Your Trusted Hip Pain Doctor on the Upper West Side
A Personalized Approach to Healing Your Hip Without Surgery
If you're looking for a hip pain doctor on the Upper West Side who takes the time to listen and explore non-surgical options, you are in the right place.
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What is Hip Pain?
That’s a question I get almost every day. It’s interesting because when a patient tells me they have ‘hip pain,’ they could be pointing to one of three or four different spots. For some, it’s a deep ache in the groin. For others, it’s a sharp pain on the outside of the hip, or even a nagging pain in the buttock.
The thing is, they can all be right.
Your hip is a classic ball-and-socket joint, and when that joint itself is the problem—think arthritis or an injury—the pain often shows up in the groin. But here’s the tricky part: a lot of what we call hip pain isn’t coming from the joint at all. It’s often the tissues around the hip: the muscles, tendons, or the little fluid-filled cushions called bursae.
And to make things even more confusing, sometimes your hip is just the messenger. The pain might actually be a ‘referral’ from an issue in your lower back.
So, the location is our first big clue. Pain in the groin makes me think about the joint itself. Pain on the outside of the hip? That usually points toward bursitis or an irritated tendon. Finding that true source is everything. Once we know exactly what we’re dealing with, we can build the right plan to fix it, whether that’s physical therapy, activity changes, or other modern options
What Causes Hip Pain?
When a patient comes to me with hip pain, my mind usually runs through a checklist of the most common culprits. It often boils down to one of these:
Arthritis
First, we consider Arthritis. This is the classic 'wear and tear' inside the joint that causes that deep, stiff, aching feeling, especially in the groin.
Bursitis
Then there's Bursitis. If the pain is on the outside of your hip and it's tender to the touch—making it painful to lie on that side—it's often these little irritated cushioning sacs.
Tendonitis
We also see a lot of Tendonitis, where the tendons get inflamed from being overworked. That usually gives you a sharper pain when you move around.
Labral Tear
Sometimes it’s more of a mechanical issue inside the joint, like a Labral Tear in the cartilage ring that causes a 'catching' feeling, or Hip Impingement, where the bones themselves are pinching things when you bend.
Referred Pain
And finally, there’s the big trickster: Referred Pain. This is when your hip is actually fine, but a nerve issue in your lower back is sending pain signals that your brain thinks are coming from the hip."
Still Not Sure What’s Behind Your Hip Pain?
Every case is different. A professional evaluation can uncover the real cause and guide you toward lasting relief.
Symptoms of Knee Pain
Hip pain can show up in a lot of different ways. See if any of these descriptions feel familiar:
- A deep, nagging ache, almost like a toothache, that settles right in your groin. This often points to a problem inside the hip joint itself, like arthritis.
- A sharp, burning pain on the bony part on the outside of your hip. This area might be very tender to the touch, making it difficult to sleep on that side.
- That feeling of being "locked up" or stiff. You might notice it's a real struggle to do simple things like bend over to put on your socks and shoes.
- Pain that gets louder with activity. Your hip might feel okay at rest, but it starts to complain when you walk, climb stairs, or after you've been on your feet for a while.
- A "catching" or clicking sensation deep inside the joint when you move. It can sometimes feel like your hip is about to give way.
- Pain that doesn’t stay put. It might travel from your hip down into your thigh or buttock, and sometimes it's actually being referred from an issue in your lower back.
Why Seek Professional Help?
One of the most common things patients tell me is, ‘I just hoped it would get better on its own.’ It’s a completely normal instinct to want to tough it out. But when a pain digs in its heels and starts affecting your daily life, it’s no longer something you should have to just ‘live with.’
The tricky thing about hip pain is that it can be a master of disguise. The ache you’re feeling might actually be a message from your lower back, or from an irritated tendon you didn’t even know was there. That’s why just resting often isn’t enough to solve it.
Think of a consultation as simply getting clarity. It’s a chance for us to finally put a name to what you’re feeling and map out a gentle, effective path forward. For many of my patients, that path starts with simple, guided therapies that have them feeling better than they have in years.
