Shockwave Therapy for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is an effective, non-invasive treatment option for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS), offering pain relief, reduced inflammation, and enhanced tissue healing. When combined with other physiotherapy modalities such as manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and activity modification, it provides a comprehensive approach that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of GTPS.
This holistic treatment strategy not only helps clients recover more quickly but also reduces the risk of recurrence, enabling them to return to their daily activities, professions, and sports with improved hip function and comfort.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS), also known as trochanteric bursitis, is a condition characterised by pain and tenderness over the outer side of the hip, specifically around the greater trochanter. This bony prominence on the femur serves as the attachment point for several hip muscles and tendons.
GTPS is often caused by inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues) or by tendinopathy of the gluteal tendons. It can result from overuse, repetitive stress, or direct trauma to the area and is more common in athletes, older adults, and those with certain biomechanical issues.
If you think you have GTPS and would like some advice then book your FREE phone consultation online now, drop us an email or phone us on 07760 536155 for a quick chat.
How Focused Shockwave Therapy Treats GTPS
- Reduces pain
- Promotes tissue healing
- Reduces inflammation
- Breaks down calcifications and fibrotic tissue
Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or drop us an email to find out more about how we can help.
Treatment Protocol for GTPS
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy and physiotherapy for GTPS usually involves 5 to 8 sessions, spaced about one week apart. Each session lasts 30 minutes. The exact number of sessions may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the client’s response to treatment.
Intensity And Frequency
The intensity and frequency of the shockwaves are carefully adjusted based on the client’s pain tolerance and the characteristics of the condition.
Minimal Downtime
Clients can usually resume normal activities immediately after treatment, although they will be advised to avoid strenuous or
high-impact activities for a short period if possible.
Post-Treatment Sensation
Some clients may experience mild soreness or swelling in the treated area. This typically resolves within a few days.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for GTPS
Non-Invasive and Safe
Focused shockwave therapy offers a non-surgical option for treating GTPS, reducing the need for invasive procedures and minimising the associated risks.
Effective Pain Relief
Many clients experience significant pain relief after just a few sessions, which can improve their ability to perform daily activities and engage in sports or exercise with less discomfort.
Accelerated Healing
By promoting tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation, shockwave therapy accelerates the healing process, leading to faster recovery times compared to traditional treatments.
Improved Tendon and Bursa Health
As pain and inflammation decreases and tissue health improves, clients often regain better function and strength in their hip, enabling them to return to their regular activities more confidently.
Reduced Dependence on Medication
Effective pain management through shockwave therapy can decrease the need for pain medication or anti-inflammatory medication, reducing potential side effects.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating GTPS, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for GTPS
Mobility and strength
If your profession or lifestyle requires significant hip mobility and strength.
Fast recovery
For those seeking quicker symptom alleviation due to personal circumstances, such as upcoming events or the need for immediate functional restoration.
Chronic or recurrent symptoms
If the condition has become chronic or recurrent, meaning that the pain returns after initial improvement with other treatments.
Calcium deposits
If imaging investigations (like MRI or ultrasound) show evidence of tendinopathy (degeneration of the tendon) or calcific deposits in the tendons around the greater trochanter.
Avoid surgery or injections
For clients who wish to avoid repeated corticosteroid injections due to potential side effects, or those who want to avoid surgical intervention.
Avoid or reduce medication
For those who prefer non-pharmacological approaches, or who have contraindications to pain medications.
Persistent symptoms
When GTPS symptoms persist after trying traditional treatments such as rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, and activity modification for at least 3-6 months.
Focused shockwave therapy introduced early may relieve pain and promote healing in the tendons and bursae around the hip, potentially preventing the condition from becoming chronic.
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.
Having previously tried radial shockwave treatment, which was painful (due to the hammering action) and ineffective, I did some research and decided to try FSWT. I noticed an immediate pain reduction in relation to my plantar fasciitis, which had been persistent for over 6 months. The improvement to my knee pain came more gradually, but it had been an issue for many years. But after 5 treatments I was almost pain free. Nim was very professional and friendly and also offered advice on when to avoid and start normal activities and also included stretching programmes. I'm glad I made the investment and managed to get myself back to my outdoor hobbies before summer.
After almost two years of either living in (sometimes debilitating) pain with plantar fasciitis (PF) and not doing anything about it or having some unproductive and even counterproductive osteopathy and physiotherapy sessions/advice, I did some research into best treatments for PF and found Nim's focussed shockwave therapy (FSWT).
After 3 sets of FSWT sessions I'm now almost pain free, and I'm certain that a few more sessions will completely eradicate the PF. Unfortunately, at the end of last year I was hit with painful sciatica, and an MRI confirmed that I have two herniated discs (HDs). Nim advised me that FSWT works wonders with HDs, and since this is now my main complaint, we decided to focus on the sciatica, and will then intercalate the PF treatment. I'm feeling very positive about it!
Nim is a very knowledgeable, competent and professional physiotherapist, and an incredibly kind and caring person. She is always patient and keeps reassuring me every time I get frustrated. In addition to the FSWT sessions, I was given a tailored home stretch and self-treatment programme, both for the PF and for the HDs/sciatica.
I cannot recommend Nim and her magical machine enough! Thank you for everything, Nim :)
I came to Nim several months ago frustrated and in pain with a herniated disc what just wasn't healing. I arrived with restricted movement and pain everyday, even when I coughed of sneezed! I paid for 2 sets of shockwave therapy and it is the first time in a year where I feel like myself again. She not only provided the treatment but also was kind, and incredibly reassuring in my moments of frustration. Thank you for everything!
I had started to develop pain in the ball of my foot when I ran and then the pain continued when I walked. I went to the docs and got a diagnosis of a mortons neuroma. After trying various ways to manage the pain, I did some research and found Nim's focussed shockwave therapy. It was a tough commitment to come to 5 sessions in London when I live in Redcar (North East of England) but totally worth it. The pain I had when I run has gone and hopefully it won't come back as I start to increase my distance and frequency.
I 100% recommend Nim, she is such a lovely caring person and made me feel very comfortable during the treatment and also gave me plenty of good advice ☺️
I was struggling with bi-lateral achilles tendinopathy and retrocalcaneal bursitis which was impacting my ability to play sport. Over a number of sessions the Shockwave reduced the swelling, scar-tissue and most importantly the pain and both issues are now completely resolved. I also found Nim extremely professional and really nice to deal with. Recommended.
