The gluteal tendons attach the gluteal muscles from the buttock area to the side of the hip and are critical for daily activities like walking, running, standing on one leg, stairs, and standing from sitting.  Lateral hip pain and/or dysfunction in the area of these gluteal tendons is referred to as greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) or gluteal tendinopathy.

This condition, often debilitating and chronic, is more common in women due to their pelvic bony structure and particularly post-menopausal women, because of a change in hormones (reduced oestrogen) and generally a greater body fat composition compared to men.

Evidence suggests education about avoiding compression of the tendons in combination with appropriate exercise can help to reduce pain and restore normal function.  Exercise and load management also provide better outcomes than a local corticosteroid injection (CSI).  However, there is limited evidence on which type of exercise specifically is most beneficial for this population.  This study therefore aims to determine the effect of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and exercise on gluteal tendon pain and function in post-menopausal women with GTPS. The trial has been led by Professor Jill Cook and Dr Tania Pizzari, with PhD candidate Rachael Cowan and previously Dr Charlotte Ganderton.