Overview
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of lateral hip pain that can significantly impair daily activities and quality of life. Conservative treatments, including physical therapy modalities and injections, are considered first-line management.
High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) is a non-invasive modality with greater tissue penetration compared to low-level laser therapy and has shown promising results in musculoskeletal disorders; however, evidence in GTPS is limited.
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of HILT compared with a sham intervention in patients with GTPS, focusing on pain intensity, functional status, and quality of life.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adults aged 18 to 80 years
- Patients diagnosed with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) based on clinical examination
- Presence of symptoms for at least 3 months
- Pain intensity ≥4 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
- No corticosteroid injection or other conservative treatment within the last 3 months
Exclusion Criteria:
- Hip fracture, tumor, infection, or advanced osteoarthritis
- Contraindications to high-intensity laser therapy (e.g., pacemaker, pregnancy, coagulation disorders, anticoagulant therapy, neoplasia, history of epilepsy)
- Contraindications to physical activity (e.g., ischemic heart disease, arrhythmia, uncontrolled hypertension, heart failure, severe respiratory insufficiency)
- Peripheral vascular disorders (e.g., thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, lymphedema)
- History of trauma within the last 3 months or prior surgery involving the lower extremity or lumbar spine
- Neurological disorders or chronic inflammatory diseases
