Non-Surgical Hip Pain Treatment in Norwood, MA

Physician-led evaluation and regenerative treatment for hip arthritis, bursitis, and chronic hip conditions.

Hip pain can affect the way you walk, the way you sleep, and the way you move through a normal day. Whether it started gradually or followed a specific injury, persistent hip pain deserves a thorough evaluation before any treatment decisions are made.

At Ritucci Regenerative Medicine in Norwood, we take a diagnosis-first approach to hip pain. Dr. Steven Ritucci Jr. is double board-certified in physiatry and regenerative medicine, with fellowship training in spine care and over seven years of post-residency clinical experience. He evaluates each patient individually to identify the specific source of hip pain and determine whether non-surgical treatment is appropriate.

Our goal is to provide an accurate diagnosis, an honest assessment of your options, and a treatment plan focused on restoring mobility and protecting long-term hip joint health.

Common Causes of Hip Pain

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint designed for stability and a wide range of motion. When that function is compromised, the effects extend far beyond the joint itself.

Patients we evaluate in Norwood commonly present with:

Hip Osteoarthritis
- The most common cause of chronic hip pain in adults over 50. Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage cushioning the hip joint gradually wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Many patients notice pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest in the early stages, but becomes more persistent as the condition progresses.
Hip Bursitis (Trochanteric Bursitis)
- Inflammation of the bursa on the outside of the hip, causing pain that is often felt along the outer thigh. Bursitis is frequently triggered by repetitive activity, prolonged standing, or altered gait mechanics from a separate injury.
Labral injury
- The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the hip socket and helps stabilize the joint. Tears can result from acute trauma, repetitive hip flexion, or degenerative changes. Symptoms typically include a catching or clicking sensation, groin pain, and a feeling of instability.
Tendinitis and Muscle Strain
- Hip flexor tendinitis, gluteal tendinopathy, and hamstring-origin strains are common in active individuals and can cause persistent pain around the hip joint, groin, or buttock. These conditions often develop gradually from overuse rather than a single event.
Referred Pain From the Spine
- Hip pain is not always coming from the hip itself. Lumbar spine conditions, including disc herniation and spinal stenosis, can refer pain into the hip and groin area. A thorough diagnostic evaluation helps distinguish between true hip pathology and spine-related referred pain — a distinction that changes the entire treatment approach.

Regenerative Alternatives to Hip Surgery

Many patients seek care because they want to explore non-surgical options before committing to hip replacement or arthroscopic surgery.

Beyond PRP, we offer:

Stem Cell Therapy
- uses bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) containing your own mesenchymal stem cells and growth factors for significant cartilage loss or joint degeneration.
A2M (Alpha-2 Macroglobulin) Injections
- a protease inhibitor that blocks the enzymes responsible for cartilage breakdown in arthritic hip joints.
Focused Shockwave Therapy
- a non-invasive treatment that delivers acoustic energy to promote circulation and tissue repair, commonly used for bursitis and tendinopathy around the hip.

Each treatment is recommended based on your specific diagnosis. Dr. Ritucci explains why one approach may be more appropriate than another and what level of improvement is realistic.

Treatment Considerations for Hip Pain at Ritucci Regenerative Medicine

What to Expect From Your First Visit

Your initial evaluation focuses entirely on understanding your hip condition before discussing treatment.

The appointment typically includes:

A detailed review of your medical history, prior treatments, and how symptoms affect daily function
A physical examination of the hip, including range of motion, gait analysis, and provocation testing
Review of any existing imaging (X-rays, MRI) or recommendation for new imaging if needed
A clear explanation of whether the pain is originating from the hip joint, surrounding soft tissue, or the lumbar spine
An honest discussion of treatment options, including whether non-surgical care is appropriate

If regenerative treatment is recommended, we explain the specific procedure, the expected timeline, and what results are realistic. If your condition requires surgical evaluation, we will tell you that directly.

FAQs

Problems with hip pain?

Hip pain can affect all areas of life.

Can hip arthritis be treated without surgery?

In many cases, yes. Early to moderate hip osteoarthritis often responds to non-surgical regenerative treatments that aim to reduce inflammation, support cartilage health, and improve joint function. Advanced arthritis with significant structural damage may eventually require surgical options such as hip replacement, but many patients benefit from regenerative care first.

How is your approach different from cortisone injections?

Cortisone injections reduce inflammation temporarily but do not promote tissue repair. Repeated cortisone use in the hip can contribute to further cartilage breakdown over time. Regenerative treatments like PRP and stem cell therapy are designed to support the body’s healing process rather than mask symptoms.

Could my hip pain actually be coming from my back?

Yes. Lumbar spine conditions frequently refer pain into the hip and groin area. This is one of the most important distinctions we make during the diagnostic evaluation, because a hip treatment will not resolve pain that originates in the spine. Our evaluation process is designed to identify the true source before any treatment is recommended.

Is regenerative hip treatment covered by insurance?

Most regenerative treatments, including PRP and stem cell therapy, are not currently covered by standard health insurance plans. The initial diagnostic evaluation and imaging may be covered depending on your plan. Financing options are available.

Schedule a Hip Pain Evaluation

If hip pain is affecting your ability to walk, exercise, or get through your daily routine, the next step is a diagnostic evaluation. We will assess your condition thoroughly and explain your options clearly — including whether regenerative treatment is the right path for you.

Ritucci Regenerative Medicine is located at 115 Norwood Park S, Suite 208, Norwood, MA 02062. To schedule an evaluation, call (508) 722-0450 or request a consultation online.