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PRP and Shockwave Therapy for Gluteal Tendinopathy: A Natural Alternative to Steroid Injections
Gluteal tendinopathy is a common cause of pain on the outside of the hip, often felt when walking, climbing stairs, standing on one leg, or lying on the affected side at night. This condition occurs when the gluteus medius or gluteus minimus tendons become irritated and degenerative over time.
Many patients are treated with steroid injections, which may temporarily reduce pain but do not repair the damaged tendon. Repeated steroid injections may also weaken tendon tissue and increase the risk of further degeneration.
Because of this, regenerative treatments such as high-dose PRP and shockwave therapy are increasingly used to stimulate healing in the damaged tendon.
At Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics in Raleigh and Cary, we frequently treat gluteal tendinopathy using these regenerative treatments to help patients recover and stay active without surgery.
High-Dose PRP for Gluteal Tendinopathy
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is created from a small sample of your own blood that is processed to concentrate platelets and healing growth factors. At our clinic we typically use high-dose PRP (double-spin PRP) to produce a higher concentration of healing factors than standard PRP systems.
During the procedure, the PRP is injected directly into the damaged portion of the gluteal tendon using ultrasound guidance. To further stimulate healing, the tendon is often gently fenestrated (also called tendon needling) during the procedure. This technique creates small micro-channels within the degenerative tendon, which helps stimulate a healing response and allows the PRP to penetrate the injured tissue more effectively.
High-dose PRP may help with:
• Gluteus medius tendinopathy
• Gluteus minimus tendinopathy
• Chronic lateral hip pain
• Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
PRP works by stimulating the body’s natural repair processes, helping improve tendon health and reduce chronic inflammation.
Shockwave Therapy to Stimulate Tendon Healing
Shockwave therapy is a noninvasive treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate healing in chronic tendon injuries.
Shockwave therapy may help:
• Increase blood flow to the injured tendon
• Activate tissue regeneration
• Break up degenerative tendon tissue
• Improve the effectiveness of PRP treatment
Shockwave therapy is often performed prior to PRP injections to help activate the tendon and create a better healing environment.
Treating the Entire Hip Tendon Complex
Gluteal tendinopathy rarely involves a single focal point. Degeneration often affects multiple areas of the gluteal tendon complex and surrounding tissues near the greater trochanter.
At Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics, we evaluate and treat the entire tendon attachment and surrounding structures rather than focusing on one painful location.
Treatment may include:
• Shockwave therapy across the degenerative tendon region
• Ultrasound-guided PRP injection with tendon fenestration
• Addressing surrounding tendon fibers contributing to pain
By improving the overall health of the tendon complex, regenerative treatments may lead to better long-term outcomes.
Gluteal Tendinopathy Treatment in Raleigh and Cary
Regenerative treatments such as high-dose PRP combined with shockwave therapy allow physicians to stimulate healing without relying on repeated steroid injections.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR GLUTEUS TENDON TEARS
As with most orthopedic conditions, patients will often begin with a combination of physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, ice and rest (and in some cases, steroid injections). When these methods are no longer effective, Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics offers the latest in cutting-edge treatments to reduce pain and get you back to the activities you enjoy. Some of these innovative alternatives to surgery include Orthobiologics and Regenerative Medicine treatments, such as:
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Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: Use your own platelets to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing.
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Prolotherapy: Uses dextrose (sugar water) in place of steroid to reduce pain and promote healing.
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Shockwave: A non-invasive therapy that uses impulses to treat chronic pain and repair tissue.
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Ultrasound-Guided Tendon Fenestration: Using the ultrasound, we can target the tendon and use a needle to stimulate healing by creating micro-damage to the tendon.
See the full list of conditions and treatments offered at Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics.
READ MORE ABOUT GLUTEUS TENDON TEARS
Gluteal Tendon Tears: Overview Gluteal tendon tears involve damage to the tendons of the gluteal muscles, specifically the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus, which play a vital role in stabilizing the hip and assisting with leg movements. These tears are commonly seen in individuals over 40 and are often associated with degenerative changes in the tendons, frequently as a result of chronic overuse, weakness, or hip osteoarthritis. Traumatic injuries can also cause tendon tears, although they are less common. Symptoms of gluteal tendon tears include pain in the hip or outer thigh, difficulty with walking or standing on one leg, and weakness in hip abduction (the ability to move the leg away from the body). Pain is often worse when standing up from a seated position or during activities like climbing stairs. Diagnosis is typically made through physical examination, supported by imaging techniques such as MRI or ultrasound, which can visualize tendon tears and associated inflammation. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the tear. Non-surgical treatments often include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and promote healing.
WHY CAROLINA
NONSURGICAL ORTHOPEDICS
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All Providers are BOARD CERTIFIED and Specially Trained in Nonsurgical Orthopedics
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Over 50,000+ and Counting Procedures Performed
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Procedures Performed with Ultrasound Guidance for Accuracy and Safety
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Local and Independent Practice That is NOT a Franchise
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Discounts for Service Members, Teachers, and Public Servants
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Serving Raleigh Since 2013