I don't think of ice and heat therapy as long lasting, more for short term relief.It was an injection plus regular stretching exercise that relieved it after about a month. Inactivity caused it during a long illness unrelated to the hip replacement. It still sneaks back up if I'm not diligent - travelled many miles by car this week to be with a friend and her husband in hospice. A lot of sitting and little physical activity, so both the hip and back are squawking loudly. Back to my full PT regimen as of yesterday to quiet things down.
Also, I use a topical gel that contains the NSAID diclofenac several times a day during flares. Or at bedtime normally. This is different than typical menthol-based pain rubs in that it actually contains an antiinflammatory, Voltaren. I combine it with an essential oil rub containing several antiinflammatory oils.
Sue.

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