Outer Hip Pain, Gluteal Tendinopathy & Hip Bursitis scan

Pain on the outside of the hip can make it uncomfortable to walk, climb stairs, exercise, sleep on your side, or even get in and out of a car. Many people are told they have "hip bursitis", yet symptoms often persist despite treatment.

In reality, outer hip pain is commonly associated with irritation of the gluteal tendons, changes within the surrounding bursa, or a combination of both. Collectively, these conditions are often referred to as Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS).

Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound allows us to assess the gluteal tendons and surrounding soft tissues in real time, helping to identify structural changes and guide the most appropriate management plan. This may include rehabilitation, focused shockwave therapy, advice and activity modification, or referral for further investigation where appropriate.

At Tenby Health, scans are performed using a hospital-grade ultrasound system by a clinician with a Postgraduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Medical Ultrasound, providing rapid access to diagnostic imaging without the need for a referral.

• Performed by a qualified musculoskeletal sonographer (PgC in Medical Ultrasound, CASE-accredited)
• Hospital-grade imaging system (Samsung RS80A)
• Full written report usually within 48 working hours
• No referral needed - referrals from GPs and other clinicians are also accepted
• Includes clinical consultation and explanation of findings
• Safe, comfortable and free from ionising radiation

Book your consultation today - appointments usually available within days.

 One of the most common causes of persistent outer hip pain is gluteal tendinopathy - irritation or degeneration of the gluteal tendons where they attach to the greater trochanter, the bony prominence on the outer hip. Associated bursal changes are also common. These conditions are frequently misdiagnosed or labelled non-specifically as bursitis without imaging to confirm what is actually happening.

Ultrasound provides real-time imaging that allows us to assess the tendons and bursa directly, identify structural changes, and help guide the most appropriate management plan - whether that is a structured rehabilitation programme, focused shockwave therapy, or a combination.  

Note: This scan is designed primarily to assess the soft tissues on the outer aspect of the hip, including the gluteal tendons and associated bursa. While limited views of the hip joint may sometimes be obtained, ultrasound is not the preferred investigation for assessing deeper intra-articular conditions such as osteoarthritis, labral pathology or  femoroacetabular  impingement. If a deep hip joint condition such as osteoarthritis is suspected, we will advise on the appropriate imaging pathway.

• Gluteal tendinopathy
• Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
• Hip bursitis
• Outer hip pain that has not responded to treatment
• Persistent outer hip pain with no clear diagnosis
• Pre-treatment assessment before shockwave therapy
• Post-treatment monitoring

Common symptoms include pain on the outside of the hip, discomfort when lying on the affected side, pain climbing stairs, pain walking uphill, and tenderness over the bony point of the hip. 

You can book directly - no referral is needed. If you self-refer, we will start with a new patient consultation to confirm ultrasound is appropriate for your condition.

Your appointment includes:

• Clinical history and safety screening
• High-resolution diagnostic ultrasound scan of the outer hip
• Full written report, typically within 48 working hours
• Real-time explanation of findings
• Advice on next steps including treatment options available in-house

Ultrasound is safe, comfortable and radiation-free.

• Short waiting times - appointments usually within days
• CASE-accredited PgC in Musculoskeletal Medical Ultrasound
• GCC registered clinician with specialist MSK expertise
• Hospital-grade Samsung RS80A imaging system
• Clinical report typically within 48 working hours
• Evidence-based practice aligned with BMUS and NICE guidance
• Focused shockwave therapy and rehabilitation available in-house if needed
• Serving Tenby, Pembrokeshire and all of West Wales

 Outer Hip Ultrasound Scan - £100

Includes full diagnostic scan, clinical explanation and written report.

 New to the clinic? Here's what to expect:

• If you have not seen us before, you will start with a short new patient consultation (£65) so we can understand your symptoms and confirm a scan is the right next step. In most cases the scan can be carried out in the same appointment for the additional scan fee above. When booking, please select New Patient Consultation.
• Existing patients and anyone referred by a GP, physiotherapist, osteopath, podiatrist or chiropractor can book the scan directly - no consultation needed. Please contact us if you are being referred, prior to booking.
• You will speak directly to the clinician who performs your scan - before, during and after.

• Gluteal Tendinopathy 
• Tendon Pain & Injuries
• Rehabilitation Suite