Many people with hip pain take replacement of their joints very seriously, having been advised by doctors that surgery would improve their quality of life and reduce pain levels significantly. While surgery might seem necessary at times, non-invasive hip replacement alternatives could offer relief without resorting to drastic interventions like hip replacement.
Why Go for Alternatives to Hip Replacement Surgery
In a traditional hip replacement procedure, a sizable incision is made on the side or back of the hip to reach damaged bone components. An artificial joint, comprising ball and socket components crafted from acrylic cement, is then implanted and reattached to the bones through a separate incision. Following surgery, traditional replacements typically require extended recovery times and a limited range of motion. Some surgeons specialize in minimally invasive surgery for total hip replacement, which involves making smaller incisions to minimize disruption of muscles and other tissues during the procedure and reduce blood loss during surgery. Some research indicates this approach may result in faster rehabilitation and better hip function over time; more studies may reveal additional advantages.
However, suppose you are unsure about the surgery or minimally invasive treatments. In that case, you should visit our Arizona integrative medical center by Wellness 1st and explore various alternatives to hip surgery. Book your appointment with us today!
While joint replacement surgeries often provide relief for individuals with hip problems, it is advisable to explore non-invasive therapies before turning to surgery. If conservative approaches such as medication and physical therapy prove insufficient in alleviating pain, spinal fusion may be considered as a potential treatment option. People visit our Arizona integrative medical center hoping to find alternatives to hip replacement surgery and avoid it by exploring all available options. Our clinic can offer combined chiropractic and hip preservation therapies to reduce discomfort and postpone more drastic interventions.
Chiropractic Care
Visit a chiropractor if you’re suffering from hip pain to alleviate symptoms and potentially prevent future injury. They will conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the source of discomfort and offer long-term management solutions. The hip joint, a ball-and-socket connection between the femur (thigh bone) and the pelvis, relies on a complex network of ligaments, tendons, and muscles, with cartilage providing cushioning to minimize friction and absorb shock. Hip pain can stem from diverse sources, such as hip dysplasia or iliotibial band syndrome, potentially leading to joint damage.
Chiropractors specialize in correcting alignment to the spine and pelvis through targeted, gentle chiropractic adjustments and correcting imbalances in hip muscles to decrease pain and improve function. To learn more about the treatments that can be opted for as an alternative hip replacement surgery, visit our Arizona integrative medical center by Wellness 1st.
Traditional methods for treating hip pain typically include medication and surgery; however, stem cell and PRP therapy have become viable alternatives to hip replacement for various conditions, providing reduced pain relief with faster recovery times while tapping into your body’s natural healing systems.
Read also: Physiotherapy or Chiropractic Care? How to Know Which One You Need?
Orthotics
Orthotics are mechanical aids such as braces that alter how you walk, which can take pressure off painful joints and relieve symptoms, strengthening muscles while increasing stability in an affected hip to promote healing. According to a study, orthotics may have the potential to postpone hip replacement surgery for individuals dealing with chronic arthritis conditions, including osteoarthritis. Orthotics are undoubtedly is a great hip replacement alternative for patients who don’t want to go for surgery.
Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, can also help alleviate pain and inflammation. For instance, you may already have some in your medicine cabinet – like Aspirin. However, it is wise to consult your doctor before taking any NSAIDs, as some individuals may be at increased risk for gastrointestinal or kidney issues.
Hip arthroscopy presents another minimally invasive alternative that might defer the need for a complete hip replacement. This procedure entails making small incisions to address damaged cartilage. Dr. Allison, a hip surgeon in Los Angeles, suggests hip arthroscopy for patients experiencing hip pain due to significant cartilage damage. If the pain and mobility limitations due to hip arthritis are mild, conservative methods could effectively manage them for months or even years before worsening further. If hip pain becomes debilitating, however, more aggressive measures such as hip replacement surgery might become necessary.
Physical Therapy
Effective non-surgical treatments for hip arthritis focus on strengthening muscles that support the joint and increasing the range of motion. These strategies may also reduce pain while improving quality of life.
Hip arthritis often results from wear and tear or as a natural consequence of aging. However, it may also be caused by an autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis in which your immune system attacks cartilage in joints throughout the body. To learn more about the best-suited treatments and therapies as hip replacement alternatives, Contact our doctors at Wellness 1st Integrative Medical Center.
Researchers conducted a recent study to test whether physical therapy could prevent patients from needing hip replacement surgery. They randomly assigned individuals who already had hip replacements; half attended physical therapy twice weekly for two months while the remaining half kept up regular at-home exercise sessions during that same time frame. Study findings confirmed the theory that attending physical therapy sessions could reduce hip replacement surgery risk significantly, supporting its role as an effective strategy. Physical therapy is a great alternative to hip replacement.
Read also: When should You go for physical therapy treatments?
Injection Therapy
Injection therapy uses injections to relieve pain and promote the healing of damaged soft tissues around the hip. Our doctors use X-ray and ultrasound guidance to pinpoint areas of injury and administer injections without damaging nearby tissues. Typical injection therapies include corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP). These regenerative treatments aim to diminish inflammation, lubricate joint surfaces, and enhance range of motion, enabling a return to activities that bring joy to life.
Hyaluronic acid injections, also known as viscosupplementation, help restore the shock-absorbing capabilities of synovial fluid in your hip and decrease friction between bones in your joint and thus can prevent future hip replacement surgeries. Other injections may be designed to block specific nerves that cause discomfort. When the doctors at our Arizona Integrative Medical Center determine that damaged or aggravated nerves are to blame for the pain, such injections can help increase comfort levels while helping regain activities more quickly, decrease over-the-counter medication needs, and potentially avoid or postpone hip replacement surgery.
Hip arthroscopy may provide an effective and minimally invasive option to restore hip cartilage damage and decrease pain and stiffness while improving mobility and daily activities. Hip arthroscopy can be particularly beneficial for young and active patients with healthy cartilage and no significant bone loss, offering an alternative to hip replacement surgery. However, if you want non-surgical alternatives to hip replacement, visit Wellness 1st Integrative Medical Center today!
Conclusion
People experiencing hip pain and stiffness could benefit from non-invasive therapies, including medication, physiotherapy, and regenerative injection therapy. To learn more about the non-invasive treatment alternatives to hip replacement surgery, please book your appointment with Wellness 1st Integrative Medical Center today. Get the best-suited non-surgical hip replacement alternative treatments at our Arizona integrative medical center. We will gladly treat you and help you lead a better and healthier life.