Find Lasting Hip Pain Relief with Acupuncture & Natural Care

Hip pain is a common issue that affects people of all ages. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that interferes with daily activities. The hip joint is one of the largest and most important joints in the body, providing support for movement and bearing a significant amount of weight. Therefore, when hip pain occurs, it can significantly impact one’s quality of life.

This article offers a comprehensive guide to understanding hip pain — its types and causes, traditional and post-surgical treatments, and how acupuncture therapy for hip pain can provide effective, drug-free relief. Whether you're managing chronic hip pain, hip arthritis, or discomfort after surgery, natural solutions like acupuncture can play a key role in your recovery.

Types of Hip Pain and Their Causes

Hip pain can manifest in various ways and stem from multiple causes. Understanding the source is essential to finding the best way to relieve hip pain. Common types include:

1. Arthritis-Related Hip Pain

• Osteoarthritis: This degenerative condition wears down cartilage, causing stiffness and pain.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease that inflames joint linings, often affecting both hips.

2. Hip Dysplasia

A congenital condition where the hip socket doesn’t fully cover the ball joint, causing instability and pain.

3. Hip Fractures

Common in older adults, especially those with osteoporosis. Hip fractures can cause acute, sharp pain requiring urgent care.

4. Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursae near the hip joint, often causing pain on the outside of the hip — especially when lying down or climbing stairs.

5. Tendinitis

Inflammation of tendons around the hip from overuse or repetitive motion. This is common in active adults or those who’ve recently increased activity levels.

6. Muscle Strains and Sprains

Often triggered by sudden movements or overuse. These injuries can limit mobility and cause lingering soreness.

7. Hip Labral Tear

Damage to the labrum cartilage lining the hip socket. Common in athletes and individuals with structural hip issues like impingement.

8. Hip Impingement (FAI)

A condition where bone overgrowth causes abnormal contact in the joint, leading to pain, especially during flexion or rotation.

9. Sciatica

Pain that radiates from the lower back to the hip and leg, typically due to nerve compression. Many patients experience sciatica hip pain relief with integrative care.

10. Infections

Less common, but serious. Joint infections can cause fever, redness, and intense pain and require immediate medical treatment.

Identifying Your Hip Pain

Determining the specific cause of your hip pain is a critical first step. If you’re wondering what helps hip pain naturally or how to get rid of hip pain, the answer starts with a professional evaluation. Your provider will likely recommend:

• Medical History Review: A conversation about your symptoms, when they started, and any activities that worsen or relieve the pain.
• Physical Examination: Your range of motion, flexibility, and areas of tenderness will be assessed to help pinpoint the issue.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may be used to visualize the hip joint and surrounding structures in more detail.

Managing Hip Pain

Whether your hip pain is caused by arthritis, bursitis, or a past injury, early diagnosis can make a huge difference. Prompt treatment helps prevent long-term complications and restores mobility sooner. In the next section, we’ll look at both traditional and natural approaches to hip pain treatment, including integrative therapies like acupuncture.

Traditional Treatments for Hip Pain

Most people begin their journey toward hip pain relief with conventional approaches. These methods can be effective for managing discomfort — but they aren’t always enough.

1. Medications

• NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen are common first-line treatments.
• Acetaminophen is an option for those who can’t tolerate NSAIDs.
• Corticosteroids (oral or injectable) reduce inflammation short-term.

2. Physical Therapy

Designed to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and restore range of motion. It’s often used as part of non-surgical hip pain relief programs.

3. Lifestyle Modifications

• Weight loss to reduce pressure on joints
• Activity adjustments to prevent flare-ups
• Ergonomic tools like supportive chairs or footwear

4. Assistive Devices

Canes, walkers, or shoe inserts can help distribute weight more evenly and improve mobility during recovery.

5. Injections and Procedures

In addition to corticosteroids:

• Hyaluronic acid injections may help lubricate arthritic joints.¹
• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a regenerative option gaining popularity.

6. Surgical Options

Used when conservative care fails:

• Arthroscopy for labral repair or FAI
• Hip resurfacing or total replacement
• PAO surgery for hip dysplasia

Post-Surgery Management

Recovery from hip surgery is often as challenging as the condition itself. A comprehensive strategy ensures proper healing and better long-term outcomes.

• Pain Management: Post-surgical pain is typically managed with medications (opioids, NSAIDs, acetaminophen), as well as ice therapy, heat therapy, or contrast therapy (alternating hot and cold). These approaches support healing by reducing inflammation and promoting circulation.

• Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: Early movement helps restore flexibility and strength. Therapy often begins shortly after surgery and progresses from gentle range-of-motion work to strength-building and mobility training.

• Activity Modification: Avoiding high-impact movements and using assistive devices like walkers or canes can protect the healing joint.

• Wound Care and Infection Prevention: Following your provider’s wound care instructions is critical. Redness, swelling, or unusual drainage should be reported immediately.

• Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ins allow your surgeon to monitor progress, adjust medications, and offer guidance on next steps.

