Acupuncture for Hip Pain in Clifton, NJ

Clifton Physical Therapy

Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain in Clifton, NJ

Introduction

Find lasting relief from hip pain with gentle, targeted acupuncture treatments designed to restore balance, reduce inflammation, and get you moving again. At Clifton Physical Therapy, John Miller, Licensed Acupuncturist, specializes in orthopedic and trigger-point acupuncture to help patients find lasting relief.

What Causes Hip Pain and Why Does It Happen So Often?

Hip pain can come from many different sources — sometimes it’s a deep ache from arthritis, other times a sharp pull from tight muscles or irritated nerves. Because the hip joint carries so much of your body’s weight and movement, even small imbalances can cause ongoing discomfort.

Common culprits include hip bursitis, tendonitis, arthritis, labral tears, or sciatic nerve irritation. Overuse, long periods of sitting, previous injuries, or even stress on surrounding muscles can all make things worse.

When pain settles in the hip, it doesn’t just stay there — it can affect how you walk, sit, and sleep. Many people start compensating without realizing it, leading to stiffness, limited motion, or back and knee pain.

How Does Acupuncture Help Relieve Hip Pain?

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat pain by restoring balance in the body’s energy flow, known as “Qi.” Modern research now confirms what traditional medicine has long known — that acupuncture helps the body heal by reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and calming the nervous system.

When tiny, sterile needles are inserted at precise points, they signal the brain to release endorphins — the body’s natural painkillers. They also relax tight muscles and increase blood flow to injured tissues. For hip pain, this can mean faster recovery and greater mobility.

At Clifton Physical Therapy, John Miller, LAc, uses a blend of orthopedic and trigger-point acupuncture. These specialized methods go beyond surface-level pain relief to target the actual muscles and tissues that are restricting movement.

For example:

  • Trigger-point release helps deactivate knots in the glutes, piriformis, and hip flexors.

  • Local acupuncture points around the hip joint reduce inflammation and stiffness.

  • Distal points along the legs and back balance the body’s overall energy pathways.

What Can You Expect During an Acupuncture Session?

If you’ve never tried acupuncture, you’ll find it surprisingly gentle and relaxing. Your first visit starts with a personal consultation, where John Miller reviews your health history and identifies the root cause of your hip pain.

Using ultra-thin, sterile needles, he targets specific points around the hip and related areas to ease tension, improve circulation, and trigger the body’s natural healing response. Most patients feel only a light tingling or warmth.

Each session lasts about 20–30 minutes, leaving you feeling relaxed, lighter, and more mobile. Depending on your needs, John may recommend simple stretches or posture tips to help maintain your results between sessions.

Why Choose Acupuncture Over Other Hip Pain Treatments?

When you live with hip pain, it’s easy to rely on medication or rest for relief. But these approaches often only numb the pain temporarily. Acupuncture takes a different route — it helps your body heal from the inside out.

Studies have shown that acupuncture can reduce inflammation, regulate pain pathways, and improve range of motion for people with hip arthritis, bursitis, and chronic muscle tension. It’s safe, natural, and doesn’t come with the side effects common with medications or injections.

Here’s why more people in Clifton, NJ are turning to acupuncture:

  • It targets the root cause of pain, not just the symptoms.

  • It’s non-invasive and drug-free, with virtually no downtime.

  • It works well alongside physical therapy, helping speed up recovery.

  • It promotes whole-body balance, improving sleep, mood, and energy levels.

Who Can Benefit from Acupuncture for Hip Pain?

Acupuncture can be a game-changer for anyone struggling with persistent hip discomfort — whether your pain is new or has been lingering for years. It’s suitable for people of all ages and activity levels, from athletes recovering from overuse injuries to older adults dealing with arthritis or stiffness.

You might benefit from acupuncture if you experience:

  • Pain or stiffness when standing, walking, or climbing stairs

  • Tightness in the hips, lower back, or buttocks

  • Shooting pain radiating down your leg (sciatica)

  • Soreness after sitting for long periods

  • Limited range of motion in the hip joint

What Results Can You Expect from Hip Pain Acupuncture?

Results vary depending on the root cause of your hip pain, but most patients notice improvements within the first few sessions. Some feel immediate relief, while others experience gradual progress as their body begins to heal and rebalance.

After a full treatment plan, patients often report:

  • Reduced pain and inflammation around the hip joint

  • Improved flexibility and movement in the hips and lower back

  • Less muscle tightness and greater ease during walking or exercise

  • Better sleep quality due to reduced nighttime discomfort

  • Overall improved energy and well-being

When Should You See an Acupuncturist for Hip Pain?

If your hip pain has lasted more than a few days, is limiting your mobility, or is affecting your quality of life, it’s time to get professional help. Ignoring the pain or relying only on temporary relief methods can allow the problem to worsen over time.

You should consider seeing an acupuncturist if:

  • Pain persists despite rest or medication

  • You experience tightness that spreads to your lower back or legs

  • Pain is affecting your posture or gait

  • You want a natural, drug-free way to manage chronic pain

  • You’re recovering from a hip or leg injury and want faster healing

About John Miller, LAc

John Miller is a Licensed Acupuncturist at Clifton Physical Therapy in Clifton, New Jersey. He specializes in orthopedic and trigger-point acupuncture, helping patients manage pain, restore mobility, and return to the activities they love.

John earned his Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the New England School of Acupuncture (NESA), where he trained under Department Chair Stephen Cina in Orthopedic Acupuncture and Trigger Point Therapy. Since 2006, he has also studied Tong Ren healing with Tom Tam.

In addition to treating hip pain, John provides expert care for sciatica, neck pain, and migraine-related pain. Call Clifton Physical Therapy today at (973)-241-1338 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward moving freely again.

What others are saying

"I recently had ankle surgery and Clifton PT has been nothing short of amazing! My goal was to get back to playing soccer as quick as possible before the college season started and so far I'm right on track. Izzy, Bianca, Tiff, and John have gone above and beyond to make sure I'm back to 100%. Couldn't be more grateful to be treated by the best team ever!." - Nat Rufino

All the therapists at Clifton Physical Therapy are awesome, but I spend most of my time with Izzy and Bianca—and they’ve been amazing. They’re enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and always take the time to explain what I’m doing and what my issues are. Their positive energy and clear communication make a big difference in my recovery." - Bryan Tompkins

"Going Clifton physical therapy was one of the best thing that came out of my back pain! Every single staff member is amazing and cares for your recovery! I have been with them for the past couple of months and now continuing their workout program! I can’t recommend them enough! Tiffany, Izzy, Bianca and everyone else I have worked with there! Can’t rave about them enough!!." - Monica Mehta

"Clifton Physical Therapy has been a great place for me to heal my meniscus tear. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly, and has been extremely helpful in guiding me through my recovery. I highly recommend their services.." - Kelly Bevando


Clifton Physical Therapy


✆ Phone (appointments): (973)-241-1338


Address: 1059 Bloomfield Ave, Clifton, NJ 07012