PRP injection greater trochanter: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Posted on February 28, 2026 | by drhip

PRP injection greater trochanter Introduction (What it is)

PRP injection greater trochanter is an injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) placed near the greater trochanter on the outside of the hip.
PRP is made from a person’s own blood and concentrated to contain more platelets than usual.
It is commonly discussed for lateral (outer) hip pain related to tendon or bursa irritation.
It is typically performed in orthopedic and sports medicine settings, often with ultrasound guidance.

Why PRP injection greater trochanter used (Purpose / benefits)

The greater trochanter is the bony prominence on the outside of the upper femur (thigh bone). Several important hip abductor tendons attach nearby—most notably the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus tendons—which help stabilize the pelvis during walking, stair climbing, and single-leg standing. A fluid-filled sac called a bursa can also become irritated in this region.

PRP injection greater trochanter is used with the goal of improving symptoms from certain tendon-related and soft-tissue conditions around the lateral hip. The purpose is generally symptom relief and functional improvement (for example, less pain with walking, side-lying, or stairs), rather than “repairing” bone or correcting joint shape.

Potentially relevant benefits clinicians consider include:

Biologic approach using autologous blood: PRP comes from the patient, which reduces concerns about allergic reaction to a foreign substance (though other risks still exist).
Focus on tendon and soft-tissue pain generators: Many lateral hip pain syndromes are driven by tendinopathy (tendon degeneration/irritation) and/or bursal inflammation rather than arthritis inside the hip joint.
Option when first-line care is incomplete: It may be considered when structured rehabilitation, activity modification, and other conservative measures have not provided adequate improvement, or when clinicians want to avoid repeated corticosteroid exposure in a tendon region.

Outcomes vary by clinician and case. PRP is not a guaranteed fix, and it is not used to “cure” every cause of hip pain. Lateral hip pain can have overlapping causes, so careful diagnosis is part of why PRP is sometimes chosen.

Indications (When orthopedic clinicians use it)

Common scenarios where PRP injection greater trochanter may be considered include:

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), a clinical term for persistent lateral hip pain often involving tendons and/or bursa
Gluteus medius or gluteus minimus tendinopathy (degenerative or overuse-related tendon pain)
Partial-thickness gluteal tendon tearing, when an injection is being considered as a non-surgical option (appropriateness varies)
Recurrent lateral hip pain that persists despite an initial course of physical therapy and load management (varies by clinician and case)
Pain localized to the peritrochanteric region with supportive exam findings, sometimes supported by ultrasound or MRI findings
Select cases where clinicians want a biologic injection option rather than corticosteroid or when steroid response has been limited (varies by clinician and case)

Contraindications / when it’s NOT ideal

PRP injection greater trochanter is not suitable for everyone. Clinicians may avoid or delay it in situations such as:

Active infection (systemic infection or infection at/near the injection site)
Certain bleeding or clotting disorders, or when platelet function is significantly impaired (decision depends on history and labs)
Use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, where bleeding risk or PRP quality may be a concern (management varies by clinician and case)
Severe anemia or very low platelet count, which can affect the ability to prepare an adequate PRP sample (varies by lab values and protocols)
Unclear diagnosis, such as suspected fracture, tumor, severe neurologic cause, or significant hip joint pathology that better explains symptoms
Advanced hip osteoarthritis as the primary pain source, where a peritrochanteric injection may not address the main generator of pain
Large full-thickness gluteal tendon tears with major functional deficit, where surgical evaluation may be more appropriate than injection alone (varies by case)
Inability to follow a rehabilitation plan, since outcomes often depend on a coordinated approach rather than injection alone

When PRP is not ideal, clinicians may consider other approaches such as targeted physical therapy, different injection types, or (in select cases) surgical consultation.

How it works (Mechanism / physiology)

Mechanism of action (high level)

Platelet-rich plasma is plasma with a higher concentration of platelets than baseline blood. Platelets release signaling proteins (often called growth factors and cytokines) that participate in normal tissue healing and inflammation regulation. The proposed rationale for PRP in tendinopathy is that delivering a higher concentration of these signals to a painful tendon region may influence the local healing environment.

Important context for readers: PRP is not the same as a pain-numbing injection and it is not a “filler.” Its effects, when they occur, are typically discussed as biologic and time-dependent rather than immediate.

Relevant anatomy around the greater trochanter

Greater trochanter: the lateral bony prominence of the femur
Gluteus medius and minimus tendons: key hip abductors attaching near the greater trochanter; commonly involved in GTPS
Trochanteric bursa: a lubricating sac that can become inflamed; “trochanteric bursitis” is often used, but many cases also involve tendon pathology
Iliotibial band (IT band): passes over the lateral hip; may contribute to friction or compression in some symptom patterns
Local nerves and soft tissues: pain can radiate along the lateral thigh even when the primary issue is local

Onset, duration, and reversibility

PRP does not have a simple “on/off” duration like a numbing medication. If improvement occurs, it is often described as gradual, developing over weeks rather than minutes or hours. How long benefits last varies by clinician and case and depends on the underlying diagnosis, tendon integrity, rehabilitation, and activity demands. PRP itself is not reversible in the way an implanted device might be; it is an injection of biologic material that is naturally processed by the body over time.

