The Run Smarter Podcast

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Today, we're joined by internationally renowned physiotherapist, researcher, and hip guru, Dr. Alison Grimaldi, to tackle one of the most misunderstood running-related injuries: gluteal tendinopathy.

Alison joins Brodie to dismantle outdated myths, clarify diagnoses, and break down exactly what runners should (and shouldn't) do if dealing with this lateral hip condition.

🧠 What You'll Learn:

• ✅ What gluteal tendinopathy is and how it presents
• ❌ Why you shouldn’t rely on imaging for diagnosis or treatment decisions
• 🚫 The truth about ITB stretches, clamshells, and corticosteroid injections
• 🏋️‍♀️ The exercises that actually work — including progressive loading and isometrics
• 🔁 Key biomechanical contributors like crossover step width and pelvic drop
• 🛏️ Lifestyle strategies to reduce aggravation (sleeping positions, sitting habits, running terrain)
• 🧬 Why partial tendon tears don’t mean you’re doomed (and rarely require surgery)

🛠 Practical Takeaways:

• Diagnosis Tip: The combination of pain on palpation + 30-second single-leg stance test = 99% diagnostic accuracy.
• Rehab Advice: Build tendon tolerance with progressive strength work — clamshells won’t cut it!
• Avoid Pitfalls: Passive treatments (like steroid injections or repeated stretching) often delay recovery.
• Movement Fixes: Widen step width, increase cadence, and avoid road cambers if they aggravate your symptoms.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Alison Grimaldi’s website & self-help course: https://dralisongrimaldi.com/online-courses/
• Gluteal Tendinopathy Masterclass paper (Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 2023)

👩‍⚕️ About Dr. Alison Grimaldi:

With 30+ years in clinical practice and a PhD in hip rehabilitation, Alison is a leader in hip research and physio education. She teaches worldwide and has developed evidence-based rehab programs for both professionals and the general public.

Follow her on social media:
 📸 Instagram: @dralisongrimaldi
Website: https://dralisongrimaldi.com/   

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