NCT07243327

ESWT vs Conventional Physical Therapy in Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy and Conventional Physical Therapy in Patients With Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) with conventional physical therapy in patients with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS). GTPS is a common cause of lateral hip pain, often related to gluteal tendinopathy rather than trochanteric bursitis. Sixty patients will be randomly assigned to two groups: ESWT or conventional physical therapy (TENS, hot pack, ultrasound). Pain (VAS), hip function (Harris Hip Score), lower limb function (LEFS), and global improvement will be evaluated at baseline, week 3, and week 12. The purpose of this study is to determine which treatment provides greater pain relief and functional improvement.

Detailed description

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is a frequent cause of lateral hip pain and is now understood to be primarily associated with gluteus medius and minimus tendinopathy rather than inflammation of the trochanteric bursa. Although several conservative treatments are available, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy modalities, there is no consensus on the most effective treatment strategy. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) has emerged as a potential non-invasive treatment option that may promote tissue regeneration, reduce pain, and improve tendon healing. This prospective randomized controlled trial will include 60 patients aged 18-65 years with MRI-confirmed GTPS. Participants will be randomly assigned (1:1) to either the ESWT group or the conventional physical therapy group. The ESWT group will receive five sessions over 3 weeks (15 Hz, 3 bar, 2000 pulses). The physical therapy group will receive 10 sessions of TENS (20 minutes), hot pack (20 minutes), and continuous ultrasound (1.5 W/cm², 5 minutes). Both groups will be given a standardized exercise program. Outcome measures include the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain (night, rest, activity), Harris Hip Score, Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), and the Global Rating of Change Scale. Assessments will be performed at baseline, week 3, and week 12. The primary objective is to compare the effect of ESWT versus conventional physical therapy on pain reduction. Secondary objectives include evaluating functional improvements and global patient satisfaction.

Conditions

• Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)	ESWT applied with Elmed Vibrolith Ortho device at 15 Hz, 3 bar, 2000 pulses, 5 sessions over 3 weeks.
OTHER	TENS; Hot Pack; Ultrasound	10 sessions of TENS (20 min), hot pack (20 min), and continuous ultrasound (1.5 W/cm², 5 min).

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-12-01
• Primary completion: 2026-03-01
• Completion: 2026-03-01
• First posted: 2025-11-21
• Last updated: 2026-01-27

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)