Treatment of chronic recalcitrant gluteal trochanteric pain syndrome with dry needling and electrical stimulation: A case study.

A 67-year-old male presented with chronic right gluteal tendinopathy and greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) following a fall nine months prior. He reported persistent pain (8/10), impaired sleep, and limited function despite prior treatments including corticosteroid injection, physical therapy, and rest. Imaging revealed calcific tendinosis of the gluteus medius/minimus. The patient elected to undergo dry needling with electrical stimulation targeting the gluteal musculotendinous junction and trigger points. Six weekly sessions were performed. At discontinuation of therapy, pain decreased to 2/10, Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score improved from 42 to 54, and the patient reported that their sleep and activity tolerance improved. At six months following discontinuation of therapy pain was 0/10, HOOS was 64, and all functional gains were maintained. This case highlights the potential of dry needling with electrical stimulation as a stand-alone intervention for recalcitrant GTPS when conventional treatments fail.