GTPS: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Posted on February 27, 2026 | by drhip

GTPS Introduction (What it is)

GTPS stands for greater trochanteric pain syndrome.
It is an umbrella term for pain on the outside (lateral side) of the hip near the bony prominence called the greater trochanter.
GTPS is commonly used in orthopedics, sports medicine, and physical therapy to describe a typical pattern of lateral hip pain.
It often relates to gluteal tendon problems and nearby irritated soft tissues, rather than an issue inside the hip joint itself.

Why GTPS used (Purpose / benefits)

GTPS is used as a practical clinical label that helps clinicians and patients describe and organize a common type of hip pain. Historically, lateral hip pain was frequently called “trochanteric bursitis,” implying the bursa was the main source. Over time, many clinicians have emphasized that gluteus medius and gluteus minimus tendinopathy (tendon overload/degeneration) and related soft-tissue irritation are often central features, with bursae sometimes involved.

Using the GTPS term can be helpful because it:

Clarifies the pain location and likely tissue region (lateral hip near the greater trochanter).
Supports a structured evaluation that distinguishes lateral hip pain from groin-centered hip joint pain or spine-referred pain.
Guides conservative care planning (such as education about load, targeted rehabilitation, and activity modification concepts) when appropriate for the case.
Improves communication across clinicians, imaging reports, and research studies by using a broader, more inclusive definition than “bursitis” alone.
Reduces overreliance on a single structure (for example, assuming the bursa is always the only driver of symptoms) when multiple adjacent tissues may be involved.

GTPS does not refer to a single test, a single injection, or a single surgery. It is primarily a diagnostic and clinical framework used to describe and manage a pattern of symptoms.

Indications (When orthopedic clinicians use it)

Clinicians commonly use GTPS when a patient presents with a pattern such as:

Pain and tenderness on the outside of the hip over/near the greater trochanter
Pain that is worse with side-lying on the affected side
Pain triggered by walking, stairs, running, or prolonged standing, depending on activity level
Pain reproduced with hip abductor loading (muscles that move the leg out to the side and help stabilize the pelvis)
Lateral hip pain after a change in training volume, occupational demands, or mobility demands
Persistent “hip bursitis” symptoms where broader causes (tendon, bursa, friction/compression) are being considered together
Lateral hip pain in people with coexisting hip osteoarthritis or low back pain, when the lateral pain pattern suggests an additional peritrochanteric source (varies by clinician and case)

Contraindications / when it’s NOT ideal

GTPS is a useful umbrella term, but it is not ideal when the pain pattern points strongly to another diagnosis or when “lateral hip pain” may reflect a more urgent condition. Clinicians may avoid labeling symptoms as GTPS, or may broaden the workup, when:

Pain is primarily in the groin/anterior hip, suggesting an intra-articular hip source may be more likely (varies by clinician and case)
Symptoms and exam suggest lumbar radiculopathy (nerve-related pain from the spine), such as prominent radiating pain, neurologic symptoms, or dermatomal patterns (evaluation approach varies)
There is concern for fracture, including stress fracture risk, especially with significant trauma or high-risk histories
There are systemic or constitutional features that may suggest infection, inflammatory arthritis, or malignancy (these require clinician-led evaluation)
Pain is dominated by snapping or mechanical symptoms that point toward another entity (for example, internal snapping hip), rather than a primary peritrochanteric pain syndrome
A clear alternative diagnosis is present (for example, severe hip osteoarthritis on imaging with matching symptoms), where GTPS might be a secondary label at most (varies by clinician and case)

In short, GTPS is not a “catch-all” for every hip complaint; it is a targeted term for a specific lateral hip pain pattern after appropriate clinical reasoning.

How it works (Mechanism / physiology)

GTPS is not a treatment with a “mechanism of action.” Instead, it describes a mechanism of pain generation in the tissues around the greater trochanter.

High-level pathophysiology

Many clinicians conceptualize GTPS as involving one or more of the following:

Gluteus medius and/or gluteus minimus tendinopathy: pain related to tendon overload, tendon degeneration, or partial tearing (severity varies by clinician and case).
Peritrochanteric bursae irritation: the trochanteric bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction; they may become irritated alongside tendon problems.
Compression and friction at the lateral hip: certain hip positions and movements can increase compressive load over the greater trochanter region.
Hip abductor weakness or impaired pelvic control: altered biomechanics can increase tissue demand and sensitivity, though the relationship is individualized.

Relevant anatomy (plain-language)

The greater trochanter is the bony “bump” on the outside of the upper femur.
The gluteus medius and minimus tendons attach near this area and help keep the pelvis level during walking and single-leg stance.
Bursae sit between tissues (like tendon and bone) to help them glide.
Nearby structures include the iliotibial band (IT band) and other soft tissues that pass over the lateral hip.

