Hip Tendonitis: Causes, Symptoms & Prolotherapy Treatment

Author: Mr Oliver Eaton BSc (Hons), PG.Cert – Orthopaedic Specialist
Reviewed by: Mr William Sharples BSc (Hons) – Pain Management Expert
Last Updated: September 2025

In this article you will find out everything you need to know about hip tendonitis, the most effective treatments available including an advanced treatment called prolotherapy.

What is Hip Tendonitis?

Hip tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons that connect muscles to bones in the hip joint. This condition causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, and is a major contributor to functional disability in adults.^[1]

Types of Hip Tendonitis

Iliopsoas Tendonitis

Inflammation of the hip flexor tendons (iliopsoas) is common in athletes and can cause groin pain, especially in soccer players and dancers. Overuse, repetitive flexion, and snapping hip syndrome are common causes.^[2]

Iliotibial Band Hip Tendonitis

Inflammation of the iliotibial band causes pain on the outside of the hip, often in runners and those with poor foot mechanics. Symptoms worsen with stair climbing and prolonged activity.^[3]

Trochanteric Bursitis/Tendonitis

Trochanteric pain syndrome involves pain on the side of the hip due to tendon or bursa inflammation. It is more common in women and athletes, and can lead to hip arthritis if untreated.^[4]

Risk Factors & Causes

Ballet dancers, cyclists, rowers, soccer players, gymnasts, and runners are at higher risk.
Repetitive overuse, sports injuries, and post-arthroscopy are common causes.
Snapping hip syndrome is especially common in dancers.^[5]

Signs and Symptoms

Hip Pain and Stiffness

Gradual hip pain, stiffness, and tenderness are common. Pain may worsen with movement or prolonged sitting.^[6]

Lower Back Pain (LBP)

Hip tendonitis can cause low back pain and buttock discomfort, especially with iliopsoas tendinopathy.^[7]

Reduced Motion and Muscle Weakness

Chronic pain reduces hip range of motion and can cause muscle weakness and abnormal gait.^[8]

Posture and Gait Issues

Muscle imbalances from tendonitis can lead to posture changes and abnormal walking patterns.^[9]

Diagnosis of Hip Tendonitis

Physical Examination: Medical history and physical exam to assess pain location and movement.
X-ray Imaging: To rule out fractures or arthritis.
MRI Scan: Best for diagnosing soft tissue disorders and confirming tendonitis.

How to Treat Hip Tendonitis

Rest and Cold Application: Reduce activity and apply ice to decrease inflammation.
Medications: NSAIDs and muscle relaxants for pain and swelling.
Steroid Injections: Cortisone injections for persistent pain and inflammation.
Exercise: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises as advised by a physiotherapist.
Dry Needling: Stimulates healing and relieves muscle tightness.
Physical Therapy: Improves blood flow, flexibility, and strength (e.g., isometric hip press, hip bridges, pelvic tilt, leg raises).
Ultrasound-Guided Injections: Steroids, anaesthetics, or hyaluronic acid for pain relief and improved tendon gliding.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): PRP injections stimulate healing and may outperform steroids in some cases.
Surgical Treatments: Arthroscopic surgery for severe or refractory cases.

Prolotherapy for Hip Tendonitis

In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat hip tendonitis.

Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative benefits.

Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This stimulates the production of collagen cells, which are essential for repairing the damage and helping hip tendonitis.

As prolotherapy treats the root cause of hip tendonitis, it is considered a long-term solution, preventing symptoms from returning.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prolotherapy may not be suitable for everyone, and outcomes can vary. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does tendonitis feel like in the hip?

Hip tendonitis usually starts with tenderness and stiffness, especially after sitting. Pain worsens with movement, particularly hip flexion, and is often felt on the outside of the hip or in the lower back.

What are the two symptoms of hip tendonitis?

The two most common symptoms are hip pain and reduced range of motion, often worsening by the end of the day or after prolonged sitting.

How do you fix hip tendonitis?

Rest, ice, NSAIDs, and gentle stretching are first-line treatments. Severe cases may require steroid injections, dry needling, PRP, or surgery.

Does hip tendonitis go away on its own?

Mild cases can resolve with rest and conservative care, but healing is slow. Surgery may be needed for torn tendons.

Is it OK to walk with hip tendonitis?

Walking may be difficult with hip flexor tendonitis. Rest is recommended until pain subsides.

What aggravates hip tendonitis?

Overuse, excessive physical activity, and continuing to exercise after diagnosis can worsen hip tendonitis.

Case Study: Prolotherapy for Hip Tendonitis

Case: A 45-year-old runner with chronic hip tendonitis unresponsive to physiotherapy and NSAIDs underwent three sessions of Prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic. The patient reported a 70% reduction in pain and returned to running within two months, highlighting the potential of regenerative treatments for persistent hip tendonitis.

Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call

Don’t let hip tendonitis control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.

Get in Touch
Phone: +44 1234 380345
Email: info@prohealthclinic.co.uk

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All clinics offer the same award-winning prolotherapy treatment with convenient appointment times, including evenings and weekends.

Author Bio

Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Oliver Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating hip tendonitis, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.

With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with hip tendonitis and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.

He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.

Mr Eaton’s expertise has been featured in many national news and media publications, including The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Daily Express, Women’s Health Magazine, and The Scotsman.

Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
LinkedIn profile: Oliver Eaton

References

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.