, rhyzotomies, 3 years of continuous PT, fusions, compression fractures, osteoporosis, Envenity injections, piriformis syndrome, fibromyalgia and still debilitating pain. Gabapentine and Cymbalta provide minimal relief. Considering pain pump after 13 years because the only relief has come from hydrocodine a d doctors are paranoid to prescribe any opioid. Anyone with pain pump or electrical spinal stimulation?

@sueinmn

Hi Sue,

I don't see a rehab specialist. The closest to that would be a physical therapist in this county and I tried that but didn't like this clinic. Most specialist that I need are too far away to travel. And besides what can they do for me that I can't do for myself? I'm tired of being bounced around like a rubber ball.

Today I started a new exercise program on Youtube where you walk in place but move your arms in a series of directions. And I did the eight brocades Qigong. I have faith these two, plus walking with Leslie Sansones, will help me immensely. I just need to push through the pain, keep the faith, and not give up.