Hip pain is a common complaint that can affect people of all ages, from active individuals with tendon or soft tissue problems to older adults with age-related joint changes.
Pain in this area does not always originate from the hip joint itself - the outer hip, groin, lower back and buttock can all produce pain that feels like it is coming from the hip.
At Tenby Health we focus on identifying the underlying cause before recommending treatment.
We take an assessment-led approach.
Every appointment begins with understanding your symptoms and identifying the most likely cause of your pain.
Depending on your symptoms, this may involve a detailed clinical assessment, diagnostic ultrasound where appropriate, and a clear explanation of your diagnosis and treatment options.
Irritation of the gluteal tendons on the outer hip. One of the most common causes of persistent outer hip pain, particularly in middle-aged women.
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
A common cause of outer hip pain involving the gluteal tendons and sometimes the surrounding bursa. Although often referred to as "hip bursitis", tendon related pain is frequently an important part of the problem.
Hip bursitis
Inflammation of the bursa around the hip. Often occurs alongside tendon problems.
Hip osteoarthritis
Age-related joint changes causing groin or deep hip pain and stiffness.
Referred pain from the lower back
Lumbar spine problems can refer pain into the hip and buttock area.
Muscle strains
Gluteal, hip flexor or groin muscle injuries.
Your assessment includes a thorough case history and physical examination to identify which structure is causing your pain.
For outer hip conditions, including gluteal tendinopathy and bursitis, diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound can be used to visualise the tendons and bursa directly.
Many people with outer hip pain have never had imaging and arrive with a non-specific or inaccurate diagnosis.
Important: Ultrasound at Tenby Health assesses outer hip soft tissues - tendons and bursa. It does not examine the hip joint itself. For suspected hip osteoarthritis or deep joint conditions, clinical assessment is used and if required, we can refer for X-ray or MRI.
If this is affecting your daily life, the most important first step is an accurate assessment.
Book a new patient consultation (£65) and your clinician will assess you thoroughly, explain clearly what is causing your symptoms and discuss all your options.
No referral is needed. Appointments are usually available within days.
If a diagnostic ultrasound scan is appropriate, it can usually be carried out in the same appointment for an additional fee of £100.
Most people leave their first appointment with a clear diagnosis and a plan for the first time.
No. You can self-refer directly to Tenby Health. GP and other referrals are also welcome.
Diagnostic ultrasound can be used to assess outer hip conditions including gluteal tendinopathy and bursitis. It is not used to assess the hip joint itself - for deep joint conditions such as osteoarthritis, we use clinical assessment and refer for X-ray or MRI where needed.
The most common cause of pain on the outer hip is gluteal tendinopathy, sometimes called greater trochanteric pain syndrome. It is particularly common in women aged 40 to 60 but can affect anyone.
Focused shockwave therapy has good evidence for gluteal tendinopathy and outer hip tendon conditions. Your clinician will advise whether it is appropriate for your diagnosis.
A new patient consultation is £65. If a diagnostic ultrasound scan of the outer hip is appropriate, it can usually be carried out in the same appointment for an additional £100.