By Dr. Bruce Mark, DC | Hollywood Laser Pain Center | Hollywood, Florida
Hip pain crosses every demographic in South Florida, from the 35-year-old runner in Pembroke Pines with hip flexor tendinopathy, to the 60-year-old golfer in Hallandale Beach with hip osteoarthritis, to the senior in Aventura whose groin pain makes every step a calculation. Hip replacement is the most commonly recommended solution for significant hip arthritis. While it is appropriate for advanced, bone-on-bone cases, a substantial proportion of hip pain patients undergo surgery before conservative care has been adequately explored. The Regenerative Medical Laser™ protocol is one approach that patients with moderate hip arthritis may want to discuss with their provider before considering joint replacement.
Hip osteoarthritis is progressive. Cortisone injections provide temporary relief, but research suggests repeated use may affect cartilage repair mechanisms. For patients with moderate hip arthritis and functional cartilage remaining, conservative options worth discussing with a qualified provider include tissue-level care before moving to joint replacement.
At Hollywood Laser Pain Center, I have worked with hip pain patients across this full clinical spectrum for more than 27 years, using the Regenerative Medical Laser™ protocol in combination with Graston Technique and, where indicated, acupuncture, with attention to the multiple tissue sources that can contribute to hip pain.
What Are the Common Sources of Hip Pain in Broward County Adults?
Hip osteoarthritis is the leading cause of chronic hip pain in adults over 50, producing deep groin pain and limited internal rotation that worsens with weight-bearing activity. Greater trochanteric bursitis produces outer hip aching that worsens with side-lying and prolonged walking. Hip labral tears produce a deep groin catching or clicking that is frequently missed because its presentation mimics but differs from OA.
A 2016 study in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy estimated that greater trochanteric pain syndrome affects approximately 1.8 per 1,000 patients in primary care annually. For this condition, conservative approaches that address both bursal inflammation and adjacent soft tissue structures, such as the iliotibial band and tensor fascia lata, are often part of the broader care discussion.
What Does the Regenerative Medical Laser™ Protocol Involve for Hip Osteoarthritis?
The Regenerative Medical Laser™ protocol uses FDA-cleared, Class IV near-infrared laser energy, which is designed to penetrate the synovial membrane, articular cartilage surface, and hip capsule. A 2017 systematic review in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery examined photobiomodulation in patients with hip osteoarthritis. A 2022 meta-analysis in Arthritis Research and Therapy also evaluated photobiomodulation, with researchers noting a favorable safety profile.
For patients with moderate hip arthritis who have functional cartilage remaining, the protocol is one approach worth discussing with a qualified provider before considering the irreversible step of joint replacement.
What Does Graston Technique Add for Hip Pain Patients?
The iliotibial band, tensor fascia lata, hip flexors, and gluteal musculature can develop fascial restrictions and trigger points in patients with chronic hip conditions. These restrictions may alter hip mechanics, increase articular compressive load, and contribute to lateral hip pain that does not always resolve with standard care alone. Graston Technique is an instrument-assisted soft tissue method applied to these structures alongside other treatment modalities.
What Is the Connection Between Hip Pain and the Lumbar Spine?
A clinically significant percentage of patients presenting with hip pain have a lumbar spine contribution. The L2-L3 and L3-L4 nerve roots supply sensation to the anterior thigh and groin, areas where hip pathology can also produce pain. When the spine is the primary source, treating the hip alone is unlikely to resolve the symptoms.
My evaluation of hip pain patients includes lumbar spine assessment and neurological screening alongside hip-specific orthopedic testing. At Broward Medical and Rehab, where I practice as part of a multidisciplinary team, this comprehensive kinetic chain assessment is standard rather than exceptional.
Visit reliefnowlaser.com/providers/hollywood/ to learn more. Watch patient education at youtube.com/@ReliefNowNation. Contact Hollywood Laser Pain Center at 2607 Polk Street, Hollywood FL 33020 | 954-925-7333.
About the Author
Dr. Bruce Mark, DC | Hollywood Laser Pain Center | 2607 Polk Street, Hollywood FL 33020 | 954-925-7333 | reliefnowlaser.com/providers/hollywood/
Dr. Mark earned his Doctor of Chiropractic from Logan College of Chiropractic with honors and has practiced for more than 27 years in Hollywood, Florida. He holds certifications in Graston Technique and acupuncture, is a former collegiate football player at Wake Forest University, and practices at Broward Medical and Rehab. He is a provider in the national ReliefNow® network.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Effectiveness of treatments may vary depending on individual circumstances. Consult a qualified healthcare professional to discuss your specific medical needs and treatment options.
