How to Sit With Gluteal Tendinopathy and Still Survive That Zoom Call

how to sit with gluteal tendinopathy

Let’s face it—sitting with gluteal tendinopathy can feel like torture. Whether you’re working from home or stuck in back-to-back video meetings, figuring out how to sit with gluteal tendinopathy without flaring up your pain is frustrating.

You’re not lazy. You’re injured. And your hip is making sure you don’t forget it.

The good news? There are real, evidence-based ways to make sitting more bearable while giving your tendon the rest and support it needs.

You don’t have to power through the pain or stand for eight hours straight.

In this post, you’ll learn:

  • Why sitting feels worse with gluteal tendinopathy
  • What positions make it worse—and which ones help
  • How to modify your chair and work setup
  • Quick relief strategies you can use right now

Let’s talk about what’s actually going on and what you can do about it today.

how to sit with gluteal tendinopathy

Gluteal Tendinopathy Exercises (Find REAL and LASTING Relief!)

Gluteal tendinopathy isn’t just frustrating—it can stop you from doing what you love.

Whether you’re heading out for the Estrella Mountain Trail Festival or trying to train pain-free for your next hike in the White Tank Mountains, you need a plan that works.

If you’re struggling with lateral hip pain, sharp pain when climbing stairs, or tenderness along the side of your hip, you’re not alone. These are common symptoms of gluteal tendinopathy and related tendon disorders like greater trochanteric pain syndrome.

As sports physical therapists here in Goodyear, we see this daily. You don’t have to just wait it out or rely on anti-inflammatory medication. You can treat it. You can reduce pain.

Let’s look at real ways to support your gluteal tendons and get you back in motion.

Understand What You’re Dealing With First

Gluteal tendinopathy affects the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. These muscles stabilize your hip joint and control leg movements during walking, running, and climbing.

When these tendons get irritated or overloaded, tendon pain and soreness flare up near the greater trochanter of the hip bone.

Common gluteal tendinopathy symptoms include:

  • Pain when lying on one hip
  • Lateral hip pain when standing after prolonged sitting
  • Tenderness along the outer buttocks or hip
  • Trouble with activities that require deep squatting or climbing stairs

It’s often mistaken for trochanteric bursitis or hip osteoarthritis. But the treatment plan is different—and much more specific.

If you’re dealing with chronic hip pain, sore gluteal muscles, or signs of gluteal tendinitis, don’t wait for it to become severe. You can get the right help right here in Goodyear.

Call us today at (623) 343-8706 to book an appointment or your Free Discovery Visit and take the first step toward lasting pain relief.

Why Strengthening Matters More Than Stretching

Stretching exercises can feel good temporarily, but they won’t solve the underlying tendon disorder.

Tendon health improves with targeted load management and progressive strengthening exercises. This means training the gluteal muscles without aggravating the tendon tissue.

Try these instead of aggressive stretches:

  • Side-lying isometrics (foot firmly against a wall with knees bent)
  • Glute bridges with a neutral pelvic position
  • Wall sits at hip width for 30-second holds
  • Isometric abductions with a soft mat under your hip

You’ll build muscle strength in the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius while avoiding painful compression near the greater trochanter.

how to sit with gluteal tendinopathy

The Power of Controlled Single-Leg Movements

If your gluteal tendinopathy flares during everyday tasks like walking or sitting, your hip muscles may not be firing well on one leg.

This is common with degenerative tears or tendon compression from poor posture or repetitive movements.

Use these drills for control and alignment:

  • Standing single-leg hip hikes
  • Step-downs on an elevated surface (like a curb or low box)
  • Mini-lunges with hands on hips to cue proper tracking
  • Band walks, keeping your legs hip width apart

Work slowly. Keep your pelvis level. Focus on stability and posture more than speed.

Modify How You Sit, Stand, and Move All Day

Healing isn’t just about your workouts. It’s also about reducing irritation during prolonged periods of sitting or standing.

Many people with gluteal tendinopathy feel worse after a long road trip to Phoenix or sitting through a Diamondbacks game.

To reduce daily pain:

  • Avoid sitting with legs crossed or tilted onto one hip
  • Sit comfortably on a firm cushion with knees bent and hips level
  • Stand evenly with weight through both feet
  • Alternate between sitting and a standing position every 30 minutes

Even small changes here will reduce tendon compression and prevent gluteal tendinopathy from getting worse.

