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Hip pain procedures
Persistent hip pain can be treated by blocking the nerves supplying the joint, or by injecting the joint itself. This is particularly useful for people waiting for hip replacement, or for whom surgery is not suitable.
In brief
- Blocks and radiofrequency treatment of the nerves supplying the hip joint.
- Image-guided intra-articular hip injection.
- Platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid injections in selected cases.
- An option while waiting for, or when unsuitable for, joint replacement.
- Also assesses whether the pain is actually coming from the hip.
Pain felt around the hip does not always come from the hip joint. Referred pain from the lumbar spine, gluteal tendon problems, and bursitis all present similarly, and imaging showing hip arthritis does not confirm the arthritis is what hurts. Establishing the source is the first task.
Diagnostic injection
An image-guided injection of local anaesthetic into the hip joint answers the question directly. Substantial relief while the anaesthetic is active indicates the joint is the source. Little or no relief points elsewhere — most often the spine or the gluteal tendons — and redirects treatment accordingly.
Nerve blocks and radiofrequency
The hip joint receives sensory supply from branches of the femoral and obturator nerves. These can be blocked diagnostically and, where the response is good, treated with radiofrequency to give longer relief. This is a useful option for people with significant arthritis who are on a long surgical waiting list, or who are not suitable for joint replacement because of other health problems. It does not treat the arthritis; it treats the pain.
Joint injections
Anti-inflammatory medication injected into the joint under image guidance can reduce pain for a period that varies widely between individuals.
Platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid
Both are available in selected cases. The evidence in hip osteoarthritis is weaker than in the knee, and the knee evidence is itself inconsistent — significant placebo-controlled trials have failed to show benefit over placebo. Neither attracts a Medicare rebate. Dr Martin will give you a straight assessment of whether it is likely to be worth it in your case.
On the day
Hip procedures are performed under X-ray or ultrasound guidance and take 20–30 minutes. Light sedation is available. Arrange a driver if sedated.
Risks
Whilst pain procedures are generally safe and well tolerated, all procedures carry risks. The specific risks relevant to you and your procedure will be discussed with you, and written information provided, before you decide to proceed.
What else matters
Hip pain almost always benefits from work on strength and gait. Where surgery is appropriate, Dr Martin will say so and refer.
Practical information
- Where
- Most procedures are performed as a day case at St John of God Subiaco Hospital, Hollywood Private Hospital, Mount Private Hospital or St John of God Midland Hospital; some smaller procedures are performed in the rooms at Mount Lawley. The setting is confirmed with you at booking.
- Referral
- Required from a GP or specialist — by Healthlink (EDI painmdwa), fax 08 6114 0717 or email. Routine appointments are generally available within two to four weeks.
- Before the day
- Fasting, medication and transport requirements are set out on Before your procedure. If you take blood-thinning medication, or diabetes or weight-loss injections, tell the practice well before the day.
- Costs
- Dr Martin is a no-gap provider for in-hospital procedures with all major health funds, subject to your level of cover. A fee estimate is supplied on booking, prior to your consultation. See Fees and billing.
- Afterwards
- If your procedure is under sedation you cannot drive for 24 hours afterwards — please arrange transport home. Written post-procedure instructions are provided.
- Rural and remote
- Assessment and review can be done by telehealth; the procedure itself is scheduled in Perth.
How to arrange an appointment
A referral from a GP or specialist is required. Referrals are accepted by Healthlink (EDI: painmdwa), fax 08 6114 0717 or email admin@painmedicinewa.com.
Enquiries: 0448 299 260 — Monday 9:00am – 4:00pm, Tuesday to Thursday 8:00am – 4:00pm.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Whether a treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation with your doctor.
Reviewed by Dr Chris Martin, Consultant Pain and Rehabilitation Physician (FFPMANZCA, FAFRM RACP), Pain Medicine WA, Perth. Last reviewed August 2026.In a medical emergency, call 000.