February’s 5 minute Management assistant
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
In 2017 Kyndle et al investigated how Dry Needling compared to Cortisone injection in the treatment of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome. The research published was doomed level 1b evidence. Testing at 1, 3 and 6 weeks they found that Cortisone Injection provided no more pain relief than Dry Needling (DN).
Thoughts?
In my opinion, whilst both treatments are effective in the majority of clients, patient selection is key. Unfortunately much of the research done on this area has been investigating ‘Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome’ and fail to identify, one, a specific anatomical structure like a tendon or bursa or two, a process such as a tear.
My 2 cents worth…
In patients with tendon pathology causing pain as well as bursitis, DN, strengthening and addressing intrinsic/extrinsic causative factors is key before CSI.
In the case of isolated bursitis due to impact for instance, CSI may effective on its own unless symptoms have existed >3 months.
When history and imaging are neither of the above, it’s likely that specific strengthening and addressing intrinsic/extrinsic causative factors is required.
Hope this helps! Please feel free to give me a call any time!
Michael Rafla
Australian Sports Physiotherapy
0431 271 714
1300 651 256
[email protected]