When to Get Sports PT Involved

If you’ve had symptoms of gluteal tendinopathy for more than a few weeks, don’t guess. You don’t need to push through severe pain or rely on social media tips that don’t apply to you.

We customize an exercise program that matches your needs and goals—from trail running to gym workouts.

You’ll get:

  • Hands-on release of tight soft tissues
  • Strength and mobility work for hip adduction, rotation, and glute activation
  • Progressions that don’t overload sore hip tendons
  • A return-to-sport plan built around your life here in the Valley

This is what we do every day at Continuous Motion Physical Therapy. If you’re ready to stop Googling “how to sit comfortably” or “pain relief for trochanteric pain syndrome GTPS,” it’s time to start moving smarter.

Let’s build a plan together that actually works for your life—and your sport.

Continuous Motion Physical Therapy

At Continuous Motion Physical Therapy, we help active adults and athletes in Goodyear find real relief from gluteal tendinopathy and other tendon disorders.

You’re not here to sit on the sidelines. You want to move better, feel stronger, and get back to the activities you love.

running

Why Sports Rehab Is Different Here

You won’t get generic exercises or a printout from the internet. We start with a full-body diagnostic session to pinpoint what’s causing your gluteal tendinopathy symptoms and how your movement patterns affect your pain.

Your custom plan focuses on:

  • Load management for tendon healing
  • Real-time feedback through performance video analysis
  • Advanced techniques like dry needling and spinal manipulation
  • Hip muscle retraining for long-term strength and stability

Every session is one-on-one and built around your goals.

What We Treat Alongside Gluteal Tendinopathy

Most people with gluteal pain also deal with other movement issues. That’s why we treat the entire system, not just one spot.

You may be compensating due to:

  • Pelvic pain or deep gluteal syndrome
  • Hip impingement or hip osteoarthritis
  • Greater trochanter pain syndrome or bursitis
  • Weak gluteus minimus or gluteus maximus activation

We treat the root causes so you don’t keep chasing symptoms.

How We Help You Stay Active in Goodyear

Living in the West Valley means you’re likely running, biking, hiking, or lifting. You can’t afford to wait months hoping your painful hip improves.

Our sports PT approach helps you:

  • Train without irritating tendon tissue
  • Improve strength and mobility without flaring your pain
  • Return to activity without setbacks or hesitation

You’ll feel confident moving again, whether you’re walking the Estrella trails or tackling leg day.

Ready to Stop Guessing and Start Healing?

If you’re dealing with chronic hip pain, sore gluteal muscles, or signs of gluteal tendinitis, don’t wait for it to become severe. You can get the right help right here in Goodyear.

Call us today at (623) 343-8706 to book an appointment or your Free Discovery Visit and take the first step toward lasting pain relief.

A man in a suit and tie smiling.
Author

Dr. Cameron Moore

PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, CSCS, Dip. Osteopractic

Helping active people STAY active

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Dr. Kelsey Houston
PT, DPT, CERT. CN

Dr. Kelsey Houston is a dedicated and skilled physical therapist with a passion for promoting health and wellness. Originally from Damascus, OR, she pursued her graduate education in Arizona, earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Franklin Pierce University. Throughout her academic career, she honed a strong foundation in evidence-based clinical practice, patient-centered care, and rehabilitation techniques.

Dr. Houston also brings a background in athletics, particularly competitive soccer, which has fueled her dedication to sports rehabilitation and orthopedics. She earned a degree in Clinical Health Sciences from Portland State University, further deepening her knowledge of the human body and its movement mechanics. Her clinical experience spans a wide variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, where she has worked with patients of all ages and backgrounds.

With a particular focus on orthopedics and sports rehabilitation, Dr. Houston is committed to helping patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and return to active lifestyles. She takes a patient-centered approach, using her expertise to help individuals improve their quality of life.

Outside of her professional work, Dr. Houston values maintaining an active lifestyle and enjoys hiking, running, and spending time with friends and family.

Dr. Kelseys Credentials 

  • Physical Therapist (PT)
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
  • Certified Dry Needling (Cert. DN)

Dr. Taylor Calixto, PT, DPT Cert. DN, PCES

Originally from Seattle, Dr. Taylor Calixto has always had a passion for sports, health, and movement. A lifelong soccer player, she was drawn to physical therapy after recovering from a shoulder injury. She earned her undergraduate degree from Boise State and completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Western University of Health Sciences, where she developed a strong foundation in evidence-based, patient-centered care.
While in school, Taylor discovered a passion for pelvic health, inspired by two mentors who helped shape her path. She earned her dry needling certification in 2023 and completed advanced pelvic floor training in 2024. Dr. Taylor is committed to empowering patients through personalized, compassionate care—whether they’re returning to sport, navigating pregnancy and postpartum, or addressing pelvic health concerns.

