Research Project
Full description Gluteal tendinopathy is a common, debilitating musculoskeletal condition, most often seen in middle aged females, and sedentary overweight people. The resultant lateral hip pain leads to reduction in physical activity and often poor sleep, which may impact on general health and well-being, as well as quality of life and employment status. Various conservative management approaches are described, with surgery as a final resort for non-responsive cases. It is not uncommon for a patient to be given a corticosteroid injection (CSI), referred to a physiotherapist, or advised that it will likely resolve spontaneously. The challenge for clinicians and patients is that there is a dearth of clinical trial evidence for any non-surgical intervention. Evidence for other tendinopathies is that education regarding management of load and graduated progressive exercises are likely the optimal approach, but this has not been conclusively established for any tendinopathy. This 3-arm randomised controlled trial compares adopting a wait and see approach, a physiotherapy led education (load management) and exercise program, and a CSI, in people with gluteal tendinopathy.