Pain in Your Sit Bone When You Sit or Run? Shockwave Therapy for High Hamstring Tendinopathy in Hinsdale
Pain in Your Sit Bone When You Sit or Run? Shockwave Therapy for High Hamstring Tendinopathy in Hinsdale
Short answer: A deep ache right at your “sit bone,” the bony spot at the bottom of your buttock, that gets worse when you sit, drive, run, or climb hills is often high hamstring tendinopathy (also called proximal hamstring tendinopathy or high hamstring tendinitis). Shockwave therapy is a well-studied, non-surgical treatment for it: in a randomized trial of professional athletes, 85% of the shockwave group cut their pain at least in half by 3 months, compared with 10% of those who got standard care. At Adisi Health Center in Hinsdale, sessions take about 20 minutes with no downtime, and you can start with our $249 New Patient Special, which includes your exam and first shockwave treatment. Call (630) 887-1900.
What is high hamstring tendinopathy?
Your hamstrings are the three muscles on the back of your thigh. At the top, they join into a thick tendon that attaches to the ischial tuberosity, the “sit bone” you can feel when you sit on a hard chair. High hamstring tendinopathy is when that tendon gets irritated and starts to break down because it’s being loaded more than it can recover from.
It’s common in runners, especially with hills and speed work, and in people who sit for long stretches at a desk or in the car. It’s also common in active adults in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, as tendons naturally become less resilient with age.
What does high hamstring tendinopathy feel like?
Common signs include:
- A deep ache at the bottom of the buttock, right over the sit bone
- Pain when sitting, especially on hard chairs, long drives, or long meetings, that may ease when you stand up
- Pain at the start of a run, with hills, speed work, or longer strides
- Pain bending forward with straight legs, like picking something off the floor
- Pain on stairs, lunges, or deep squats
- Stiffness after sitting or first thing in the morning
Is it sciatica or high hamstring tendinopathy?
They’re easy to mix up because both can hurt in the buttock. A few differences:
- High hamstring tendinopathy usually stays in one spot at the sit bone and is tender when pressed there. It’s worse with sitting and with loading the hamstring.
- Sciatica usually comes from the low back, often travels down the leg below the knee, and can bring tingling, numbness, or weakness.
Some people have both. Dr. Petzel’s exam checks your low back, hip, and hamstring so your treatment is aimed at the real source of the pain. If your pain does travel down the leg, see sciatica treatment in Hinsdale.
Why won’t my sit bone pain go away?
Long-lasting hamstring tendon pain is usually more about worn-down, poorly healing tendon than simple inflammation. That’s why rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory pills often give only short-term relief. Two things make this tendon especially stubborn:
- Compression: sitting presses the tendon against the bone, so it gets irritated every time you sit at your desk or in the car.
- Stretching: hard hamstring stretches also squeeze the tendon against the bone, so stretching more often makes it worse, not better.
Complete rest also tends to backfire, because tendons need the right amount of load to rebuild.
How does shockwave therapy treat high hamstring tendinopathy?
Shockwave therapy sends acoustic pressure waves into the sore tendon to restart your body’s own healing response: more blood flow, breakdown of scar tissue, and new collagen production. For high hamstring tendinopathy, we treat the tendon where it attaches at the sit bone and the tight hamstring tissue just below it.
Adisi has both Storz Medical radial and focused shockwave units on-site. Radial shockwave spreads energy over a broader area, which suits the hamstring muscles. Focused shockwave concentrates energy at a precise depth, which helps reach a tendon that sits deep under the glute muscles. Learn more in radial vs. focused shockwave explained.
Does shockwave therapy work for high hamstring tendinopathy? What the research says
The research on shockwave for this tendon has been encouraging:
- Professional athletes (2011): In a randomized controlled trial of 40 professional athletes with chronic high hamstring tendinopathy, one group got 4 weekly shockwave sessions and the other got standard care (anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and hamstring exercises). At 3 months, average pain in the shockwave group dropped from 7 to 2 out of 10, compared with 5 in the standard care group. 17 of 20 shockwave patients (85%) cut their pain at least in half, compared with 2 of 20 (10%) with standard care, and there were no serious complications (Cacchio et al., American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2011; PubMed 20855554).
- Review of lower limb studies (2018): A systematic review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found moderate-level evidence that radial shockwave is better than conservative treatment for high hamstring tendinopathy in the short, medium, and long term (Korakakis et al., 2018; PubMed 28954794).
- Review of hip and pelvis tendon studies (2025): A systematic review from Hospital for Special Surgery looked at 18 studies of shockwave for tendon problems around the hip and pelvis, including 5 on high hamstring tendinopathy. Shockwave significantly improved pain and function in 17 of the 18 studies, and the authors concluded it may be safe and effective for these conditions (Rau et al., HSS Journal, 2025; PubMed 40292269).
Results vary from person to person.
How many shockwave sessions will I need, and does it hurt?
Most patients see significant improvement after 6 sessions, each about 20 minutes and spaced about one week apart, with many noticing a real change by sessions 3 to 4. Dr. Petzel builds a personalized plan based on your exam.
Most people feel only mild discomfort, often described as a strong tapping over the sore spot. There is no downtime, and we recommend avoiding high-impact activity for 24 to 48 hours after each session. See does shockwave therapy hurt? for more.
Can I keep running with high hamstring tendinopathy?