Ashley Hardman - Performance Coach

 

Ashley Hardman brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as a Performance Coach. She graduated from Brigham Young University (BYU) with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Wellness and a minor in Psychology, while also competing as a Division I softball player for four years.

During her fifth year at BYU, Ashley interned with the Olympic Strength Coaches, where she oversaw training programs for all campus athletic teams and ran the Gymnastics strength program. She went on to intern at EXOS in Carlsbad, CA, where she assisted in training club swim athletes, military personnel, retired NFL players, and NFL prospects.

Ashley’s diverse background also includes working as a physical therapy aide, a chiropractor scribe, and a personal trainer at a private gym. After relocating to Arizona, she returned to her alma mater, Estrella Foothills High School, as the Strength and Conditioning Coach, where she taught Weight Training and Athletic Performance classes, and led after-school strength programs for all campus sports.

Now at CMPT, Ashley is committed to helping clients achieve their goals by pushing them to become the best version of themselves. She believes in making 1% progress every day—for herself and for those she trains. Her personal approach to coaching builds strong relationships with clients and athletes, creating a motivating and supportive environment for lasting success.

 

Dr. Cameron Moore, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, CSCS, Dip. Osteopractic

skilled thrapist

Dr. Cameron Moore, physical therapist and co-owner, has always been very active with sports and activities starting with competitive motocross racing up to a semi-professional level and being a scholarship athlete in track and field competing at the division 1 level in college at Eastern Washington University in the triple jump. Cameron became interested in the profession of physical therapy after having knee surgery in high school and seeing the inter-workings of the profession. He pursued his bachelors degree in Exercise Science before moving to Phoenix to earn his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Franklin Pierce University.

He then began specialization courses for spinal manipulation (Spinal Manipulation Institute) and dry needling (Dry Needling Institute). This lead Cameron in to becoming a Fellow of the American Academy of Manual Physical Therapist (FAAOMPT) through the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy (AAMT) and earned a Diploma of Osteopractic®, a distinction and training that only a small percentage of physical therapist have completed.

Dr. Moore continues to be very involved with motocross riding, Crossfit®, Olympic weight lifting, running and an overall active lifestyle with his Wife (Michelle) and their Vizsla (Parker).

Dr. Cameron Moore’s Credentials

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
  • Certified in Dry Needling (Cert DN)
  • Certified in Spinal Manipulation (Cert SMT)
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
  • Diploma in Osteopractic® (Dip Osteopractic)
  • Fellow Of The American Academy Of Manual Physical Therapist (FAAOMPT)
  • American Academy of Manipulative Therapy Fellow (AAMT)
  • Crossfit® Level 1 Certified (CF-L1)
  • Crossfit® Mobility Certified
  • USA Track and Field Level 1 Coach

Dr. Michelle Moore, PT, DPT FAAOMPT, Dip. Osteopractic

weightlifting in physical therapy

Dr. Michelle Moore, physical therapist and co-owner, grew up as a competitive gymnast and developed a passion for healthy living from a young age. Her collegiate studies in Health Education at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and athletic background influenced her to combine her passions and pursue a career in physical therapy. She earned a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Franklin Pierce University in 2013.

Dr. Moore continued her educational pathway through the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy where she earned her Diploma Osteopractic® (Dip. Osteopractic) and became Certified in Dry Needling (Cert. DN), and Spinal Manipulative Therapy (Cert. SMT). From 2016-2017 Dr. Moore completed the rigorous coursework to become a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT), a distinction held by only a fraction of the profession.

Dr. Moore’s special interests include treating active individuals and returning them to the activities that they love. In her spare time she enjoys Crossfit®, Olympic Weightlifting, mountain biking, hiking, and traveling with her husband, Cameron, and dog, Parker.

Dr. Michelle Moore’s Credentials:

  • ​Physical Therapist (PT)
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
  • Fellow of American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT)
  • Diploma in Osteopractic® (Dip. Osteopractic)
  • Certified Dry Needling (Cert. DN)
  • Certified Spinal Manipulative Therapy (Cert. SMT)
  • Crossfit® Mobility Certified