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Tired of Nagging Hip Pain? It Might Be Time for Regenerative Medicine

Apr 07, 2026
Tired of Nagging Hip Pain? It Might Be Time for Regenerative Medicine
If hip pain slows you down, it may be time for a new approach. Learn how regenerative medicine can help repair damaged tissue for lasting relief.

Constant hip pain can interfere with everything from walking and exercising to simply getting comfortable at night. 

At Coastal Regenerative Orthopedics & Wellness Center in San Diego, California, Ronald Cohen, MD, and our team help patients find long-lasting solutions when traditional treatments fall short. 

If you’re frustrated by ongoing stiffness or limited mobility, regenerative medicine may offer a new path forward.

Why hip pain lingers

Your hips support your body weight, stabilize your posture, and power nearly every lower-body movement. Over time, repetitive motion, injury, arthritis, and natural aging can break down cartilage, strain tendons, and inflame surrounding tissues.

Many people try to push through early discomfort. However, inflammation and tissue damage often worsen if untreated. You may notice stiffness in the morning, pain when climbing stairs, difficulty standing after sitting, or reduced range of motion. 

When hip pain symptoms persist for weeks or months, your body may need more than rest and over-the-counter medication.

Common causes of chronic hip pain

Chronic hip pain can stem from several underlying conditions, including:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Labral tears
  • Tendinitis or bursitis
  • Muscle strains
  • Previous injuries
  • Repetitive stress from sports or work activities

Traditional treatments often include anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, surgery. 

These options can provide relief, but they don’t always address the root cause of tissue degeneration. Some treatments temporarily mask symptoms without promoting true healing.

What’s regenerative medicine?

Regenerative medicine focuses on stimulating your body’s natural healing abilities. Instead of targeting only pain or inflammation, this group of therapies aims to repair damaged tissues and restore function at the source.

Two common regenerative treatments for hip pain include:

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

PRP therapy uses a concentrated solution of your platelets. We take a small blood sample, and Dr. Cohen processes it to isolate growth factor-rich platelets. He then injects this solution into the injured or inflamed area of your hip. 

The growth factors help promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and support long-term healing.

Stem cell therapy

Stem cell therapy relies on specialized cells, often derived from bone marrow or other sources, to support tissue regeneration. These cells can become different types of tissue and help repair damaged cartilage, tendons, or ligaments.

Because Dr. Cohen uses your biological material in many cases, the risk of adverse reactions remains low.

Who may benefit from regenerative medicine?

You may be a candidate for regenerative treatments if you:

  • Experience chronic hip pain that hasn’t improved with conservative care
  • Want to avoid or delay surgery
  • Suffer from early to moderate arthritis
  • Have tendon or ligament injuries
  • Seek a more natural, minimally invasive approach

Regenerative therapies often work best when providers address the problem early. If joint degeneration progresses too far, surgical options may be necessary.

What to expect during treatment

Most regenerative procedures take place in an outpatient setting. Dr. Cohen evaluates your hip through physical exams and imaging studies. Once he pinpoints the source of pain, he injects the regenerative solution directly into the affected area using image guidance for accuracy.

After treatment, you may experience mild soreness for a few days. Many people gradually notice improvement in pain and mobility over several weeks as the healing process unfolds. We often recommend physical therapy to maximize results and strengthen supporting muscles.

The advantages of a regenerative approach

Regenerative medicine offers several potential benefits:

  • Minimally invasive procedures
  • Reduced reliance on medications
  • Shorter recovery times compared to surgery
  • Targeted treatment at the source of pain
  • Support for natural tissue repair

Rather than simply managing symptoms, regenerative therapies encourage your body to rebuild and restore damaged structures.

When to seek professional evaluation

If nagging hip pain limits your daily activities, disrupts your sleep, or prevents you from enjoying exercise, seek expert evaluation at Coastal Regenerative Orthopedics & Wellness Center. 

Persistent pain signals that your body needs attention. Ignoring symptoms may allow degeneration to progress and restrict your treatment options. With the right approach, you can reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and regain confidence in your movement.

Call our office today or schedule your consultation online to see if regenerative medicine is the right path to lasting relief.