OSTEOPATHY AUCKLAND
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome treatment
MOVEMENT MECHANICS OSTEOPATHY AUCKLAND
Combining Osteopath and Shockwave Therapy for effective, non-invasive treatment for a common cause of lateral hip pain, greater trochanteric pain syndrome.
Getting to the bottom of lateral hip pain can be frustrating, but don't despair, we offer fast, effective treatment right here in Auckland. We are Auckland's Shockwave therapy specialists, using industry-leading Shockwave machines and treatments conducted in line with International best practices to provide treatment that works.
Fast
Treatments typically take 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the treatment site.
Non-invasive
A great alternative to steroid injections and surgery.
Effective
Reduces the average pain score from 8/10 to 2/10 within 4 weekly sessions.
What is Greater trochanteric pain syndrome?
Lateral hip pain is a common issue in clinics, often attributed to greater trochanteric pain syndrome, which includes trochanteric bursitis, gluteus medius/minimus tendinopathy, and tears of the gluteus medius or minimus tendons. Due to the multiple musculoskeletal components involved, it is often poorly managed with conventional physiotherapy. Contributing factors include overuse, mechanical overload, incomplete healing, and muscle weakness. Alongside lateral hip pain, sufferers may experience pain radiating down the lateral thigh, buttocks, and occasionally to the lateral knee, described as aching and intense during hip abduction and external rotation movements.
Conservative osteopathic management of greater trochanteric pain syndrome involves a thorough evaluation of the trochanteric bursa, gluteus medius and minimus tendons, gait, hip abductor strength, pelvic control during single-leg stance, and overall muscle balance around the hip. This holistic approach addresses the condition’s complexity by considering all contributing factors. At Movement Mechanics Osteopathy, musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging plays a key role in diagnosing tears, tendinopathies, or bursitis, guiding a tailored exercise and load management program. Treatment includes hands-on soft-tissue mobilisation and myofascial work to alleviate restrictions in the hip and surrounding joints, reducing friction at the lateral hip. Additionally, Western Medical Acupuncture and dry-needling are used to help modulate pain associated with the condition.
Shockwave Therapy delivers high-energy acoustic waves that stimulate the body’s natural healing processes by enhancing blood circulation, promoting cell regeneration, and dissolving calcifications in tendons and muscles, ultimately reducing pain and improving function. The therapy stimulates angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) and releases growth factors, aiding tissue healing while reducing pain mediators. A study by Furia et al. (2009) found that patients with greater trochanteric pain syndrome who received Shockwave Therapy experienced significant improvements in pain and function compared to those who did not. Shockwave Therapy has also been shown to be more effective than corticosteroid injections and multimodal therapy at a 1-year follow-up, and when combined with Osteopathy and exercise, it provides superior pain relief compared to corticosteroid injections at 15 months follow-up.
The intensity of shockwave therapy plays a crucial role in achieving positive outcomes for osteoarthritis patients, with higher energy levels leading to greater improvements in pain and osteoarthritis index scores (WOMAC). It’s important to note that not all shockwave machines are of the same quality. Most leading research supporting the benefits of shockwave therapy utilises EMS DolorClast® devices, which maintain consistent energy delivery even at higher frequencies. These devices exhibit significantly higher energy output at elevated settings compared to other machines commonly used in New Zealand, such as the Storz MASTERPULS® 200 ultra.
You may be experiencing greater trochanteric pain syndrome, a common cause of lateral hip pain that can involve various structures and degrees of tissue damage, including gluteal muscle tears, tendinopathy, muscle weakness, and bursitis. Try Shockwave Therapy for fast, effective and non-invasive releif.