Hip treatments & procedures at our Dublin and Galway Clinics

Experiencing pain and stiffness in the hip is quite common among adults. Some of the most common symptoms are aching muscles, joint pain, heat and swelling. These types of pain may range from mild to severe, depending on the underlying cause. 

There are many possible causes of hip pain and stiffness. These include:

• Arthritis
• Accidental & sports injury
• Muscle imbalance
• Conditions that lead to gait abnormalities
• Bursitis
• Sciatica
• Infections
• Tumours 

To ease pain and restore movement in your hips, your doctor may at first suggest some conservative treatments. These could include strengthening exercises to help build muscles around the hip joint and to improve your flexibility. 

They may also suggest that you change activities that currently cause discomfort. 

However, if your pain remains unmanageable your doctor may recommend injections or surgery. This will depend on several factors, including the severity of your condition, your health, and your age.

It is important to make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any kind of persistent hip pain or stiffness. These are symptoms that may be due to an underlying condition that should be investigated to avoid future complications. Blackrock Health hospitals offer easy access to Ireland's leading orthopaedic consultant surgeons, so if stiff and sore hips have been limiting your everyday activities for some time, ask your GP to get in touch with us.

Hip pain services at Blackrock Health hospitals

Blackrock Health hospitals offer a range of non-surgical and surgical options for hip pain. Our experts work together to try and diagnose, treat or manage acute and chronic conditions that affect the hip. We aim to identify the underlying causes of your hip pain by performing tests and exams, following which we can recommend tailored treatments.

Blackrock Health is home to some of the most established private orthopaedic faculties in Ireland. We can carry out minimally invasive surgeries in hi-tech facilities across all our hospitals. We offer comprehensive musculoskeletal care, with dedicated inpatient orthopaedic and spinal wards. If you have day-case surgery, our team will care for you in our comfortable day wards.  

We offer the full range of orthopaedics, including:

• Consultation
• Diagnosis
• Treatment 
• Aftercare 

Our Hip specialist teams

Hip conditions are typically treated by an orthopaedic surgeon or a chartered physiotherapist. An orthopaedic surgeon can offer treatment for hip injuries or arthritis - and perform surgery if needed. Physiotherapists treat hip problems with exercises that improve hip strength and motion.

Orthopaedic Surgeons (specialising in the hip)

Our orthopaedic surgeons are internationally recognised and conduct thousands of procedures every year. They work with expert multi-disciplinary teams, including clinical nurse specialists and chartered physiotherapists. They also have access to the latest technology, from robotic surgery to spinal navigation techniques, and real-time imaging.  All our consultants are listed in our Consultants section.

The Irish National Orthopaedic Register (INOR)

Blackrock Clinic is also one of the first private hospitals in Ireland to use the Irish National Orthopaedic Register (INOR). This is a national database informing on orthopaedic surgeries and outcomes in Ireland. The aim of this register is to improve patient outcomes. Both the Hermitage Clinic and Galway Clinic are expected to enrol with INOR shortly. 

How can hip pain be treated?

Hip pain and stiffness can be treated with a variety of methods depending on the underlying cause. These include

• Physiotherapy
• Medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs
• Corticosteroid injections
• Heat and cold therapy may help to reduce inflammation and improve range of motion
• Lifestyle modifications like yoga may help increase flexibility and reduce pain. 

There are also multiple surgical options for hip pain, ranging from minimally invasive procedures to full joint replacement.

What are some conditions that cause hip pain or restricted movement in the hips?

Hip pain and restricted movement can be caused by a variety of conditions. These include bursitis, tendinitis, arthritis, fractures and joint inflammation. Additionally, everyday activities that put strain on the hips or cause them to become misaligned can lead to pain or limited mobility. Poor posture can also lead to hip issues over time. On rare occasions, a tumour on the hip may cause pain or immobility. It is important to consult with your doctor about hip discomfort to receive a personal diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

Diagnostics for hip pain

Our Consultant Radiologists work closely with the Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons. Together, they work towards a swift diagnosis and the very best treatment plan for all their patients. Here are some of the tests we can offer to help diagnose the cause of your hip pain.

What kind of treatments and procedures can we offer to patients with hip pain?

If the pain comes on suddenly, rest is often the best medicine. For longer-lasting symptoms, there are a range of helpful treatments.

Physiotherapy 

This can be very helpful. Our chartered physiotherapists provide strengthening exercises that are specific to your injury and its severity. These exercises will help strengthen muscles around the hip and so reduce your pain levels.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin may also be prescribed. These will help reduce pain and inflammation in the hip.

Corticosteroid injections

Corticosteroid injections are also sometimes used. These are only considered if other medications and treatments have not succeeded in reducing your pain levels.

There are also supporting or secondary treatment options that may help relieve symptoms. These include:

• ultrasound therapy
• massage therapy
• hot and cold therapy (such as heating pads)
• acupuncture. 

We can discuss all options with you, depending on your individual needs. Some of the services mentioned are only available in select locations. Please check with your preferred location to confirm that the service you seek is offered there.  

Surgery 

Surgery can also be an option for more severe hip problems. This line of treatment is only pursued if other treatment options have not delivered the hoped-for results. Surgery can significantly improve one's quality of life, but it is an invasive procedure. This can be associated with potential risks and complications.

As well as minimally invasive procedures like arthroscopy, hip replacement is another surgical option. A total hip replacement substitutes an individual’s damaged hip joint with a prosthetic one. 

In general, this is only considered when other treatments have not improved your pain and mobility issues. 

Patients can expect their range of motion to significantly improve after a hip replacement. They should also experience less pain when standing and walking than they experienced before the surgery. They will need physiotherapy after their surgery to help strengthen their muscles so they can regain their full mobility.

What can you expect after attending Blackrock Health with hip pain?

The underlying causes of hip pain can vary greatly and are often complex. While self-care and nonsurgical therapies can succeed at managing symptoms, some cases may need surgery. No matter which approach you choose, the best path to treating chronic hip pain is to get an accurate diagnosis. We can then give you comprehensive guidance from our team. Together we can reduce hip pain and optimise your mobility.

How can I access hip treatments & procedures?

You can access our services easily with a referral from your GP and can then enjoy world-class clinical care and comfort. Over 75% of our rooms are single occupancy to help you make a quicker recovery in a safe environment. We provide you with the best possible outcome to restore your quality of life.