I've Heard Surgery Isn't the Only Way to Cure Hip Pain: What Are My Options?

Hip pain can interfere with everything from walking to sleeping. While surgery might be necessary in some cases, it’s not the first or only option. You might find relief through nonsurgical methods that address the root cause of your discomfort.

With options ranging from physical therapy to regenerative medicine, there are plenty of ways to treat hip pain without surgery so you can get back to enjoying life.

Our specialty team at NYC Pain MD excels at relieving conditions like hip pain with nonsurgical treatment plans tailored to your needs.

Here’s a quick look at these surgical alternatives and how they work to relieve your pain.

Physical therapy

We can focus a physical therapy (PT) program on strengthening the muscles around your hip joint, improving flexibility, and enhancing mobility. Your personalized plan may include targeting the underlying issues, such as tight hip flexors, weak glutes, or poor posture.

A PT routine often utilizes stretching exercises, balance training, and manual therapy. Based on your pain specialist’s guidelines, your plan will also include a home routine to help you maintain the benefits you experience during formal sessions.

PT is ideal for those with hip pain from overuse, mild arthritis, or muscle imbalances.

Medications and injections

Over-the-counter or prescription medications can help reduce inflammation and manage pain.

Options include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, corticosteroid injections, or acetaminophen.

You may also benefit from image-guided viscosupplementation. This therapy, delivered via injection into the joint, supplements natural joint lubrication with hyaluronic acid to reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and decrease pain.

Relief can last several months, depending on the severity of the condition.

Lifestyle modifications

Small changes in your daily habits can positively impact your hip health. This may include weight management to reduce pressure on your hips due to excess pounds.

You may also benefit from adjusting your activity. We recommend you avoid high-impact activities like running and switch to low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling.

Yoga is another beneficial activity that we can modify when necessary to help you with arthritis or hip problems and to improve strength and flexibility.

Orthotics and assistive devices

Orthotics or walking aids can reduce stress on your hips and improve alignment. Customized shoe inserts, braces, or a cane provide immediate support, add stability, and help prevent further strain.

Regenerative medicine

Cutting-edge treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or stem cell treatments enhance your body’s natural healing mechanisms to repair damaged tissues.

For instance, PRP therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets from your blood into your hip, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.

These treatments are suitable for mild to moderate osteoarthritis or soft tissue injuries.

SoftWave® tissue regeneration therapy

SoftWave tissue regeneration therapy is a noninvasive treatment that uses sound waves to promote healing in tendons and muscles by stimulating blood flow to the targeted area and accelerating tissue repair.

It’s painless and effective for tendinitis, bursitis, and other painful conditions.

Don’t assume a painful hip requires surgery. Schedule a visit at NYC Pain MD today to discover alternatives to hip surgery. Call us or use our convenient online service to request an appointment. Our New York offices are located in Manhattan’s Financial District and in Astoria, Queens.