Hip Pain Treatment NYC
Imagine feeling a persistent ache in your hip that makes walking, climbing stairs, or even sitting for long periods a challenge. Hip pain can stem from a variety of issues such as muscle imbalances, joint inflammation, or even early signs of arthritis. At Morningside Acupuncture, our integrated approach—combining acupuncture and dry needling—is designed to reduce pain, improve hip function, and restore your mobility.
Overview of Hip Pain
Hip pain is a condition characterized by:
Persistent discomfort or aching in the hip region
Stiffness and reduced range of motion
Pain that may radiate to the groin, thigh, or buttock
Difficulty with weight-bearing activities
It can result from overuse, injury, or degenerative changes in the joint and surrounding soft tissues.
Understanding the Biomechanics & Mechanisms
Key factors contributing to hip pain include:
Muscle Tension and Imbalances:
Overactivity or tightness in muscles such as the gluteals, hip flexors, and adductors can place extra strain on the hip joint.
Joint Inflammation:
Inflammatory responses within the hip joint (e.g., synovitis) can exacerbate pain and limit movement.
Referred Pain:
Trigger points in the surrounding muscles may refer pain to the hip area, further complicating the condition.
Treatment Options: A Broader Perspective
Conventional treatments for hip pain typically include:
Medications:
NSAIDs to alleviate pain and inflammation
Physical Therapy:
Targeted exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and balance
Injections:
Corticosteroid injections to reduce joint inflammation
Surgery:
Considered in severe cases where conservative treatments fail
Differential Diagnosis:
Hip pain may mimic conditions such as:
Trochanteric bursitis
Osteoarthritis
Hip labral tears
Iliopsoas tendinopathy
Our integrated approach—combining acupuncture with dry needling—is introduced as a first-line option to address both muscular imbalances and joint inflammation without invasive procedures.
How Acupuncture & Dry Needling Can Help
Our dual-modality approach offers comprehensive benefits:
Acupuncture:
Fine needles are inserted at specific TCM points to modulate pain pathways, increase local circulation, and reduce inflammation.
Dry Needling:
Targets trigger points in overactive muscles to mechanically release tension, improve muscle balance, and alleviate referred pain.
Summary Table:
| Treatment Component | Techniques Used | Mechanism/Benefits | Example Points/Targets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncture | Insertion at TCM points | Modulates nerve pathways; increases blood flow; reduces inflammation | GB29 (Juliao), GB30 (Huantiao)*, GB31 (Fengshi) |
| Dry Needling | Insertion into trigger points | Releases muscle tension; improves range of motion; reduces referred pain | Trigger points in gluteal muscles, hip adductors, and iliopsoas |
*Note: GB30 (Huantiao) is used selectively if deep hip muscle tension is present.
Acupuncture Points for Hip Pain
Our sessions may include these key acupuncture points, chosen for their relevance to hip and lower limb pain:
GB29 (Juliao):
Located near the hip joint, GB29 helps alleviate deep-seated hip pain and improve joint mobility.
GB31 (Fengshi):
Situated on the lateral aspect of the hip, this point is effective for relieving muscle tension around the hip area.
(Additional points may be selected based on individual assessment.)
Trigger Points for Hip Pain
We also target specific trigger points in muscles that contribute to hip pain:
Gluteal Muscles:
Trigger points in the gluteus medius and maximus can cause radiating pain in the hip and buttock.
Dry needling helps release tension and restore normal muscle function.
Hip Adductors:
Tightness in the adductor group may contribute to groin pain and hip discomfort.
Targeted needling can improve muscle balance.
Iliopsoas:
Overactivity in this muscle can increase stress on the hip joint.
Needling assists in relieving tightness and improving flexibility.
Research & Evidence
Acupuncture Research
Recent high-quality studies confirm acupuncture is effective for treating hip pain, both after surgery and in chronic cases. For example, a 2025 randomized controlled trial found that acupuncture offered rapid pain relief after hip fracture surgery compared to sham treatment, showing significant reductions in pain within just 10 minutes of intervention.
