Q1: Which clinics or practitioners should I consider for hip pain?
Orthopaedic Surgery Clinics: Best for severe hip osteoarthritis or labral/cartilage issues requiring surgical intervention. High success rates, but invasive and costly.
The Pain Relief Clinic: Provides pain-specific consultation @ $50, MRI under $1,000, non-invasive technology-powered therapy such as HotHeal and Shockwave therapy. Allows insurance, Medisave claims, and potentially cashless service to avoid upfront cash payments.
Q2: What non-invasive therapies are available at The Pain Relief Clinic?
HotHeal Therapy: Relieves hip pain, reduces inflammation, and improves mobility
Shockwave Therapy: Stimulates tissue repair and reduces joint inflammation
Guided Physiotherapy: Strengthens hip muscles, improves stability, and enhances joint function
Q3: Can I continue therapy at home?
Yes. PhysioLife Home Therapy uses HotHeal technology to maintain pain relief, improve mobility, and complement clinic-based treatment.
Q4: How to choose the right care?
Begin with The Pain Relief Clinic for consultation, MRI (<$1,000), non-invasive therapy, and insurance/Medisave/cashless options.
If structural hip issues are detected, consult an orthopaedic surgery clinic.
Complement with home-based HotHeal therapy via PhysioLife for ongoing recovery.
Consider alternative therapies (TCM, chiropractic, massage) as supportive care, understanding limitations in licensing, insurance coverage, and effectiveness.
Conclusion:
Hip pain and osteoarthritis in Singapore are best managed with evidence-based non-invasive therapy, smart imaging, expert physiotherapy, and home support, rather than relying solely on conventional or alternative methods that may not address underlying joint or cartilage damage.
Comparison of Common Treatment Options:
| Treatment | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Chiropractic | Manual adjustments may relieve stiffness; some insurance coverage | Not licensed by MOH in Singapore; risk of injury; limited coverage; may not improve cartilage or labral issues |
| Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) | Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and cupping can reduce pain; some insurance coverage | Evidence limited for hip joint issues; slower results; coverage usually lower than medical clinics |
| Typical Physiotherapy | Exercises improve hip strength, stability, and mobility; safe for most | Progress can be slow; exercises may be challenging; may lack advanced tech like HotHeal or Shockwave |
| Massage | Temporarily relieves muscle tension around the hip; relaxing | Usually self-pay only, insurance typically does not cover; does not treat underlying cartilage or ligament issues; effects short-term |
