Rehabilitation protocol
Gluteus Medius / Minimus Repair Rehabilitation Protocol
The current rehabilitation used after a gluteus medius and/or minimus tendon repair. Early care protects the healing repair, then motion, strength, and control are gradually restored. Your surgical team will tailor it to you — always follow the individualized plan they give you.
Who this protocol is for
Applies to a surgical repair of the gluteus medius and/or gluteus minimus tendon. This protocol does not distinguish surgical approach — it applies whether the repair was performed arthroscopically or open, and any approach-specific modifications follow your operative note and surgeon's plan. It does NOT apply to a proximal hamstring repair (which has its own protocol), to a gluteal tendon reconstruction or augmentation (for example with a graft or tendon transfer), to a revision repair, or to another hip operation. If concurrent procedures were performed or a surgeon selects a different plan, follow that individualized plan instead. The operative note and surgeon-selected protocol take precedence, and patients should use only the protocol identified by their surgical team.
What this protocol covers
- Rehabilitation after a gluteus medius and/or minimus tendon repair (arthroscopic or open — the protocol does not vary by approach).
- It does NOT apply to a proximal hamstring repair, to a gluteal tendon reconstruction or augmentation, to a revision repair, or to another hip operation.
- Concurrent procedures, a revision, or a different surgeon-selected plan follow that individualized plan instead.
- Your surgical team selects the protocol — use only the one you are given, and follow your operative note.
If your surgery was a revision, reconstruction, or included other procedures
This protocol is for an isolated gluteus medius and/or minimus tendon repair. A gluteal tendon reconstruction or augmentation, a revision repair, or other procedures performed at the same time may change the plan and follow a different, surgeon-selected protocol. It is not the protocol for a proximal hamstring repair. This protocol never substitutes for your operative note or the plan your surgeon selected — follow the individualized instructions your surgical team gives you.
How rehabilitation is generally structured
Rehabilitation after this procedure is usually organized into progressive phases. The phases below describe the general shape only — specific exercises, precautions, and timelines are individual and are set by your surgeon and physical therapist.
Period of protection
The earliest period after surgery, focused on protecting the healing repair and controlling pain — commonly with protected weight bearing, limits on certain hip movements, and a brace as your surgeon directs.
Transitional phase
As healing allows, gradually progressing weight bearing and hip motion and beginning gentle activation of the hip muscles within the limits your surgical team sets.
Strengthening
Progressively rebuilding hip-abductor and lower-limb strength, balance, and control as motion returns and healing continues.
Return to activity
A criteria-based return toward full activity and, when appropriate, higher-impact activity — guided by restored strength and control and physician clearance rather than a fixed calendar.
This overview describes the general structure of rehabilitation only. It does not replace the specific instructions of your own surgical team, whose guidance always takes precedence. Timelines and precautions are individual and are set for you at your appointments, and your operative note takes precedence. Use only the protocol your surgical team selected for you.