Another recent systematic review concluded that acupuncture significantly improves pain and joint mobility for patients suffering from hip pain, with low risk of side effects. Preliminary trials also suggest preoperative acupuncture helps lower pain and anxiety for hip replacement surgery patients, with a clear safety profile.
Dry Needling Research
Recent controlled trials demonstrate that dry needling can provide short-term relief for hip pain, increase hip mobility, and improve function in patients with hip osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions.
A 2019 double-blind randomized trial found dry needling of hip myofascial trigger points led to statistically significant reductions in pain and improvements in range of motion and physical function compared to sham treatment.
A 2022 systematic review reports that, although evidence quality is low, dry needling shows positive effects for pain reduction and function in hip/knee musculoskeletal disorders. Additional research supports its effectiveness for pain relief and improved hip muscle strength in osteoarthritis patients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does dry needling differ from acupuncture for hip pain?
Dry needling specifically targets trigger points in overactive muscles to mechanically release tension, whereas acupuncture uses established TCM points to modulate pain and reduce inflammation.What are the common symptoms of hip pain?
Typical symptoms include aching or sharp pain in the hip, stiffness, and sometimes radiating pain to the groin or thigh.Can this integrated treatment help with hip pain due to osteoarthritis?
Yes, by addressing both muscle imbalances and joint inflammation, our approach can be beneficial for early-stage osteoarthritis-related hip pain.How many sessions are usually required to see improvement?
Many patients notice improvements after several sessions; however, treatment duration varies based on the severity of the condition.Is it safe to combine this treatment with physical therapy or orthotics?
Absolutely. Our integrated approach is designed to complement other conservative treatments.What long-term benefits can I expect from this approach?
Patients often experience sustained pain relief, improved mobility, and enhanced overall hip function.
Ready to Try Acupuncture & Dry Needling?
Whether you’re struggling with acute or chronic pain, acupuncture and dry needling may help restore mobility and reduce pain - quickly and safely.
📍 Conveniently located in New York City
🧠 Experts in trigger point therapy, acupuncture, and dry needling
Book your appointment today with the experts at Morningside Acupuncture, the top-rated acupuncture and dry needling clinic in New York City.
Let us help you move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free.
Additional Resources & Next Steps
Learn More: Visit our Blog for further insights into our treatment approach.
What to Expect: During your initial consultation, we perform a comprehensive evaluation to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Patient Stories: Read testimonials from patients who have experienced lasting relief.
Sources:
Wang, Y., Li, J., Deng, H., & Sun, X. (2025). Immediate Analgesic Efficacy of Acupuncture in Acute Postoperative Pain Following Internal Fixation of Intertrochanteric Femur Fracture: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Pain and Therapy, 14, 101-110. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12326441/
Liu, Z., Wu, J., Li, Z., Yang, N., & Tian, L. (2023). Acupuncture Treatment for Hip Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Pain Research, 4, 210-220. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10252336/
Park, S., Kim, D., Ma, S., Nayyar, S., & Xu, J. (2025). Open-Label Randomized Clinical Trial to Assess the Effects of Preoperative Acupuncture on Pain and Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Hip and Knee Replacement. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 31(1), 45-53. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39383026/
Sánchez Romero, E., Fernández Carnero, J., Calvo Lobo, C., et al. (2019). Effects of dry needling in HIP muscles in patients with HIP osteoarthritis: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 43, 102-108. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31352178/
Ceballos-Laita, L., Jiménez-Del-Barrio, S., Marín-Zurdo, J., et al. (2021). Effectiveness of dry needling therapy on pain, hip muscle strength and physical function in patients with hip osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 102(2), 272-281. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33567336/
Lin, Y., Xiong, J., Xiong, Q., et al. (2022). The Effectiveness of Dry Needling in Patients with Hip or Knee Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(20), 5948. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9605049/
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