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.
I’ve been dealing with chronic lower back pain and sciatica for years, and after trying countless treatments, I finally found real relief here. Nim has been fantastic from start to finish — professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring. I recently had a series of shockwave therapy sessions combined with physiotherapy, and the results have been impressive. I’ve noticed a real reduction in pain and stiffness, and I’m finally able to move more freely again. Highly recommended to anyone struggling with long-term back issues!
I can't recommend Nim enough - she isn't just a shockwave therapist (which is an amazing type of therapy in itself) but she's also a very practised and knowledgeable physiotherapist. I've been to conventional physio (both private and on the NHS) and nothing has looked at actually solving the problem that causes the pain, leading to a worsening condition of the joint itself and ever increasing pain. Nim has stopped all of that, and been able to use a holistic approach and combine it with shockwave and her specialist knowledge to treat the problem, not just the symptoms. I regret the years spent with other treatments and wish I had found her sooner!
I have known Nim now for two years and her treatment and expertise with her shock wave machine has been exceptionally good. First and foremost, Nim is very knowledgeable about her profession with vast experience in the areas of physiotherapy and shock wave treatment. More recently I have been treated with various problems on my legs mainly tendonopathy/tendonosis around my Achilles and hamstrings /thighs. The treatment is excellent, Nim explains the problems clearly and offers advice and consultation throughout the two months I’ve been seeing her. I’m very grateful as I have had pain for several years and can finally see a path forward without pain. I can highly recommend her and her treatment/facilities!! And thank you Nim!
My trigger finger bothered me so much that I could not use my right hand. After receiving treatment from Nim for just 5 times, I regained 90% of the function. Then I waited another month for it to recover, my hand is almost completely normal now.
My trigger finger bothered me so much that I could not use my right hand. After receiving treatment from Nim for just 5 times, I regained 90% of the function. Then I waited another month for it to recover, my hand is almost completely normal now.
