Classification Based Treatment of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) with Integration of the Movement System

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) refers to pain in the lateral hip and thigh and can encompass multiple diagnoses including external snapping hip (coxa saltans), also known as proximal iliotibial band syndrome, trochanteric bursitis, and gluteus medius (GMed) or gluteus minimus (GMin) tendinopathy or tearing. GTPS presents clinicians with a similar diagnostic challenge as non-specific low back pain with special tests being unable to identify the specific pathoanatomical structure involved and do little to guide the clinician in prescription of treatment interventions. Like the low back, the development of GTPS has been linked to faulty mechanics during functional activities, mainly the loss of pelvic control in the frontal place secondary to hip abductor weakness or pain with hip abductor activation. Therefore, an impairment-based treatment classification system. is recommended in the setting of GTPS in order to better tailor conservative treatment interventions and improve functional outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, clinical commentary