Onset, course, and reversibility

GTPS may begin gradually (overuse/load-related) or after a specific change in activity. The duration can be short or prolonged, depending on tissue irritability, contributing factors, and the presence of tendon tearing or coexisting conditions. Symptoms are often modifiable over time, but timelines and responses vary by clinician and case.

GTPS Procedure overview (How it’s applied)

GTPS is not a single procedure. It is a diagnosis/framework that is “applied” through clinical evaluation and, when needed, supportive testing. A typical high-level workflow may include:

Evaluation / exam – History focused on pain location (lateral hip), aggravating activities (stairs, walking, side-lying), and functional limits. – Physical examination assessing tenderness near the greater trochanter, hip strength and control, gait, and screening of hip joint and lumbar spine contributions.
Preparation – Documentation of baseline symptoms and function. – Discussion of likely pain generators in plain terms (tendon region, bursa region, load/compression sensitivity).
Intervention / testing (as appropriate) – Many cases are managed initially without advanced testing. – Imaging may be considered when symptoms are persistent, atypical, severe, or when another diagnosis needs evaluation. Choice of imaging varies by clinician and case.
Immediate checks – Reassessment of symptom behavior patterns and functional tolerance. – If an injection is used in a specific case, clinicians typically monitor short-term response and any immediate side effects (approaches vary).
Follow-up – Monitoring symptom trend, function, and activity tolerance over time. – Reconsidering differential diagnoses and treatment options if progress is limited (varies by clinician and case).

Types / variations

GTPS is intentionally broad, and clinicians may use sublabels to describe the dominant feature:

Gluteal tendinopathy–predominant GTPS: tendon-related pain is emphasized; may include degenerative changes or partial tearing (classification varies).
Trochanteric bursitis–predominant GTPS: bursal irritation is emphasized, often alongside tendon issues.
Acute vs persistent (chronic) GTPS: based on symptom duration and irritability (definitions vary by clinician and case).
With suspected partial-thickness or full-thickness tendon tear: may be suggested by significant weakness or imaging findings (interpretation varies).
GTPS with coexisting conditions
Coexisting hip osteoarthritis
Coexisting low back pain or radicular symptoms
Post-surgical lateral hip pain patterns (evaluation is individualized)

Because GTPS is a syndrome, two people with the same label may have different dominant pain drivers and different functional limitations.

Pros and cons

Pros:

Helps name a common lateral hip pain pattern in a clear, widely used way
Encourages evaluation beyond “just bursitis,” including gluteal tendon involvement
Supports structured differential diagnosis between lateral hip, hip joint, and spine sources
Useful for interprofessional communication (orthopedics, PT, sports medicine, radiology)
Often aligns with non-surgical first-line management concepts when appropriate (varies by clinician and case)
Can be monitored over time with function-based outcomes (walking tolerance, stairs, side-lying)

Cons:

It is an umbrella term, so it can mask important differences (tendinopathy vs tear vs referred pain)
Symptoms can overlap with lumbar spine and hip joint conditions, complicating diagnosis
Imaging findings (like tendon changes) do not always match pain severity; interpretation can be context-dependent
“Bursitis” language persists and may lead to oversimplified explanations in some settings
Recurrence or persistence can occur, particularly if contributing factors are not addressed (varies by clinician and case)
The best next step (PT, injection, imaging, or referral) can differ widely by patient presentation and clinician judgment

Aftercare & longevity

Because GTPS is a condition rather than a device or implant, “aftercare” usually refers to the factors that influence symptom improvement and the likelihood of recurrence over time. Common influences include:

Severity and duration at presentation: long-standing symptoms can be more complex, though this is not universal.
Load and activity patterns: abrupt changes in walking volume, hill/stair exposure, running, or occupational demands can affect symptoms.
Rehabilitation participation and follow-through: outcomes often depend on consistent, appropriately progressed strengthening and movement retraining concepts (specific plans vary by clinician and case).
Sleep and positioning habits: side-lying can be a notable driver for some people; how this is managed varies.
Coexisting conditions: hip osteoarthritis, lumbar spine pain, systemic inflammatory disease, or metabolic conditions may influence recovery patterns (varies by clinician and case).
Body composition and overall conditioning: may affect tissue loading and tolerance, but impact differs between individuals.
Treatment selection when used: if interventions such as injections, shockwave therapy, or surgery are considered, longevity depends on indication, technique, and rehabilitation approach (varies by clinician and case).

Follow-up is typically focused on function and symptom trend rather than a single “cure point,” since GTPS can be episodic for some individuals.

Alternatives / comparisons

Because GTPS is a diagnostic label, “alternatives” can mean either alternative diagnoses or alternative management approaches.

