Physiotherapy for outer hip pain in Amman

What is outer hip pain?

Medically it is called greater trochanteric pain syndrome, and it is sometimes called trochanteric bursitis. It is pain on the outer side of the hip, over the bony point at the side, and it may spread down the outer thigh. In most cases the main source is irritation of the gluteal tendons that attach to this bony point after a rise in load or too little preparation for it, not the bursa alone, so the name “bursitis” is not always accurate. It is more common after 40, in women, and in people who suddenly walk or run more.

Common signs and what irritates it

• Pain when pressing on the outer hip, or when lying on that side
• Pain climbing stairs, walking further than usual or standing for long on one leg
• Pain getting up from a chair or sitting with one leg crossed over the other
• Pain that increases in positions that stretch and compress the outer hip, such as standing with the pelvis tipped to one side or deep stretches pulling the leg across the body

What usually helps?

The core is managing the load rather than stopping all movement: we temporarily reduce long walks, stairs and irritating exercise, then build them back gradually. At the same time, strengthening the hip abductors and gluteal muscles helps. It usually starts with gentle held contractions such as pushing the knees outwards against a band, then progresses to bridges, sit-to-stand, step-ups and single-leg standing, slowly and in stages. A little discomfort during exercise is usually acceptable if it settles the same day or by the next morning. For now we also avoid positions that compress or stretch the tendon, such as lying on the painful side, crossing the legs, or deep stretches for the outer hip; when lying on the other side, put a pillow between your knees. A doctor may decide on an injection in some cases, and that decision is the doctor’s; exercise remains the key to rebuilding strength.

How we treat hip pain at Revibe

• We listen: when the pain started, which activities, stairs and sleep are affected, and whether your activity has increased recently
• We examine hip and lower back movement, hip muscle strength, walking and standing on one leg
• We identify the likely source of pain, rule out look-alikes such as the hip joint itself or the lower back, and find what keeps it going
• We treat: manual therapy, release of muscle knots around the hip and buttock, and dry needling or cupping when useful as part of the plan
• We progress with a gradual home exercise programme that fits your condition and adjust it as you improve

Watch the explanation

FAQ

More common questions: Hip, pelvis and thigh questions — 12 questions

Related pages

Reviewed by Ahmed AlKhatib, licensed physiotherapist — 22 October 2026

This information is general education and does not replace a clinical assessment.