Effect of Dry Needling on Gluteus Medius Contraction in Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: a Pilot RCT Protocol

"Dry needling will be performed on the pelvitrochanteric musculature, targeting those muscles where the patient reports mechanical hyperalgesia points upon palpation that reproduce familiar and recognizable pain. No more than 3 different muscles will be treated, and no more than 2 needles will be used per muscle to reduce irritability. The Gluteus Medius muscle will be needled in all patients, and the Gluteus Minimus, Tensor Fasciae Latae (TFL), Piriformis, and obturator muscles will also be examined.~Dry needling will be performed using monofilament needles of different sizes, 0.30mm x 7.5mm, 6mm, and 4mm (AGUPUNT, APS®), depending on the muscle being treated.\"~During the dry needling procedure, an attempt will be made to provoke a local twitch response (LTR). Once achieved, the needle will be manipulated with rapid in-and-out movements in different directions until 4 to 6 LTRs are obtained, or if the participant verbally requests the intervention to stop."

The intervention protocol for sham dry needlig will be just as to the real dry needling procedure, but instead of inserting the needle into the muscle, the needle is manipulated to touch the skin without penetrating it. This may involve the use of retractable needles or simply making contact with the skin