The patient is a 38 year old male plant manager andnew long distance runner presenting with complaints of leftanterolateral hip and thigh pain. He was referred to physiotherapyfrom his orthopedist, who diagnosed him with greater trochantericbursitis.
His onset of symptoms was 6 weeks prior to the initial evaluation,after running a marathon (26.2 miles). By the end of the race, hewas in intense, constant pain, rated at a 5/10 that remainedconstant for 3 days after. His symptoms became intermittent, andhave not changed much since that time. His plan was to run 4marathons in the next year, but he has stopped running completely,as every time he runs the pain comes back to the same intensity itwas immediately after the race.
Since becoming symptomatic he has tried many stretches andstrengthening exercises he researched on the internet. He has alsoreceived advice from his massage therapist. However, the same paincomes back when he runs. He has good shoes, and changes them every250-300 miles, per industry recommendations. Because of all of hisresearch, he is concerned that this is an issue that is going tokeep him from running altogether.
When asked if the patient had any imaging, he replied “only anxray”. Then he said, “Why, do you think I need an MRI?” Sensingfear of life-altering structural damage, the patient was assuredthat one of the goals of physiotherapy is to determine the rightplace for them. With a careful assessment over 2-3 visits, weshould know if further testing is necessary.


1. Given the history, anatomy and function of the hip, whichstructures are you going to examine? Explain why and how you willperform the examination of these structures.
2. What functional activities would you assess and how would youestablish these    functional baselines. Howvigorous can you be in your examination?
3. What examination tests would you use, and why would you usethem?
4. What other subjective information would you get from thisrunner?