This is about more than just managing a symptom. It’s about restoring your freedom of movement, so you can walk, sleep, and live your life without being held back by pain.
Meet Dr. Sonali Lal, M.D.
Your Local Knee Pain Doctor In New York
I’m Dr. Sonali Lal, M.D., a board-certified physiatrist with more than 20 years of experience helping New Yorkers overcome hip pain and get back to the activities they love. I practice right here on the Upper West Side at my clinic on West 73rd Street, where I focus on restoring movement and relieving pain without unnecessary surgery.
My specialty is non-surgical orthopedics and sports medicine, which means I use advanced, minimally invasive treatments to help the hip heal naturally. Every patient begins with a detailed consultation and a thorough examination so I can pinpoint the true source of pain. From there, I create a personalized plan that may include image-guided injections, regenerative treatments such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) therapy, targeted physical therapy, and activity modifications to speed recovery.
Beyond my private practice, I serve as an Attending Physician at NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital and an Assistant Clinical Professor at Columbia University, where I teach the next generation of physicians. My work has been published in leading medical texts, including the Atlas of Interventional Orthopedics, where I authored the chapter on intraosseous injections. I’ve also been featured in The New York Times and New York Magazine, and I’ve been recognized by Castle Connolly as one of New York City’s Best Doctors and as a recipient of the Patients’ Top Choice award for exceptional care.
Whether your hip pain comes from arthritis, a sports injury, bursitis, or overuse, my goal is always the same: to listen carefully, find the root cause, and help you return to pain-free living with the most effective, evidence-based treatments available today.
Dr Sonali Lal, M.D.
Board-Certified Pain Management and
Regenerative Medicine Physician In New York City
NPI#: 1538189642
Comprehensive Hip Pain Treatments In Upper West Side, NY
Finding the right treatment is not one-size-fits-all. It’s about matching the solution to your specific diagnosis and lifestyle. My philosophy is to start with the most effective, least invasive options to help your body heal. Here are some of the core treatments we can explore together:
1. Using Your Body's Own Healing Power (PRP Therapy)
2. A More Advanced Regenerative Option (BMAC Therapy)
3. Precision Relief with Image-Guided Injections
Think of this like using a GPS to find the exact source of your pain. I use ultrasound or fluoroscopy to see inside your hip in real-time, allowing me to guide the needle to the precise spot that needs it. This means we can deliver anti-inflammatory or lubricating medicine with pinpoint accuracy for maximum relief, without guessing.
4. "Re-lubricating" the Joint for Arthritis (Viscosupplementation)
If arthritis has made your hip joint feel stiff and creaky, this can be a game-changer. We can inject a natural, gel-like substance that acts like a lubricant and shock absorber inside the joint. It’s like adding oil to a squeaky hinge—the goal is to reduce friction and make movement smoother and more comfortable.
5. The Foundation for Long-Term Success: Personalized Physical Therapy
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As a hip injection specialist in NYC, I also provide targeted therapies that can reduce pain and improve function:
See How My Hip Pain Treatment Helps the NY Community
Your Path to Recovery: What to Expect
I believe that effective healing is a partnership. My approach is designed to be thorough, transparent, and completely centered around you. Here’s what our journey together will look like:
It All Starts with Your Story
Our first and most important step is a real conversation. I'll listen carefully to understand your symptoms and your history, because the clues to effective healing often lie in your personal experience.
Getting a Clear Picture
To make sure we're not guessing, we'll use advanced imaging when needed. This lets us look "under the hood" to confirm exactly what's going on, so we can be confident we're treating the true source of your pain.
Building Your Personalized Plan Together
With a clear diagnosis, we'll sit down and co-create a treatment plan that fits your life. We'll explore all the options—from physical therapy to regenerative medicine—and decide on the best approach for you.
Being Your Partner in Recovery
My support doesn't stop once treatment begins. We'll track your progress closely, adapt the plan as you heal, and make sure you have the guidance you need to get back to your life with strength and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our Hip pain treatments and services.
