Hip pain is a common issue that affects people of all ages and can significantly impact daily life, making movement, work, and leisure activities more difficult. Whether caused by injury, arthritis, tendonitis, or other conditions, hip pain can lead to chronic discomfort and limited mobility. In Tokyo, as in many other places, people are seeking alternative and holistic treatments to address their pain and improve their quality of life. One such approach gaining popularity is acupuncture, a traditional healing practice that offers a natural solution for managing hip pain. With its roots in Traditional Oriental Medicine (TOM), acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body to restore energy flow, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. In this article, we explore how acupuncture can be an effective treatment for hip pain, helping residents of Tokyo find relief and regain their mobility.
Hip Pain
What is hip pain?
Hip pain is pain or discomfort you feel in or around your hip joint.
A joint is a place in your body where two bones meet. Your hip joint is where your thigh bone (femur) connects to your pelvis. Your hip joint is one of the largest joints in your body, and you use it constantly to move, support your weight and maintain your balance.
Hip pain can range from a temporary, short-term annoyance to a bigger issue that needs treatment from a healthcare provider. Where you feel the pain depends on which part of your hip joint is damaged. You might feel hip pain:
- Close to the surface above or around your hip (usually an issue with your muscles, tendons or ligaments).
- Deeper inside your hip joint (pain that comes from your bones or cartilage).
- In your lower back. Hip pain can sometimes spread (radiate) to other areas like your lower back or groin.
The pain might come and go. For example, you might feel hip pain when you’re walking or moving, but it gets better when you rest. Some people also feel pain during different parts of the day. You could feel more pain first thing in the morning when you wake up. It’s also common to feel hip pain at night, especially if you sleep lying on the same side as your painful hip.
You can usually treat hip pain at home by taking a break from physical activities and by taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Visit a healthcare provider if you’re feeling hip pain that’s bad enough to affect your daily routine or that’s making it hard to move. See a provider if you’re feeling pain that lasts more than a few days without getting better.
Possible Causes
What causes hip pain?
Hip pain is a symptom of several conditions, including arthritis, injuries to your hip (fractures, labral tears and dislocation), bursitis and structural issues. Athletes who move their hips in all directions, like dancers and gymnasts, are more likely to injure their hips and have hip pain.
Arthritis
Arthritis causes pain and inflammation in your joints. Hip arthritis is common. It causes symptoms like pain, swelling and stiffness. Several types of arthritis can lead to pain in your hips, including:
- Osteoarthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Ankylosing spondylitis.
Bursitis
Bursitis is painful swelling in a small, fluid-filled sac called a bursa. Bursae (the plural of bursa) cushion spaces around bones and other tissue. Hip bursitis happens when the bursa in your hip becomes irritated and swells. The two most common types of hip bursitis are:
- Iliopectineal bursitis.
- Trochanteric bursitis.
Injuries
Any injury that damages the parts of your hip joint can cause pain. Hip injuries are usually caused by:
- Repetitive strain injuries.
- Sports injuries.
- Traumas like falls or car accidents.
Some of the most common injuries that cause hip pain include:
- Hip muscle strains (especially hip flexor strains).
- Iliotibial band syndrome.
- Hip labral tears.
- Bone fractures (broken bones).
- Hip dislocations.
Structural conditions
Some people are born with conditions that affect the shape of their hips, including:
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI or hip impingement).
- Development dysplasia of the hip (DDH).
Healthcare providers sometimes call these issues “structural abnormalities.” Depending on which condition you have, you might have hip pain as a child or later in life.
How can I prevent hip pain?
You might not always be able to prevent hip pain, especially if it’s caused by an accident you can’t plan for or an issue with the natural shape of your hip joint.
During sports or other physical activities:
- Wear the right protective equipment.
- Don’t “play through the pain” if your hip hurts during or after physical activity.
- Give your body time to rest and recover after intense activity.
- Stretch and warm up before playing sports or working out.
- Cool down and stretch after physical activity.
Follow these general safety tips to reduce your risk of an injury:
- Make sure your home and workspace are free from clutter that could trip you or others.
- Always use the proper tools or equipment at home to reach things. Never stand on chairs, tables or countertops.
- Use a cane or walker if you have difficulty walking or have an increased risk of falls.
What are the treatment options for hip pain?
The treatment of hip pain depends on the cause. For exercise-related pain, rest is usually enough to allow the hip to heal. This type of pain is typically gone within a few days.