• Lifestyle Adjustments: Long-term success depends on maintaining a healthy weight, staying active with low-impact exercise, and continuing physical therapy if needed.

For many patients, integrating acupuncture after surgery can accelerate healing, minimize discomfort, and reduce reliance on pain medications.²

Considering Acupuncture for Comprehensive Hip Pain Management

If you're exploring alternative treatments for hip pain or need support beyond standard care, acupuncture offers safe, effective, and natural relief.

Exploring Acupuncture for Hip Pain

1. How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture uses precise, sterile needles to stimulate points along the body’s energy channels (meridians). This process:

• Releases endorphins to naturally relieve pain
• Enhances blood circulation
• Modulates nervous system responses (neuromodulation)

2. Is Acupuncture Effective for Hip Pain?

Yes — research confirms that acupuncture is an effective option for managing hip osteoarthritis, bursitis, sciatica hip pain, and other chronic hip conditions.^3–5 It’s a well-tolerated, drug-free approach that can be used on its own or alongside traditional care.

• Pain Relief: A growing body of research supports acupuncture as a reliable form of pain relief. For example, a 2023 systematic review by Park et al. found that patients receiving acupuncture experienced significant pain reduction compared to those receiving conventional treatments alone.³ This makes acupuncture a valuable alternative for patients seeking non-surgical hip pain relief or trying to avoid long-term medication use.
• Reduced Inflammation: Acupuncture has also been shown to reduce inflammatory markers in the body — a key factor in managing hip arthritis pain relief. Studies suggest that regular sessions can help regulate the immune system and improve joint circulation, both of which contribute to decreased swelling and discomfort.⁴
• Improved Joint Function: In a clinical study comparing electroacupuncture and medication, patients treated with acupuncture showed notable improvements in hip function, walking ability, and stiffness reduction.⁴ These benefits are especially important for seniors or those dealing with hip pain after sitting, walking, or physical activity.
• Complementary to Other Treatments: Acupuncture integrates easily with other therapies. For example, patients undergoing physical therapy or post-surgical rehabilitation may find faster progress and reduced discomfort when acupuncture is included as part of their care plan. Research by Usichenko et al. even found that adding auricular acupuncture reduced the amount of opioid medication needed after hip surgery.⁵

3. A Holistic Approach to Hip Pain

Acupuncture is a powerful tool for:

• Hip arthritis pain relief
• Drug-free hip pain management
• Chronic hip pain in seniors
• Hip tendonitis from overuse or sports
• Hip pain after pregnancy

It can be used alone or combined with conventional treatments for a holistic approach to hip pain.

4. Our Approach at Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness

At Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness in Tualatin, we help people throughout the Greater Portland Area find real relief with advanced acupuncture care. Here’s what to expect:

• In-Depth Evaluation: We'll assess your condition and determine if acupuncture is right for your specific hip concern.
• Customized Treatment Plan: Based on your diagnosis, lifestyle, and goals.
• Ongoing Support: As your condition improves, your care plan evolves to ensure long-lasting results.

5. Research-Backed Results

In addition to the studies previously referenced:^1–5

• The Cleveland Clinic recognizes acupuncture and physical therapy as key components of hip bursitis management.⁶

What to Expect at Your Hip Pain Consultation

At Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness, we know that hip pain can feel limiting—physically, emotionally, and in daily life. Whether you're dealing with arthritis, a past injury, or post-surgical discomfort, you don’t have to go through it alone.

Every case of hip pain is different, which is why we take time to truly understand what’s going on. During your consultation, we will:

✔️ Review your health history and current symptoms to identify the root cause of your hip pain
✔️ Explain how acupuncture and our advanced, non-invasive therapies may support healing
✔️ Design a personalized treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle, mobility goals, and long-term relief

🔹 Many of our patients come to us after trying everything else—only to find results here that last.

📞 Call us today at +1 (503) 336-4747 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward lasting hip pain relief in the Greater Portland Area.

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References:

1. Mayo Clinic Staff. Osteoarthritis: Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic. Updated 2023. Accessed April 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351925
2. Wu, M.-S., Chen, K.-H., Chen, I.-F., et al. The Efficacy of Acupuncture in Post-Operative Pain Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS ONE. 2016;11:e0150367. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0150367
3. Park, H.S., Jeong, H.I., Sung, S.-H., Kim, K.H. Acupuncture Treatment for Hip Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Healthcare. 2023;11:1624. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10252336/
4. Sheng, X.-P., Fan, T.-Y. Comparative Observation on Hip Osteoarthritis Treated with Electroacupuncture and Medication. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2010;30:982–984. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21290833/
5. Usichenko, T.I., Dinse, M., Hermsen, M., et al. Auricular Acupuncture for Pain Relief after Total Hip Arthroplasty—A Randomized Controlled Study. Pain. 2005;114:320–327. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15777857/
6. Cleveland Clinic. Hip Bursitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments. Cleveland Clinic. Reviewed 2023. Accessed April 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17401-hip-bursitis