Often, yes, with changes. Pushing through sharp pain can make it worse, but stopping completely rarely fixes a tendon. A good rule is that mild discomfort during activity is usually okay if it settles by the next morning. Cutting back on hills, speed work, and long strides for a while usually helps. Dr. Petzel can help you adjust your training while shockwave does its work.
What can I do at home to help my hamstring tendon heal?
These habits support the tendon between visits:
- Sit smarter: use a cushion, choose softer seats, and get up every 20 to 30 minutes at your desk or on long drives
- Skip hard hamstring stretches for now, like touching your toes or deep forward folds, since they press on the sore tendon
- Strengthen gradually with exercises Dr. Petzel recommends, such as bridges, which load the hamstrings and glutes without deep stretching
- Ease back in to running and sports instead of jumping right back to your old routine
How much does shockwave for high hamstring tendinopathy cost in Hinsdale?
Shockwave at Adisi Health Center is simple cash-pay pricing, with HSA and FSA accepted:
- $249 New Patient Special: includes a full exam, health history review, and your first shockwave treatment
- 6-session protocol: $1,050 (about $175 per session, saves $150)
- Single session: $200 per treatment area
No referral is needed and same-week openings are often available. Full details are in how much does shockwave therapy cost in Hinsdale?
Is there a faster way to get back to running and sitting comfortably?
Yes. Our wellness memberships are our most committed option for accelerated recovery. Both plans let you combine up to 4 therapies per visit, including shockwave, Class IV laser, EMTT, and TECAR, and the Premium plan includes 2 shockwave sessions per week.
Who shouldn’t get shockwave therapy?
Shockwave is non-invasive, but it isn’t right for everyone. It may not be a good fit if you:
- Are pregnant
- Have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners
- Have an infection, open wound, or tumor in the treatment area
- Have a pacemaker or other implanted device near the treatment site
- Have had a cortisone shot in the area recently. You must wait at least 6 weeks after your last cortisone shot before starting shockwave.
Dr. Petzel reviews your health history and examines your low back, hip, and hamstring before any treatment. Get checked promptly rather than waiting if you felt a sudden pop at the back of your thigh, have major bruising down the back of the leg, or suddenly can’t walk normally, since those can point to a hamstring tear. Also get checked right away for numbness in the groin or saddle area, new bladder or bowel changes, or leg weakness that’s getting worse, since those need urgent care.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my sit bone hurt when I sit?
A common cause is high hamstring tendinopathy, an irritated and worn-down hamstring tendon where it attaches to the sit bone. Sitting presses the tendon against the bone, which is why long drives and desk days often make it worse.
Is it sciatica or high hamstring tendinopathy?
High hamstring tendinopathy usually stays in one spot at the sit bone and is tender to press. Sciatica usually starts in the low back and travels down the leg, sometimes with tingling or numbness. Some people have both, which is why an exam matters.
Does shockwave therapy work for high hamstring tendinopathy?
Studies are encouraging. In a randomized trial of professional athletes, 85% of the shockwave group cut their pain at least in half by 3 months, compared with 10% with standard care, and a 2018 review found radial shockwave worked better than conservative treatment.
How many shockwave sessions does high hamstring tendinopathy need?
Most patients see significant improvement after 6 sessions of about 20 minutes, spaced about a week apart. Many notice change by sessions 3 to 4.
Should I stretch my hamstrings if my sit bone hurts?
Usually not hard stretches for now. Deep hamstring stretches press the sore tendon against the bone. Gradual strengthening, like bridges, is usually a better fit. Dr. Petzel can guide you.
Can I run with high hamstring tendinopathy?
Often, with changes. Mild discomfort that settles by the next morning is usually okay, but cut back on hills and speed work for a while. Dr. Petzel can help you adjust your training.
How much does shockwave cost in Hinsdale?
At Adisi Health Center, a 6-session protocol is $1,050 and a single session is $200 per treatment area. The $249 New Patient Special includes your exam and first treatment. HSA and FSA are accepted.
Do you treat patients from outside Hinsdale?
Yes. Patients come to our office at 534 Chestnut Street, Suite 240 in downtown Hinsdale from Oak Brook, Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Western Springs, Downers Grove, Westmont, La Grange, and nearby towns.
Related reading: Hamstring and calf strain treatment, hip pain when lying on your side, sciatica treatment in Hinsdale, shockwave for hip and Achilles tendon pain, and does shockwave therapy hurt?
Ready to sit, drive, and run without sit bone pain?
Book your $249 New Patient Special, which includes your exam and first shockwave treatment, call Adisi Health Center at (630) 887-1900, or email DrPetzel@AdisiHealth.com. Still deciding? Ask about a 20-minute phone consult with Dr. Petzel.
References
- Cacchio A, Rompe JD, Furia JP, Susi P, Santilli V, De Paulis F. Shockwave therapy for the treatment of chronic proximal hamstring tendinopathy in professional athletes. Am J Sports Med. 2011;39(1):146-153. PubMed 20855554
- Korakakis V, Whiteley R, Tzavara A, Malliaropoulos N. The effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in common lower limb conditions: a systematic review including quantification of patient-rated pain reduction. Br J Sports Med. 2018;52(6):387-407. PubMed 28954794
- Rau OR, Cheng J, Jivanelli B, Tenforde AS, Wyss JF. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for tendinopathies around the hip and pelvis: a systematic review. HSS J. 2026;22(2):197-207. PubMed 40292269
This article is for education only and is not medical advice. Results vary. Prices are current as of October 2026.