If you have arthritis, your doctor will prescribe medications to relieve pain and stiffness.
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who can offer further advice and a physical therapist who can show you how to do exercises to help keep the joint mobile.
For injuries, treatment typically involves bed rest and medications, such as naproxen (Aleve), to relieve swelling and pain.
Hip fractures, malformation of the hip, and some injuries may require surgical intervention to repair or replace the hip. In hip replacement surgery, a surgeon replaces the damaged hip joint with an artificial one.
Although hip replacement surgery will take some physical therapy to get used to the new joint, this is a common surgery that’s most often successful.
Alternative therapies
Some holistic therapies can provide relief from hip pain. Make sure you discuss treatment options with your doctor before undergoing any alternative treatment.
Possible holistic therapies include seeing a chiropractor for an adjustment or having acupuncture. This involves the temporary placement of very small needles into key body areas to promote healing.
Acupuncture for Hip pain in Tokyo
While there are various methods of managing hip pain, acupuncture has emerged as a promising alternative or complement to traditional treatments. Acupuncture, grounded in the philosophy of Traditional Oriental Medicine (TOM), offers a unique approach to pain relief that focuses on restoring balance to the body’s energy flow.
The Philosophy Behind Acupuncture
Acupuncture is based on the concept of the vital life force or energy that flows through pathways called meridians in the body. According to TOM, health is achieved when energy flows freely and is balanced throughout the body. Pain and illness, on the other hand, are believed to arise from blockages or imbalances in this energy flow.
The goal of acupuncture is to restore this balance by inserting fine needles into specific points along the meridians. These points, known as acupuncture points, are believed to correspond to different areas of the body. By stimulating these points, acupuncture seeks to unblock energy flow, reduce pain, and promote healing.
In the case of hip pain, acupuncture works by targeting specific points that are associated with the hip joint and the surrounding muscles, nerves, and tissues. By stimulating these areas, acupuncture can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve the overall function of the hip.
Acupuncture for Various Types of Hip Pain
Acupuncture can offer significant benefits for a variety of conditions that lead to hip pain. Some of the most common conditions that acupuncture can help with include:
Sciatica
Sciatica is a condition that involves pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. The pain is typically sharp, burning, or shooting and is often caused by a herniated disc or nerve compression in the lower back. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating sciatica, as it can reduce inflammation in the affected nerve and relieve the pressure causing the pain.
A study conducted by researchers from the Rizhao Hospital of TOM and the Shanghai University of TOM demonstrated that acupuncture had an 81.6% effectiveness rate in relieving sciatica pain when used as a standalone therapy. When combined with herbal medicine, the effectiveness rate increased to 95%. This highlights acupuncture’s potential to provide significant relief for individuals suffering from sciatica.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, typically caused by overuse or repetitive movements. In the case of hip tendonitis, the inflammation typically affects the tendons around the hip joint, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Acupuncture can help treat tendonitis by stimulating acupuncture points that increase local circulation, reduce swelling, and ease the pain associated with the inflamed tendons.
The increased blood flow promoted by acupuncture helps to accelerate the healing process and alleviate the symptoms of tendonitis, providing much-needed relief to those suffering from this condition.
Bursitis
Bursitis occurs when the bursae—small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint—become inflamed. This condition is often caused by repetitive motion or excessive pressure on the hip joint. The inflammation of the bursae can lead to pain and limited movement in the affected joint. Acupuncture can help by reducing the inflammation in the bursae and improving the range of motion in the hip joint.
By stimulating specific acupuncture points, acupuncture can alleviate the symptoms of bursitis and promote healing of the inflamed areas. This is especially beneficial for individuals with chronic bursitis who seek relief without relying on medications or invasive procedures.
Arthritis
Arthritis-related hip pain is a common concern, particularly among older adults. Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Acupuncture can help manage arthritis-related hip pain by stimulating points that reduce inflammation, increase blood flow to the affected area, and promote overall joint health.
Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in reducing joint pain and improving the function of the hip joint in individuals with arthritis. By targeting specific acupuncture points, acupuncture can alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and enhance the quality of life for those affected by this condition.
The Science Behind Acupuncture’s Effectiveness
Acupuncture’s ability to relieve hip pain can be explained through a combination of traditional philosophy and modern scientific understanding. Several studies have shown that acupuncture can stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, including the release of endorphins—natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. Endorphins can help reduce pain and promote a sense of well-being.