Q: What are the most common causes of hip pain?
A: Think of hip pain as a symptom, not a final diagnosis. It’s often a sign of arthritis, an irritated bursa or tendon, or sometimes a small tear. Interestingly, the pain might not even be from your hip at all—it can be a referral from your lower back. That's why a proper evaluation is so important to make sure we're treating the real cause.
Q: When should I see a doctor for my hip pain?
A: It's easy to hope the pain will just go away. But a good rule of thumb is this: if the pain has been bothering you for a few weeks, or if it's starting to interfere with your life—costing you sleep, making walks a chore—it’s time to get it checked out. Getting an early and accurate diagnosis often leads to a much quicker recovery.
Q: How do I know if my hip pain is serious?
A: First, don't panic. But there are a few "red flags" that mean you should seek medical attention right away. These include severe pain that stops you from putting any weight on your leg, a noticeable change in the hip's appearance, or signs of infection like fever and swelling.
Q: Is there anything I can do to prevent hip pain?
A: Absolutely. Simple lifestyle habits make a huge difference. Maintaining a healthy weight takes a lot of stress off the joints. Staying active with low-impact exercise, stretching, and building strength in the muscles that support your hips are all fantastic ways to protect them for the long run.
Q: What kinds of treatments do you offer for hip pain?
A: My practice is focused on the most advanced non-surgical treatments available. This includes regenerative options like PRP and BMAC that use your body's own healing ability, as well as precisely targeted, image-guided injections to calm inflammation. Of course, we always pair these with a strong foundation of personalized physical therapy.
Q: Will I need surgery?
A: This is the number one question I get, and I love being able to say that for the vast majority of my patients, the answer is no. My entire specialty is focused on helping you heal and find relief without surgery. We only consider surgery as a last resort if these more conservative treatments don't provide the relief you need.
Q: How long will it take to feel better?
A: That's a great question, and the honest answer is: it varies. Every person and every injury is unique. After an injection, some patients feel relief in just a few days. For regenerative treatments like PRP, it can take a few weeks to feel the full effect as your body is doing the hard work of healing itself. We'll set realistic expectations together.
Q: Are your treatments painful?
A: Your comfort is my top priority. We use local anesthetic to numb the area, and because I use image guidance like ultrasound, I can be incredibly precise. Most people just feel some mild pressure during the procedure and maybe a little soreness for a day or two afterward.
Q: Do you accept insurance for these treatments?
A: Yes, absolutely. We accept most major insurance plans for your consultation, any diagnostic work, and many of the injection-based procedures we perform. For regenerative therapies like PRP, coverage can vary, but we can help you figure that out.
Q: How do I find out what my plan covers?
A: My team and I will handle that for you. We believe in total transparency. Before we proceed with any treatment, we'll contact your insurance provider to clarify your benefits and explain any out-of-pocket costs so you can make an informed decision with no surprises.
Q: What if something isn't covered?
A: We understand that cost is a concern. For treatments not typically covered by insurance, like regenerative medicine, we offer flexible payment options to help make your care more accessible.
Q: Where is your office?
A: We're conveniently located at 240 West 73rd Street, right in the heart of the Upper West Side.
Q: Is it easy to get there by subway?
A: Yes, it’s very easy. The 72nd Street station for the 1, 2, and 3 trains is just a quick walk from our front door.
Q: What about buses?
A: The M72 crosstown bus is very close, and the M5, M7, and M11 routes are all just a few blocks away.
Q: Is there parking nearby?
A: There are several parking garages within a block or two of us. Street parking can be a bit of a challenge, so a garage is usually your best bet.
Q: How much time should I set aside for my visit?
A: I know your time is valuable. A typical appointment will last about 45 minutes to an hour. If we decide to do any imaging or a procedure on the same day, it might take a little longer, but we will always let you know what to expect.
Schedule FREE Hip Pain Consultation
Fill out the form below to schedule your FREE consultation with board-certified hip pain doctor at our Upper West Side office.