Acupuncture for Hip Pain in NYC
Manhattan Physical Therapy
What Is Hip Pain and Why Does It Happen?
The hip joint is one of the largest and most stable joints in the body, yet hip pain is surprisingly common among New Yorkers. It can be caused by osteoarthritis, muscle strain, labral tears, bursitis, nerve entrapment, or even everyday wear and tear. For many people, hip pain leads to difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or sitting for long periods. Beyond the physical limitations, it can also impact sleep, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.
Conventional treatment often includes medications, physical therapy, or even surgery. While these approaches may provide relief, many patients are seeking effective, non-invasive options for long-term recovery—this is where acupuncture comes in.
How Can Acupuncture Help With Hip Pain?
Acupuncture is a safe, drug-free therapy rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture helps improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and release natural pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins.
Recent systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggest that acupuncture can provide measurable improvements in hip pain relief and function. For example, studies show that acupuncture combined with conventional medicine can reduce pain scores on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), lower the need for pain medication, and minimize side effects associated with long-term drug use.
Why Choose Acupuncture for Hip Pain Relief in NYC?
New Yorkers live fast-paced lives, and dealing with chronic hip pain can make even simple activities like commuting or exercising overwhelming. Acupuncture offers several unique benefits for hip pain relief in NYC:
Helps patients avoid unnecessary surgery or prolonged recovery times.
Reduces dependence on pain medications that may cause side effects.
Addresses both the physical pain and the underlying imbalances in the body.
Clinical research supports acupuncture as a safe, effective option for managing hip pain.
Who Provides Acupuncture at Manhattan Physical Therapy?
At Manhattan Physical Therapy, acupuncture treatments are led by John Miller, a Licensed Acupuncturist in New York, NY. John holds a Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the New England School of Acupuncture (NESA), where he specialized in Orthopedic Acupuncture and Trigger Point Therapy under department chair Stephen Cina. Since 2006, he has also trained in Tong Ren healing with Tom Tam, bringing an integrative approach to patient care. In addition to hip pain, John regularly helps patients manage shoulder and knee pain, restoring function and improving quality of life.
What to Expect During Acupuncture for Hip Pain
If you’ve never tried acupuncture before, knowing what to expect can make the experience easier and more comfortable. At Manhattan Physical Therapy, your first session begins with a detailed consultation where John Miller, L.Ac., reviews your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history.
During treatment, ultra-fine, sterile needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points related to the hip, lower back, and surrounding muscles. Most patients feel little to no discomfort—many describe it as a gentle tingling sensation. Sessions typically last between 30 to 45 minutes, allowing your body time to relax, release muscle tension, and activate natural pain-relieving responses.
Depending on your condition, John may also use specialized techniques such as electroacupuncture or trigger-point acupuncture to target deep muscular tension and improve circulation. Treatment frequency varies, but many patients begin to notice improvements in mobility and reduced pain within a few sessions.
What Conditions Can Acupuncture Address for Hip Pain?
Hip pain can arise from several underlying causes, and acupuncture is versatile enough to support many of them. Some of the most common conditions treated at our clinic include:
Trigger the release of natural pain-relieving chemicalsOsteoarthritis: Acupuncture can reduce stiffness, improve range of motion, and ease daily activities.
Hip Bursitis: Helps decrease inflammation and relieve tenderness around the hip joint.
Labral Tears: Supports pain management and improves function, especially for patients postponing or recovering from surgery.
Sciatica or Nerve Entrapment: Relieves radiating pain from the lower back and pelvis into the hip and leg.
Sports Injuries & Overuse: Addresses muscle imbalances and inflammation caused by running, cycling, or repetitive motion.
How Safe and Effective Is Acupuncture for Hip Pain?
Safety and effectiveness are two of the most common concerns patients have when considering acupuncture. Research suggests that acupuncture is both safe and beneficial for managing hip pain when performed by a licensed practitioner.
A 2022 systematic review of 12 randomized controlled trials found that acupuncture either alone or combined with conventional medicine showed significant improvements in pain levels, mobility, and reduced reliance on medication. Importantly, no serious adverse events were reported, making acupuncture a low-risk treatment option compared to surgery or long-term drug use.
At Manhattan Physical Therapy, all procedures follow strict safety protocols. Needles are single-use and sterile, and each treatment is customized to your body’s needs, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience.
How to Get Started With Acupuncture for Hip Pain in NYC
If hip pain is limiting your mobility, sleep, or daily activities, now is the time to take action. Acupuncture provides a safe, drug-free solution that supports healing and restores quality of life.
At Manhattan Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to helping patients find lasting relief through personalized care. Whether your pain is due to arthritis, injury, or overuse, John Miller, L.Ac., will work with you to design a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Call us today at (212)-213-3480 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward lasting hip pain relief in NYC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: How many acupuncture sessions are usually needed for hip pain?
The number of sessions depends on the severity and cause of your hip pain. Some patients feel noticeable relief after 2–3 sessions, while chronic conditions may require 6–10 sessions for lasting improvement.
Question 2: Can acupuncture be combined with physical therapy or other treatments?
Yes. Acupuncture works well alongside physical therapy, stretching, exercise, or medication. Combining therapies can speed recovery and provide more comprehensive relief.
Question 3: Is acupuncture for hip pain covered by insurance in NYC?
Many insurance plans now cover acupuncture, especially for pain management. Our clinic can help you verify your benefits and explain your coverage options before beginning treatment.
Question 4: Can acupuncture help with hip pain caused by pregnancy?
Yes. Acupuncture is often used to relieve hip and pelvic pain during pregnancy. It’s a safe, drug-free option, but treatments are always customized to ensure comfort and safety for expectant mothers.
What Do They Say About Us?
Alexander Liu
"Everyone on the team at Manhattan Physical Therapy is super nice and caring. They were able to pretty quickly diagnose my knee and hip problems and immediately put me to work to reduce the pain."
Henry Myerberg
"You're not just a patient when you come to the Manhattan Physical Therapy. You feel like family there. In particular, Erica with her colleagues John, Lidia and Joe not only fix and improve you physically, they make you feel welcomed and cared for."
Hakyung Kim
"Everyone is so kind and helpful! my knee and hip pain have improved massively since starting Manhattan PT, highly recommend to anyone. special thanks to Bianca, Lidia, Joe, and John!"
Manhattan Physical Therapy
✆ Phone (appointments):
(212) 213-3480
Address: 385 5th Ave, Suite 503, New York, NY 10016
