Gluteal Tendinopathy — Non-Surgical Treatment Specialists

What Is Gluteal Tendinopathy?

Gluteal tendinopathy is degeneration of the gluteal tendons — the thick connective tissue that attaches your gluteal muscles (gluteus medius and minimus) to the greater trochanter of the hip bone. Unlike a tendon tear, tendinopathy involves microscopic breakdown of tendon fibers without full rupture.

It is often misdiagnosed as greater trochanteric bursitis. In most cases, the bursa itself is not the primary problem — imaging studies consistently show the gluteal tendons as the primary pain source.

Common Symptoms

Pain on the outer hip or buttock
Tenderness over the greater trochanter
Pain when lying on the affected side
Pain climbing stairs or walking uphill
Worsening with prolonged sitting or standing

Who Gets It?

Adults over 40, especially women
Runners and walkers with high weekly mileage
Those with wide hip anatomy
People with sudden increases in activity
Patients with low back or knee issues affecting gait

Why Conservative Care Often Fails

Degenerated tendon tissue does not heal with rest alone
Cortisone injections provide temporary relief but may weaken tissue
Physical therapy helps but may not address structural degeneration
The degenerative core of the tendon has poor blood supply

Diagnosis

Clinical exam and movement testing
Diagnostic ultrasound — preferred for tendon assessment
MRI when structural detail is needed
Differentiation from hip labral tears, bursitis, referred pain

TenJet® Percutaneous Tenotomy

TenJet® by HydroCision is a minimally invasive procedure that removes degenerated tendon tissue without open surgery. It is performed in a clinic or office setting under local anesthesia and takes approximately 15 minutes.

How TenJet® Works

A small incision is made at the treatment site
A 12-gauge needle is advanced under real-time ultrasound guidance
A high-pressure saline stream (FluidJet™) emulsifies degenerated tissue
Integrated Venturi suction evacuates the debris immediately
Healthy tendon fibers are selectively preserved
No general anesthesia — local anesthesia only
No surgical center required — performed in office or clinic
Covered by Medicare and most private insurers

Learn more at the official HydroCision product page: hydrocision.com/product/tenjet/

TenJet® in Action

Official demonstration video from HydroCision, the maker of TenJet, plus a look at how tendinitis differs from the deeper tissue degeneration TenJet is designed to treat.