Alternative diagnoses to consider (comparison by symptom pattern)

Hip osteoarthritis (OA): often more groin/anterior thigh pain and stiffness; can coexist with GTPS.
Lumbar spine–referred pain / radiculopathy: may include radiating pain, numbness/tingling, or back-driven provocation patterns.
Femoral neck stress fracture or other fracture: typically requires clinician evaluation; history and risk factors are important.
Intra-articular hip disorders (labral pathology, femoroacetabular impingement patterns): often more groin pain and mechanical symptoms (varies).
Meralgia paresthetica (lateral femoral cutaneous nerve irritation): more sensory symptoms on the outer thigh rather than focal trochanteric tenderness.

Alternative management approaches (comparison at a high level)

Observation / monitoring
Sometimes used when symptoms are mild or improving and there are no concerning features.
Activity modification concepts and education
Often paired with rehabilitation; the details are individualized and clinician-directed.
Physical therapy
Commonly used to address strength, pelvic control, and graded exposure to activity.
Medication
Non-opioid pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications may be discussed by clinicians depending on the person and risks (selection varies by clinician and case).
Injections
Options may include corticosteroid or other injectates depending on local practice; goals and expected duration can differ (varies by clinician and case).
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)
Sometimes considered for tendinopathy-like presentations; availability and protocols vary.
Surgery
Considered in selected cases (for example, significant tendon tearing or refractory symptoms), but is not the default path; indications vary by clinician and case.
Imaging comparisons
Ultrasound can evaluate superficial soft tissues dynamically and guide injections in some settings.
MRI can provide broader assessment of tendons, bursae, and adjacent structures when clinically indicated.
X-ray is often used to assess bony anatomy and look for arthritis or other bone-related issues; it may not show tendons directly.

GTPS Common questions (FAQ)

Q: Is GTPS the same thing as trochanteric bursitis?
GTPS is broader than trochanteric bursitis. Many clinicians use GTPS to include bursal irritation and gluteal tendon problems that commonly coexist or mimic bursitis. The exact emphasis varies by clinician and case.

Q: Where does GTPS pain usually occur?
Most people describe pain on the outside of the hip, often tender to touch near the greater trochanter. Pain can sometimes spread down the outer thigh but is typically centered at the lateral hip. The pattern can overlap with other conditions, so location alone is not diagnostic.

Q: What movements or activities tend to aggravate GTPS?
Common triggers include side-lying on the painful side, stairs, hills, prolonged walking, running, and single-leg loading tasks. The exact set of triggers depends on tissue irritability and daily demands. Some people notice symptoms mainly after activity rather than during it.

Q: How is GTPS diagnosed—do I need an MRI?
GTPS is often diagnosed clinically with history and physical examination. Imaging may be considered when symptoms are persistent, severe, atypical, or when the clinician wants to evaluate for tendon tearing or alternative diagnoses. Whether imaging is needed varies by clinician and case.

Q: How long does GTPS take to improve?
Timelines vary widely. Some cases improve over weeks, while others take longer, especially when symptoms have been present for months or when there are coexisting issues. Clinicians often track progress through functional improvements (walking, stairs, sleep comfort) rather than a single time-based milestone.

Q: Is GTPS “serious” or dangerous?
GTPS is generally considered a non-emergency musculoskeletal condition, but lateral hip pain should still be evaluated when symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or associated with systemic concerns (fever, major trauma, inability to bear weight, or other red flags). Determining seriousness depends on the overall clinical context. When in doubt, clinicians reassess for alternative diagnoses.

Q: What does treatment usually involve—PT, injections, or surgery?
Many care pathways begin with education and rehabilitation approaches, often through physical therapy. Injections or other procedures may be considered in selected cases, particularly when pain limits participation in rehabilitation or when symptoms persist (varies by clinician and case). Surgery is typically reserved for specific indications, such as certain tendon tears or refractory cases.

Q: Can I still work, drive, or exercise with GTPS?
Many people can continue some activities, but tolerance varies based on pain severity and job or sport demands. Clinicians often focus on adjusting activities to reduce provocative loading while maintaining function. Decisions about driving or work duties depend on pain, mobility, and safety considerations specific to the individual.

Q: Will GTPS come back after it improves?
Recurrence can happen, particularly if the factors that contributed to overload or compression return (training changes, prolonged side-lying, or workload spikes). Some people have episodic flares, while others have a single episode. Long-term patterns vary by clinician and case.

Q: What does GTPS cost to evaluate or treat?
Costs vary by region, insurance coverage, setting (clinic vs hospital), and whether imaging, injections, or supervised rehabilitation are used. Out-of-pocket costs can range from relatively low (clinical visit only) to higher when advanced imaging or procedures are included. Specific pricing is best discussed with the relevant clinic or facility.