Hip pain can be a debilitating issue affecting so many aspects of daily life, from simple movements like walking and lifting bags to engaging in more strenuous physical activities, exercise and sports.
For those seeking alternative solutions beyond traditional medical interventions or invasive surgeries, acupuncture has become a promising area to explore—offering both the potential to reduce pain as well as address some of the underlying issues that may be causing, or at least exacerbating, the pain.
That said, two of the most common questions we get at our London clinic are “How long does it take to work?” and “How many sessions of acupuncture are needed for hip pain?”
The Short Answer
In many cases, people may start to experience relief after just a few sessions, while others may require more extended treatment.
Although acupuncture can be good at reducing how much pain is felt by someone suffering from hip pain, it can take more extensive work as well as integration of other treatments such as bodywork therapies, rehabilitation exercises, pilates and more, in order to offer more long-term and sustainable relief from hip pain issues.
Factors Influencing the Number of Sessions Needed
The cause of hip pain can vary massively, ranging from muscle strain to arthritis or structural issues. The underlying condition is the biggest determiner of how long it takes for acupuncture sessions to have a considerable impact on pain. Other factors include:
- Severity and Duration of Hip Pain – Acute hip pain may respond more quickly to acupuncture than chronic conditions. Individuals with long-standing hip issues may require a more comprehensive plan that includes other treatment methods over several weeks or months.
- Individual Response to Acupuncture – Each person’s body responds differently to acupuncture. And everyone has a different lifestyle and base level of health and fitness that can significantly impact how effective treatment is.
- Consistency and Frequency of Session – The consistency and frequency of acupuncture sessions play a crucial role. Regular sessions, typically one to two times per week, are often recommended to initiate and sustain the healing process. Leaving it too long before sessions reduces the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for pain.
- Comprehensive Treatment Approach – Acupuncture is often part of an integrated treatment plan that may include lifestyle modifications. For instance, we typically recommend bodywork therapies and rehabilitation exercises alongside acupuncture.
Tips for Improving the Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Hip Pain
Beyond the acupuncture clinic, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and listening to advice from health and wellness professionals play a significant role in recovery. Prioritising factors such as sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, and stress management is extremely important, as these elements complement the benefits of acupuncture.
Providing feedback to your acupuncturist is also valuable. Consider sharing any changes or improvements in your symptoms between sessions, enabling your practitioner to make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
We can also recommend several practices that promote greater awareness of the body through our somatics online course, which involves guidance and coaching on how to strengthen the mind-body connection. Ultimately, being mindful of your body’s responses and seeking early intervention for symptoms can contribute to a more efficient and rewarding acupuncture experience.
Acupuncture for Hip Pain in London
To learn more about our services for acupuncture for hip pain in London, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team who will explain how the treatment could help you with your specific condition, as well as advise you on a holistic approach to recovery and wellbeing.
