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.
Received 6 weeks treat on shoulder and I was very pleased with the outcome, Nim gave me guidance on further work after treatment which to strengthen both shoulders next and hips.
Excellent!!!!
I first found Nim and her Shockwaves treatment in 2020 when I had severe Plantar Fasciitis in one foot - I couldn’t walk at all, it was horrendous. She had me back on my feet with Shockwaves treatment and specially made insoles.
Then last October I had a bad fall and broke two vertebrae in my upper back and damaged the surrounding muscles - I was in total agony. Thankfully I was able to see Nim, and after having Shockwaves treatment for a few weeks the pain was more or less gone. She also gave me stretching exercises etc.
I will always return to Nim whenever I need to. I say she has “magic hands” as she finds the problem immediately and her massages are second to none!
I highly recommend her as she’s also a really lovely person.
I am delighted with the results on my Dupuytren's nodule. After 5 sessions of shockwave therapy with Nim, the nodule in my hand has reduced to a fraction of its size, it is no longer painful and is not pulling my finger in. It was a massive relief to find a treatment that can be done early for this condition and without the need for invasive painful surgery, injections or radiation. Several weeks after the treatment finished it is still continuing to improve. Shockwave therapy does feels a bit strange and uncomfortable at first but you very quickly get used to it and I had no ill effects from the treatment. I can highly recommend Nim and shockwave therapy.
I’ve been seeing Nim since 2019 for various badminton-related injuries, and I can’t recommend her enough! Not only is she incredibly knowledgeable and professional, but she always takes the time to explain exactly what she’s doing and why. I really appreciate her approach—she believes that the more you know, the better you can take care of yourself, and I’ve learned so much from her over the years.
Nim is also a shockwave treatment specialist, and I’ve recommended her to many of my badminton colleagues, especially those who could benefit from this particular therapy. Her friendly demeanor combined with her expertise makes every session comfortable and effective. If you’re in need of physiotherapy or considering shockwave treatment, Nim is definitely the person to see!
My Morton's Neuroma : NHS cortisone injections made no difference to my painful stiff and inflamed foot pad. I did not want surgery so found Shockwave and Nim. She gave me a very thorough examination and identified issues with my spine and hips that did not help. After a series of Shockwave treatments and advice on stretching, my right foot improved becoming soft and much less painful. I decided to have a follow up series of treatment this summer. Although not cured, compared to 2 years ago when I could not walk for more than 10 minutes if at all, I can now be on my feet wslking for hours. Plus the stretching advice and motivation has helped with my hip mobility too.
