26/03/2025
Why Sitting All Day Could Be a Pain in the Hip (Literally)
Do you sit for a living? Whether you're at a desk, behind the wheel, or working from home — prolonged sitting could be setting you up for more than just stiffness.
Research shows that gluteal tendinopathy is a leading cause of lateral hip pain, particularly in people who sit for long periods or frequently cross their legs.
The gluteus medius and minimus tendons, essential for pelvic stability and walking, are placed under stress not just during activity — but also during static postures like sitting with hips flexed or compressed on one side.
In fact, a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that:
Gluteal tendinopathy is more prevalent in sedentary individuals, especially women aged 40–60.
Prolonged compression of the tendons during sitting or poor posture increases tendon load and aggravates symptoms.
Sitting with crossed legs or leaning to one side adds to asymmetrical strain.
What does this mean for you or your team?
Hip pain isn’t always from overuse — underuse and poor postural habits can be just as damaging.
Ergonomic adjustments and regular movement breaks are key.
Early advice from a physiotherapist can prevent pain from becoming persistent.
If you're dealing with lateral hip pain or want to reduce injury risk at work, a tailored assessment can make all the difference.
I provide DSE/VDU assessments that go beyond the basics — helping prevent issues like gluteal tendinopathy before they take hold, if your currently suffering with hip pain a desk assessment and Physiotherapy sessions can complement each other to help you out of pain.
Feel free to reach out or tag someone who needs to hear this.
