Active adult stretching outdoors after hip pain relief in Phoenix

Comprehensive Non-Surgical Solutions for Hip Pain

Introduction

Hip pain can be debilitating, whether it stems from the joint itself or surrounding structures. At Sobel Spine and Sports, we specialize in identifying the source of your pain and providing non-surgical treatment options that help restore your mobility and lifestyle without resorting to surgery.

Hip Joint Pain

Hip joint pain typically presents as deep discomfort in the front of the hip or groin. Common causes include:

  • Labral Tears
    Damage to the ring of cartilage (labrum) that lines the hip socket may cause clicking, catching, or pain with hip movement.

  • Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)
    This mechanical mismatch between the femoral head and acetabulum can lead to early joint wear.

    • Cam impingement: Excess bone on the femoral head

    • Pincer impingement: Excess coverage of the acetabulum

    • Many patients have mixed-type impingement with features of both.

  • Hip Osteoarthritis
    A degenerative condition where cartilage wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. This often worsens with activity or prolonged sitting.

Anatomical diagram of labral tear and femoroacetabular impingement

Femoral Acetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAIS)

Anatomical diagram of a normal hip joint

Normal Hip Joint Anatomy

Lateral Hip Pain

Pain on the outside of the hip, or greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), stems from irritation or degeneration in soft tissue structures such as:

  • Gluteus medius/minimus tendinopathy

  • Trochanteric bursitis- often times a secondary effect of a tendinopathy

  • Iliotibial band irritation

This condition is more common in active women, runners, and those with altered gait. Pain often worsens when lying on the affected side or climbing stairs.

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

  • Patient with lateral hip pain grabbing their hip

    Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS)

    GTPS can be very debilitating for some people making it difficult to stand and walk and perform many daily activities that we take for granted

  • Image of the outside of the hip showing the main causes of lateral hip pain

    Three Main Causes of GTPS

    The pain can come from an inflamation of the bursa or the gluteus minimus and/or the gluteus medius tendon attachments

  • picture of a person working with physical therapist on her hip

    Physical Therapy is a Mainstay of Treatment

    Physical therapy plays an important role in the rehabilitation of gluteal tendinopathy and trochanteric bursitis

Learn More About Hip Pain

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

At Sobel Spine and Sports, we offer advanced non-operative solutions for hip pain, customized to the source of your discomfort:

  • Fluoroscopy-Guided Hip Joint Injections
    For intra-articular issues like labral tears or arthritis, Dr. Sobel performs precise cortisone or biologic injections using real-time x-ray guidance.

  • Ultrasound-Guided or Fluoroscopy-Guided Lateral Hip Injections
    Targeted treatment for GTPS using corticosteroid or regenerative injections to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

  • Physical Therapy
    Personalized programs focused on strengthening, mobility, gait retraining, and postural correction.

  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
    Biologic therapy using your body’s platelets to accelerate tissue repair and reduce pain in both joint and soft tissue injuries.

  • Activity Modification & Ergonomic Guidance
    Adjustments in training, posture, or daily movements to reduce strain and prevent flare-ups.

Early intervention with the right conservative treatment plan can help you avoid surgery and return to an active life.

Ready to take the next step toward hip pain relief?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jerry Sobel at Sobel Spine and Sports in Phoenix to receive a personalized, non-surgical treatment plan.

👉 Request an Appointment

What causes hip joint pain?
Common causes include labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), and osteoarthritis. These typically present as groin or anterior hip pain.
Can hip pain be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients respond well to non-operative care including image-guided injections, physical therapy, PRP, and activity modification.
Do you use imaging guidance for hip injections?
Yes. Dr. Sobel uses fluoroscopy (x-ray) for hip joint injections and either ultrasound or fluoroscopy for lateral hip injections, ensuring precision and safety.
How is lateral hip pain different from joint pain?
Lateral hip pain typically arises from soft tissues like tendons or bursae, whereas joint-related pain usually stems from structural issues within the hip socket.