Chronic Hip Pain: 6 Nonsurgical Solutions for Long-Term Relief

Chronic hip pain can be challenging to manage, but thanks to modern technology, many nonsurgical solutions offer long-term relief without a single incision.

So before you consider surgery, our team at NYC Pain MD suggests you try these highly effective remedies for restoring pain-free mobility.

Here are six nonsurgical treatments that we offer in our New York offices to help manage chronic hip pain while improving your long-term comfort and mobility.

1. Physical therapy

Physical therapy is often the first line of defense against chronic hip pain. It’s also something our NYC Pain MD specialists typically recommend you combine with other conservative therapies.

A personalized physical therapy program is based on your evaluation results and tailored to fit your current needs and overall health status. These plans focus on strengthening the muscles around the hip, improving flexibility, and enhancing joint stability.

Regular physical therapy sessions also help reduce pain through massage, hot and cold therapy, ultrasound technology, and other noninvasive treatments that increase mobility and prevent further joint deterioration.

2. Oral medications

It may seem too easy, but nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help alleviate pain and protect joints by reducing inflammation.

Our pain management specialists often recommend these medications for short-term use to manage hip pain flare-ups.

But it’s essential to consult with our NYC Pain MD team before starting any medication regimen, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking other medications.

3. Corticosteroid injections

Corticosteroid injections provide relief by reducing inflammation in the hip joint. These injections are typically administered directly into the joint and can help alleviate pain for several weeks to months.

While not a permanent solution, corticosteroid injections can effectively manage your symptoms as we pursue other long-term strategies.

4. Image-guided viscosupplementation

Aging often causes joints to dry out, leading to varying levels of pain and inflammation as cartilage and other structures within the joint lose natural lubrication.

Delivered via injection and guided by advanced imaging, viscosupplementation helps restore natural fluid levels to the hip joint. This can improve mobility, decrease inflammation, lessen pain, and potentially slow joint degeneration.

5. Regenerative medicine

Regenerative medicine treatments are based on your body’s natural restorative abilities. They’re designed to enhance tissue repair via stem cells, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and other innovative therapies.

These injection-based treatments can take several weeks to show optimal results, but they are generally very well-tolerated and have few risks. While they won’t give you a brand-new hip, they offer long-term solutions, especially when combined with other therapies.       

6. Lifestyle modifications

Adjusting your daily activities can help manage chronic hip pain. This might include avoiding high-impact activities, using supportive footwear, and incorporating low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling into your routine.

Ergonomic adjustments at work and home, such as using a standing desk or adjusting your seating, can also help reduce stress on your hips.

Carrying excess weight strains hip joints, exacerbating pain and discomfort. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can reduce the load on your hips, decrease pain, and improve overall joint health.

Research is ongoing, but there is significant evidence that an anti-inflammatory diet can improve your overall health and may protect your joints from further damage. You’re never too old or too young to incorporate these healthy habits into your daily routine.

Schedule an evaluation at NYC Pain MD for more information about relieving chronic pain without surgery. Call us or request an appointment online. Our New York City offices are located in Manhattan’s Financial District and in Astoria, Queens.