Have you been suffering from hip pain due to some injury that you have had in the past or due to age-related osteoarthritis or bursitis? Maybe you have tried different types of treatment over the course of time with no substantial improvement.
There might be one other option for you to consider. This method has been used extensively by the Chinese and is known as Acupuncture. Read on to discover how acupuncture can aid hip pain relief.
What causes hip pain?
There are many reasons why people experience hip pain. It could be the result of a hamstring injury, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle imbalance, bursitis in the hip, or some other form of trauma. In more severe cases, it might be due to a hip fracture or wear-and-tear of the hip joint related to osteoarthritis. Acupuncture can help relieve pain to different degrees for each of these problems mentioned above.
How can acupuncture help hip pain?
When there is an injury, inflammation forms around the area, (the body's healing process) and this is what causes the pain. Eventually, over time, if there is no intervention of any form, the condition worsens, and finally, you may lose a normal range of motion in that particular area. Some people may heal over time, but the longer the inflammation-related hip pain lasts, the less reserve you will have when you get to 90 years old. That is why some 90 years old can hardly walk and other 90 years old can still enjoy a healthy and happy life. The time and money you invested in your health when younger, will reward you with a good quality of life when you reach 100 years old.
Acupuncture is considered an ancient Chinese therapy and has been used as an alternative treatment to treat chronic pain quite successfully. Acupuncture treats hip pain by reducing the inflammation around the injured or bruised area, and this releases the muscle spasm and helps the muscles and ligament heal rapidly. It also helps restore proper blood circulation to the hip joint, which fosters further healing. If you are recovering from a hip fracture, acupuncture can reduce swelling and improve blood circulation. A study published in Neuroscience Research 2007 showed that electro-acupuncture can also help the body produce more growth hormones such as NGF and BDNF to facilitate the repairment of the nerves after nerve injuries. Acupuncture can also make your body produce more endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and GABA to reduce stress and make you sleep better. If you can sleep deeper and longer, there will be more growth hormone production.
What does an Acupuncturist do?
A trained professional acupuncturist uses thin, sterile needles which are placed into certain points under the skin. These needles are then manipulated with the hand or using a micro electric current. This action with the needles stimulates nerves, muscles, and connective tissue to promote proper circulation and healing. It also balances your body’s immunity and improves your digestive function, so you can absorb vitamins and minerals to regenerate the nerves and blood vessels.
Why do you need to have acupuncture before or after hip or knee replacement?
When you have finally decided to have a hip or knee replacement, you need to make sure there is very little inflammation in your blood vessels and nerves around the hip, knee, and back joints and that your muscles and ligaments are balanced around the joints. When you have an imbalanced immune function, the swelling and inflammation will last a long time after the surgery, the healing will be delayed and your blood circulation to the muscles and ligament will be compromised. According to clinical observation, people who have acupuncture before and after hip or knee replacement, have much better hip and knee function post-surgery, and very little discomfort.
Acupuncture can alleviate not only hip pain but can treat chronic pain in the knee, back, and neck as well. With regular sessions twice or once a week, it may be possible for you to regain lost range of motion and be able to return to your regular activity levels and experience relief from severe pain.
Dr. Li Zheng is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist. She has 26+ years of clinical experience. Here she is talking about Hip Pain. Living with hip pain can impact your quality of life and limit your range of motion. Acupuncture for hip pain may provide relief to your situation if you are willing to give it a shot.