The role of extra-corporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) plus rehabilitation for patients with chronic greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS): A case series assessing effects on pain, sleep quality, activity and functioning

Background: Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of lateral hip pain, most commonly affecting female patients aged 40–60, and which can have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life. Extra-corporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) alongside a structured rehabilitation programme has been shown in previous research studies to have a significant improvement in patient's levels of pain, although it is unclear if this then leads to improved level of global functioning or activity. This case series examines the change in a range of patient reported outcome measures following shockwave therapy as well as the frequency of self-reported side-effects. Methods: Patients undergoing ESWT for GTPS were identified from case logs from a single NHS clinic. Patients completed a range of validated patient-rated outcome measures at baseline and at subsequent follow-up appointments. These include measures of pain, and measures of local hip functioning (Oxford Hip Score – OHS, Non-Arthritic Hip Score – NAHS), global functioning (EQ-5D-5L), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index – PSQI), anxiety and depressive symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale – HADS), and activity levels (International Physical Activity Questionnaire – IPAQ). Results: Forty-five patients who completed ESWT for GTPS were identified; with a median follow-up duration of 189 days. Side-effect incidence was low, with