Active Release Techniques (ART) for Glute Tendinopathy in Runners & Athletes

Hip pain is one of the most common reasons runners and endurance athletes are forced to modify or stop training. What often begins as a dull ache in the side or back of the hip can slowly evolve into persistent pain with running, stair climbing, or even sitting. For many athletes, the underlying issue is glute tendinopathy—a condition driven by repetitive loading, muscle overuse, and poor tissue recovery.

At Boulder Sports Clinic, we frequently treat glute tendinopathy and chronic hip pain using Active Release Techniques (ART®) to restore tissue quality, reduce nerve irritation, and get athletes back to moving efficiently.

What Is Glute Tendinopathy?

Glute tendinopathy refers to irritation, degeneration, or breakdown of the gluteal tendons—most commonly the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus—where they attach near the outer hip.

Unlike a sudden muscle strain, tendinopathy develops gradually as the tendon struggles to tolerate repeated load without adequate recovery.

Why Runners & Endurance Athletes Are at Risk

The glutes play a critical role in:

• Stabilizing the pelvis during single-leg stance
• Controlling hip rotation and stride mechanics
• Absorbing and transferring force with each step

During running, the glute muscles undergo thousands of contract-relax cycles per workout. Add in other common stressors such as:

• Cycling in a flexed hip position
• Sitting for long periods in the car or at a desk
• High training volume with limited recovery
• Hills, speed work, or sudden mileage increases

…and the hip tissues can become overloaded.

Scar Tissue, Adhesions & Nerve Compression

Over time, repetitive motion and micro-trauma can cause:

• Scar tissue formation within the muscle or tendon
• Adhesions that restrict normal tissue glide
• Breakdown of tendon structure, reducing load tolerance
• Compression or irritation of nearby nerves, such as the superior cluneal or sciatic nerve branches

This can lead to symptoms such as:

• Chronic lateral or posterior hip pain
• Pain that radiates from the hip into the thigh
• Discomfort with stairs, hills, or standing on one leg
• Loss of power and stability while running
• Slower, less efficient stride mechanics

As the tissue quality declines, the glutes become less effective—forcing other muscles to compensate and increasing injury risk elsewhere.

How Active Release Techniques (ART) Helps Glute Tendinopathy

Active Release Techniques (ART) is a highly specific manual therapy designed to identify and treat dysfunctional soft tissue.

ART works by combining:

• Precise, targeted pressure from the provider
• Active movement by the patient

This approach allows restricted tissues to be lengthened, separated, and restored more effectively than passive treatments alone.

Benefits of ART for Glute & Hip Pain

✔ Breaks Up Scar Tissue & Adhesions

ART targets areas of dense, unhealthy tissue that limit movement and reduce tendon resilience.

✔ Reduces Nerve Irritation

By restoring normal tissue mobility, ART can relieve compression on nerves that contribute to radiating hip or leg pain.

✔ Restores Hip Mobility

Improved tissue glide allows the hip to move through full extension and rotation—key for efficient running mechanics.

✔ Improves Muscle Function & Load Tolerance

Healthier tissue means the glutes can generate force more effectively, improving power, stability, and endurance.

✔ Supports Better Performance

Athletes often notice smoother stride mechanics, less fatigue, and improved confidence in training as pain resolves.

ART as Part of a Performance-Focused Treatment Plan

At Boulder Sports Clinic, ART is integrated into a comprehensive approach that may include:

• Movement and gait assessment
• Chiropractic care to optimize hip and spine mechanics
• Strength and stability exercises for the glutes and core
• Running or bike-specific training recommendations
• Load management strategies to prevent recurrence
• Shockwave Therapy for glute tendon pain
• Run gait analysis to identify form issues leading to pain

This ensures we address not just the painful tissue—but the why behind the overload.

Is ART Right for Your Hip Pain?

You may benefit from ART if you experience:

• Hip pain that worsens with running or cycling
• Pain with stairs or single-leg activities
• Chronic tightness or weakness in the glutes
• Radiating pain from the hip into the leg
• Decreased performance despite consistent training

Early treatment often leads to faster recovery and fewer training disruptions.

Get Back to Running Strong at Boulder Sports Clinic

Our team specializes in treating runners and endurance athletes using Active Release Techniques, movement analysis, and individualized rehab strategies.

If hip pain or glute tendinopathy is limiting your training, don’t push through it blindly.

👉 Schedule an evaluation today and find out how ART can help you move better, recover faster, and perform at your best.

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About the Author

Dr. Alyx Brown, DC, MS, CCSP® is a Doctor of Chiropractic and co-owner of Boulder Sports Clinic, with over 10 years of experience treating athletes in Boulder, from professional and collegiate competitors to weekend warriors and active adults. Her clinical background includes working with movie stars, serving as a collegiate team doctor, practicing in high school athletic training rooms, and providing on-field medical support at tournaments, triathlons, and high school sporting events.

Dr. Alyx specializes in identifying and treating the root causes of chronic and lingering pain using a combination of sports chiropractic care, soft tissue therapy, and movement-based rehabilitation. As a lifelong athlete herself, she brings both clinical expertise and real-world performance insight into every treatment plan.

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