PRP injection greater trochanter Procedure overview (How it’s applied)

PRP injection greater trochanter is a clinic-based injection procedure. Techniques differ among clinicians, but a general workflow often includes:

Evaluation and diagnosis – History (pain location, triggers such as side-lying or stairs, activity level) – Physical exam (tenderness over the greater trochanter, strength testing, gait assessment) – Imaging when needed (often ultrasound or MRI) to evaluate tendons and bursa and to rule out other causes
Preparation – Blood draw from the patient – Processing in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate platelets (exact system and method vary by material and manufacturer) – Planning the target location (bursa, tendon insertion, or peritendinous region), often using ultrasound for visualization
Intervention – Cleaning the skin and using sterile technique – Local anesthetic may be used for comfort in some protocols (approaches vary) – Injection of the prepared PRP into the planned region, often with ultrasound guidance to improve accuracy
Immediate checks – Brief observation for reactions such as dizziness, increased pain, or bleeding at the injection site – Documentation of the injection site and PRP preparation method
Follow-up – A scheduled reassessment to track pain, function, and tolerance of activity – Coordination with rehabilitation (commonly physical therapy emphasizing hip abductor conditioning and load management), with specifics varying by clinician and case

Types / variations

There is no single universal PRP product. “PRP” can refer to multiple preparations and approaches, which can influence how clinicians discuss expected effects.

Common variations include:

Leukocyte-poor vs leukocyte-rich PRP
Leukocyte-poor PRP contains fewer white blood cells.
Leukocyte-rich PRP contains more white blood cells.
The choice is often based on clinician preference and the targeted tissue, and evidence is evolving.
Activation status
Some protocols use “activated” PRP (treated to trigger platelet degranulation before injection).
Others rely on activation occurring naturally in the tissue after injection.
Centrifugation methods
Single-spin vs double-spin protocols can produce different platelet concentrations and cellular content.
Systems differ by material and manufacturer, and processing can vary across clinics.
Target location and intent
Bursal/peribursal injection: aimed at bursa-related inflammation patterns.
Peritendinous or intratendinous approach: aimed at tendon-related pain patterns (technique varies).
Diagnostic vs therapeutic framing: PRP is primarily therapeutic, but response patterns may still inform the working diagnosis.
Guidance method
Ultrasound-guided: commonly used to visualize tendons, bursa, and needle placement.
Landmark-guided: relies on anatomy and palpation; may be used in some settings.

Pros and cons

Pros:

Uses the patient’s own blood product (autologous), reducing concerns about foreign-material allergy
Targets common soft-tissue contributors to lateral hip pain (gluteal tendons and adjacent bursa)
Can be performed in an outpatient setting without an incision
Often paired with structured rehabilitation, which can support function-focused recovery
Avoids corticosteroid exposure for patients or clinicians who prefer to limit repeated steroid use (varies by case)

Cons:

Evidence and outcomes vary by clinician and case; results are not predictable for every diagnosis
Preparation is not standardized across all systems, so “PRP” can differ between clinics
Post-injection soreness or pain flare can occur, especially in tendon-targeted injections
Cost and insurance coverage may be limiting, and coverage policies vary widely
Not all lateral hip pain comes from the trochanteric region; mis-targeting the pain source can limit benefit
May not be sufficient for significant structural tendon tears or advanced joint disease when those are the main drivers

Aftercare & longevity

Aftercare is usually discussed as part of a broader plan rather than a single instruction list. Clinicians commonly emphasize that symptom improvement—when it occurs—often depends on both the underlying tissue state and how the hip is progressively reloaded afterward.

Factors that can influence outcomes and longevity include:

Accuracy of diagnosis
GTPS can mimic or overlap with lumbar spine referral pain, intra-articular hip pathology, or stress injury. Identifying the dominant pain generator matters.
Severity and type of tissue involvement
Tendinopathy, partial tears, and bursal inflammation are not identical problems and may respond differently.
Coexisting hip osteoarthritis can complicate symptom patterns.
Rehabilitation and load management
Hip abductor weakness and pelvic control deficits often contribute to ongoing lateral hip overload.
Gradual strengthening and activity progression are commonly used alongside injections, but the exact plan varies by clinician and case.
Biomechanics and contributing factors
Gait mechanics, training errors, occupational demands, and sleep positions (side-lying pressure) can affect symptoms.
General health considerations
Metabolic health, smoking status, and inflammatory conditions may influence tendon health and healing capacity. The impact varies between individuals.
PRP preparation and technique
Cellular composition (leukocyte-rich vs leukocyte-poor), volume injected, target location, and use of imaging guidance can differ across providers.

