Expert Orthopedic Care

Hip Pain & Injury Treatment

Hip pain from an injury, arthritis, overuse, or a sports-related condition can affect mobility and quality of life in ways that touch nearly every daily activity — from walking and sitting to sleeping comfortably and staying active.

Dr. Anthony Cappellino, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating patients with a full range of hip conditions. Whether you need conservative care or surgical intervention, the goal is always the same — accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment, and a return to the life you want to live.

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Expert Diagnosis

Common Hip Conditions Dr. Cappellino Treats

Hip Arthritis

Osteoarthritis of the hip develops when the protective cartilage in the joint breaks down over time, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. A full range of conservative and surgical options are available, from injections and physical therapy to hip replacement when necessary.

Hip Labral Tears

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the hip socket and helps stabilize the joint. Labral tears are common in athletes and active individuals and can cause deep groin pain, clicking, and joint instability. Surgical repair restores labral integrity and improves joint stability with minimal scarring.

Hip Impingement (FAI)

Femoroacetabular impingement occurs when extra bone growth along the hip joint causes abnormal contact between the ball and socket, leading to pain and restricted movement. Surgical correction addresses the structural issue and relieves symptoms.

Hip Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursa — the fluid-filled sac that cushions the hip joint — causes pain on the outside of the hip that worsens with activity. Most cases respond well to injections, physical therapy, and activity modification.

Sports-Related Hip Injuries

Overuse injuries, muscle strains, and stress fractures around the hip are common in athletes and active individuals. Treatment is tailored to the specific injury and the patient’s activity goals.

Additional Hip Conditions

Beyond these common diagnoses, treatment extends to a broad range of hip conditions, including snapping hip syndrome, hip flexor injuries, and post-traumatic joint degeneration.

Advanced Care

Comprehensive Hip Treatment Options

Dr. Capellino offers a full spectrum of surgical and non-surgical treatments tailored to your specific injury, lifestyle, and recovery goals.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Conservative care is always considered first. Physician-guided exercise programs, anti-inflammatory medications, lifestyle modifications, and corticosteroid injections can provide meaningful relief for many hip conditions without the need for surgery.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

When intervention beyond conservative care is needed, minimally invasive techniques are used whenever possible. Smaller incisions mean less disruption to surrounding tissue, reduced postoperative pain, and faster recovery.

Hip Impingement Surgery

Surgical correction of femoroacetabular impingement addresses the underlying structural abnormality causing pain and restricted movement, helping patients return to full activity.

Hip Labral Repair

Arthroscopic surgery is used to restore the hip labrum, improving joint stability and relieving pain with minimal scarring and a faster recovery compared to traditional open procedures.

Hip Replacement

For patients with advanced hip arthritis or joint degeneration that has not responded to conservative treatment, hip replacement surgery may be the most effective long-term solution. For a full overview of the procedure and recovery, visit the dedicated hip replacement surgery page.

Dr. Cappellino’s Treatment Approach

Comprehensive Evaluation

A thorough physical examination, complete medical history review, and advanced imaging, including X-ray and MRI, are used to accurately diagnose your hip condition and identify the most effective treatment path.

Conservative Treatment First

Physician-guided exercises, medications, injections, and lifestyle modifications are always considered before surgery is recommended. Many hip conditions respond well to conservative care alone.

Surgical Planning & Options

When surgery is the right path forward, advanced pre-operative planning ensures the procedure is precisely tailored to your anatomy and goals. Minimally invasive approaches are used whenever clinically appropriate.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

A personalized post-operative rehabilitation program is provided to maximize strength, mobility, and long-term outcomes following hip surgery.

What to Expect

Hip Surgery Recovery Timeline

Recovery varies depending on the type of hip procedure performed. Below is a general guide for the most common surgical treatments.

Days 1-3Most patients take their first steps with a walker the day after surgery. Discharge typically occurs within 1–3 days.

Week 1-6 Physical therapy focuses on restoring range of motion and rebuilding strength. Most patients walk independently with an assistive device within 2–3 weeks. Driving is typically restricted for 4–6 weeks.

Weeks 6-12Many patients return to light daily activities. Swelling and stiffness continue to decrease steadily.

Months 3-6 Most patients experience significant improvement in pain and function. Low-impact activities such as walking and swimming are typically resumed during this phase.

Months 6–12Full recovery is typically achieved. Modern hip implants are designed to last 15–25 years or longer with proper care. For a complete breakdown of hip replacement recovery, visit the dedicated hip replacement surgery page.

Weeks 1-2 Rest and protection of the surgical site. Crutches are typically used during this phase.

Week 2-6Physical therapy begins, focused on restoring range of motion and reducing stiffness.

Months 2-4Strengthening exercises are introduced. Most patients see meaningful improvement in pain and function during this phase.

Months 4-6Full return to sport and normal activity for most patients.

Weeks 1–4 Crutches are used to limit weight bearing and protect the repair. Gentle range of motion exercises begin under the physical therapist's guidance.

Weeks 4–8Weight bearing gradually increases. Physical therapy focuses on restoring hip mobility and beginning gentle strengthening.

Months 2–4 Strengthening progresses, and most patients return to light daily activities during this phase.

Months 4–6 Return to sport and higher-demand activity for most patients, depending on the nature of the repair and individual progress.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can hip pain be a sign of something other than a hip problem?

Hip pain does not always originate in the hip joint itself. Conditions affecting the lower back, pelvis, and surrounding muscles can all refer pain to the hip area, making an accurate diagnosis essential before beginning any treatment. A comprehensive orthopedic evaluation helps identify the true source of your pain and ensures the right treatment is applied from the start.

What is the difference between hip arthroscopy and hip replacement?

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat specific structural problems inside the joint — such as labral tears or impingement — while preserving the natural hip. Hip replacement removes and replaces the damaged joint entirely and is typically reserved for patients with advanced arthritis or significant joint degeneration that cannot be addressed with joint-preserving procedures. The appropriate procedure depends on the severity of the condition, the patient’s age, and their activity goals.

How do I prepare for hip surgery?

Preparation typically includes a pre-operative medical evaluation, blood work, and updated imaging. You will receive specific instructions on which medications to stop before surgery, fasting requirements, and what to arrange at home for recovery — including setting up a safe living space and securing help for the first few weeks. Being in the best possible health before surgery, including managing weight and staying as active as possible, leads to meaningfully better outcomes.

Can hip pain be treated without surgery?

Many hip conditions respond well to non-surgical treatment. Physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, physician-guided exercise programs, and lifestyle modifications can provide meaningful and lasting relief for conditions including hip bursitis, mild arthritis, and muscle-related hip pain. Surgery is only recommended when conservative treatments have been exhausted, and symptoms continue to significantly limit daily function and quality of life.

Where To Get Treatment For Hip Pain

Hip pain and hip injuries are treatable. Whether you are dealing with a recent injury, a chronic condition, or exploring your options for the first time, a comprehensive evaluation is the first step toward an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

Patients across Long Island trust Dr. Cappellino for expert hip care. The office is conveniently located and accessible from communities throughout Nassau and Suffolk County. New patients are welcome.

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