Hip pain is one of those problems that changes what you can comfortably do without your realizing it. You stop taking the stairs, you shift how you stand in the kitchen, you give up activities you used to enjoy — all because something in the hip is quietly making movement uncomfortable. For Woodland Hills adults dealing with chronic hip pain, the question is usually not whether to do something about it but what the options are before considering surgery.
This guide walks through common causes of hip pain, when to see a pain management specialist, and what non-surgical treatments exist.
What Commonly Causes Chronic Hip Pain
The hip is a large, weight-bearing ball-and-socket joint with a lot of moving parts around it. Persistent hip pain usually traces back to one of the following:
Hip osteoarthritis. The most common cause of chronic hip pain in adults, particularly over age 50. Cartilage wears down, the joint surfaces become less smooth, and pain develops — often starting in the groin and radiating into the thigh.
Trochanteric bursitis. Inflammation of a bursa on the outside of the hip, producing pain when lying on that side, with certain movements, or with prolonged sitting.
Gluteal tendinopathy. Chronic irritation of the gluteal tendons where they attach near the hip, often producing lateral hip pain similar to bursitis.
Labral tears. Tears in the cartilage ring around the hip socket, sometimes producing pain with specific movements and occasionally catching or clicking.
Referred pain from the lumbar spine or sacroiliac joint. Some pain felt in the hip actually originates elsewhere — particularly in the lower back or the SI joint. Identifying this is important because the right treatment depends on the right diagnosis.
Piriformis syndrome. A muscular cause of buttock and hip pain, sometimes with referred leg symptoms.
A careful evaluation sorts out which of these is driving your pain, which determines the treatment approach.
When to See a Pain Management Specialist
Consider a consultation if:
- Hip pain has lasted longer than six weeks
- You are limping or altering your gait to avoid pain
- Hip pain wakes you from sleep or makes sleeping on one side uncomfortable
- Over-the-counter medications are no longer enough
- You have tried physical therapy without adequate improvement
- You want to explore non-surgical options before considering hip replacement
- You are not yet a candidate for surgery but need more relief than your current plan provides
Non-Surgical Options for Hip Pain
A pain management practice offers several approaches for chronic hip pain, matched to the specific diagnosis:
Intra-articular hip joint injections. A targeted injection into the hip joint itself, typically performed with image guidance. Used for hip arthritis and certain labral issues. Depending on the medication used, relief can last weeks to months.
Trochanteric bursa injections. Targeted injections for bursitis-type pain on the outside of the hip.
Gluteal tendon and trigger point injections. For pain driven by tendon or muscle issues around the hip.
Sacroiliac joint injections. If the evaluation suggests that “hip pain” is actually SI joint pain, treatment targets the SI joint rather than the hip.
Radiofrequency procedures. For certain types of chronic hip pain that have responded to diagnostic blocks.
Medication management. Anti-inflammatory medications, non-opioid analgesics, and topicals can be part of a hip pain plan.
Physical therapy coordination. Most hip pain benefits from physical therapy, and interventional pain reduction often makes therapy more productive.
What Recovery Looks Like After a Hip Injection
Most hip injections are outpatient procedures. You can typically walk out of the clinic the same day. Some patients feel relief within a day or two; for others, it takes a week to become apparent. Specific activity guidance depends on the procedure and your individual situation — your physician will give you concrete instructions.
Relief is not guaranteed and does not last forever. For patients who respond well, the relief often creates a window for more productive physical therapy and better daily function.
How the Plan Comes Together
Interventional procedures are usually one part of a larger plan:
- A careful diagnosis to identify what is actually producing the pain
- A targeted intervention aimed at that source
- Physical therapy to address the mechanical contributors (weakness, tightness, gait patterns)
- Strategic medication use
- Reassessment to see what is working
For many patients, this combination provides meaningful improvement without surgery.
Hip Pain Care at Our Woodland Hills Clinic
Southwest Pain Management’s Woodland Hills clinic treats hip pain with a full range of non-surgical approaches. We begin with a careful diagnostic evaluation — because the same symptom can come from different sources — and build a plan matched to your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my pain is from my hip or my back? The pattern of pain and physical examination offer strong clues. True hip pain is often felt in the groin and worsens with rotation of the hip. Referred pain from the back or SI joint usually has a different pattern. A pain specialist can usually distinguish these, sometimes with the help of diagnostic imaging or injections.
Are hip joint injections safe? Hip injections are considered generally safe when performed by a trained specialist with image guidance. Your physician will review risks and expected benefits before the procedure.
How long does a hip injection last? This varies by patient and by injection type. Some get weeks of relief, others get months.
Can I avoid hip replacement surgery? Some patients are able to manage hip pain for years with non-surgical approaches. Others reach a point where the joint condition makes surgery the right choice. A pain management evaluation can help you think through where you are.
Should I see an orthopedic surgeon instead? Both specialties have a role. Pain management focuses on non-surgical and minimally invasive approaches. An orthopedic surgeon focuses on surgical repair and replacement. Starting with non-surgical care is reasonable for many patients.
Request a Consultation
Contact Southwest Pain Management to schedule an appointment at our Woodland Hills clinic.
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The mission of Southwest Pain Management is to empower you to restore function, decrease pain, and live your life to its fullest.
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