Longevity of symptom relief—if achieved—varies by clinician and case. Some people may require additional treatment cycles or different approaches if symptoms return or if the diagnosis changes.

Alternatives / comparisons

Clinicians typically compare PRP injection greater trochanter with a range of non-surgical and surgical options based on the suspected pain generator.

Observation and activity modification
For mild or recent symptoms, monitoring with changes in aggravating activities may be used.
This approach is low risk but may be slower or insufficient for persistent cases.
Physical therapy (often first-line)
Commonly emphasizes hip abductor strengthening, trunk/pelvic control, and graded return to activity.
PT addresses mechanics and capacity; it does not directly deliver medication or biologic material to tissue.
Oral medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used for symptom control in some patients, depending on medical history.
Medications can help pain but do not specifically target tendon remodeling.
Corticosteroid injection
Often used for short-term pain reduction, especially when bursal inflammation is prominent.
Clinicians may be cautious with repeated steroid exposure near tendons, and responses can vary.
Other injection options
Local anesthetic diagnostic injections may help clarify the pain source.
Other biologic or non-biologic injectables are sometimes discussed in sports medicine; availability and evidence vary by region and indication.
Shockwave therapy (ESWT)
A noninvasive modality sometimes used for tendinopathies, including lateral hip tendinopathy.
Protocols and response vary by clinician and case.
Surgery (select cases)
Considered when there is significant structural tendon tearing, persistent disability, or failure of comprehensive nonoperative care.
Procedures may include gluteal tendon repair or bursectomy/IT band procedures, depending on pathology.

A key comparison point is that PRP is usually framed as one component of conservative management for tendon-related lateral hip pain rather than a replacement for diagnosis-driven rehabilitation.

PRP injection greater trochanter Common questions (FAQ)

Q: Is PRP injection greater trochanter the same as a cortisone shot?
No. Corticosteroid injections aim to reduce inflammation and pain signaling, often with a faster symptom-relief profile. PRP is an autologous blood-derived product intended to influence the local healing environment, and any improvement is usually discussed as more gradual. The best choice depends on the suspected tissue problem and clinician preference.

Q: Does the injection go into the hip joint?
Typically, PRP injection greater trochanter targets structures on the outside of the hip near the greater trochanter, such as the gluteal tendons or trochanteric bursa. This is different from an intra-articular hip injection, which is placed inside the joint capsule. The planned target is based on exam and imaging findings.

Q: How painful is the procedure?
Discomfort varies by person and by technique. The blood draw is usually similar to standard phlebotomy, and the injection can cause pressure or soreness around sensitive tendon or bursal tissue. Some protocols use local anesthetic to improve comfort, but practices vary.

Q: How long does it take to notice results?
PRP is not generally expected to provide immediate relief in the way a numbing medication might. When improvement occurs, it is often described as developing over weeks as activity and rehabilitation progress. The timeline varies by clinician and case.

Q: How long do results last?
Duration can range widely and depends on the diagnosis (bursa vs tendon), tendon integrity, biomechanics, and ongoing activity demands. Some people report longer-lasting improvement than others, and some may not respond. If symptoms recur, clinicians often reassess the diagnosis and contributing factors rather than assuming the same treatment is needed again.

Q: Is PRP considered safe?
Because PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, concerns about allergic reaction to a foreign substance are generally lower than with some medications. However, injection-related risks can still include bleeding, infection, pain flare, and injury to nearby structures. Overall safety depends on sterile technique, accurate targeting, and patient-specific medical factors.

Q: Can I drive or return to work the same day?
This depends on pain level, the side treated, and whether sedating medications were used (some clinics do not use sedation). Many people can return to routine activities, but discomfort can limit driving or job tasks that involve stairs, prolonged walking, or heavy lifting. Clinicians typically provide individualized guidance based on the role and symptoms.

Q: Will I need imaging guidance like ultrasound?
Ultrasound guidance is commonly used because it helps visualize the gluteal tendons, bursa, and needle placement in real time. Some injections are done by landmark technique, depending on clinician training and setting. Whether guidance is used can affect cost and perceived accuracy.

Q: How much does PRP injection greater trochanter cost?
Cost varies widely by region, clinic, and PRP processing system, and it may or may not be covered by insurance. Fees can also differ depending on whether ultrasound guidance is used and whether follow-up rehabilitation is bundled. The most accurate estimate typically comes from the treating facility.

Q: How many injections are needed?
Protocols differ. Some clinicians use a single injection approach, while others consider a series depending on response and diagnosis. The plan is usually individualized and may change based on symptom trajectory and functional progress.