Acupuncture also appears to increase blood circulation, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair. In the case of hip pain, this improved circulation can aid in the healing of damaged tissues around the hip joint, such as tendons, muscles, and ligaments.
Additionally, acupuncture has been shown to modulate the body’s autonomic nervous system, which controls functions like blood pressure, heart rate, and pain perception. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, acupuncture can help regulate this system, which can contribute to pain relief and improved overall health.
Key Acupuncture Points for Hip Pain
When treating hip pain, acupuncturists target specific acupuncture points that are believed to be directly related to the hip joint and the surrounding structures. Here are some key acupuncture points commonly used in the treatment of hip pain:
1. GB30 (Gallbladder 30 or Huantiao)
Located at the junction where the lumbar spine meets the pelvis, GB30 is a crucial point for treating hip pain. It directly influences the hip joint and surrounding muscles and is often used to alleviate sciatic pain, hip joint discomfort, and lower back stiffness. Stimulating GB30 can help to relieve tension in the lower back and hip area, making it an essential point for individuals suffering from hip pain.
2. GB34 (Gallbladder 34 or Yanglingquan)
Situated just below the knee on the outer side of the leg, GB34 is commonly used to treat conditions like tendonitis and bursitis, which are frequent causes of hip discomfort. Stimulating GB34 can improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and relax the muscles surrounding the hip joint, making it effective for treating a variety of hip pain conditions.
3. ST31 (Stomach 31 or Biguan)
Located where the thigh meets the pelvis, ST31 is often used to address muscle and joint pain, including in the hip area. It is particularly effective for treating pain caused by muscle overuse or strain, making it a helpful point for those who experience discomfort after prolonged activity or exercise.
4. BL54 (Bladder 54 or Zhibian)
Found at the lower back, adjacent to the spine, at the level of the second sacral foramen, BL54 is an important point for treating lower back and hip pain. It is particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from sciatica, lumbar muscle strain, or hip joint problems. Stimulating BL54 helps release tension in the lower back and improve circulation in the hip area.
5. GB29 (Gallbladder 29 or Juliao)
Located on the lateral aspect of the hip, GB29 is used to treat conditions such as hip bursitis, joint inflammation, and lateral hip pain. It directly targets the hip joint and surrounding muscles, making it an essential point for alleviating pain and improving the range of motion in the hip.
What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session
During an acupuncture session for hip pain, a licensed practitioner will insert fine, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points on your body. These points may not always be located near your hip, as acupuncture works through the concept of meridians—pathways that link different areas of the body.
Patients may feel a slight pinch or tingling sensation upon needle insertion, but the process is generally not painful. Many people find the session to be relaxing, and some even fall asleep during the procedure. The session typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the treatment plan and the specific needs of the patient.
The frequency of acupuncture sessions varies based on the severity of the condition and the patient’s response to treatment. Initially, practitioners may recommend one to two sessions per week. As symptoms improve, the frequency may decrease. Chronic conditions may require longer treatment, while acute pain might resolve more quickly. Typically, patients notice significant relief after several sessions, though some may need ongoing treatment for several weeks or even months.
Conclusion
Acupuncture offers a promising, drug-free solution for managing hip pain. By targeting specific acupuncture points and stimulating the body’s natural healing processes, acupuncture can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve the overall function of the hip joint. Whether you suffer from sciatica, tendonitis, bursitis, or arthritis, acupuncture may provide a holistic approach to pain relief and enhance your overall well-being.
At Fuji Wellness, we specialize in offering personalized acupuncture treatments designed to provide lasting relief from hip pain. Our experienced practitioners use ancient healing techniques tailored to your unique needs, helping to restore balance, reduce inflammation, and promote natural healing. Located in the heart of Tokyo, our serene clinic provides a peaceful, welcoming environment where you can relax and experience the full benefits of acupuncture. Whether you’re dealing with sciatica, arthritis, or tendonitis, trust Fuji Wellness to help you regain your mobility and live pain-free. Let us guide you on your journey to pain relief—experience the difference at Fuji Wellness today.
Fuji Wellness:
- Address: 132-0031 Matsushima 1-chome, 21-14, Tokyo, Japan
- Contact: Click here
- Email: sunnyphamsensei@gmail.com
