Pain & Musculoskeletal

Hip Pain Treatment in Greenville, SC

Hip pain treatment in Greenville, SC. Dr. Hendry treats bursitis, labral tears, hip arthritis, and referred hip pain using acupuncture and dry needling. Call (864) 365-6156.

What Is Hip Pain?

Hip pain can arise from the joint itself — the ball-and-socket joint between the femur and pelvis — or from the surrounding muscles, tendons, bursae, and nerves. It is frequently misunderstood, because true hip joint pain is felt in the groin, while pain felt on the outer hip is usually muscular or bursitis-related. Pain in the buttock often originates from the lower back or sacroiliac joint. Accurate identification of the pain source is the first step to effective treatment.

Common Symptoms

Groin pain that worsens with walking or bearing weight

Pain on the outer hip, especially with lying on the affected side

Deep aching in the buttock or posterior thigh

Stiffness in the morning or after sitting

Limited range of motion — difficulty crossing the legs or putting on shoes

A clicking or snapping sensation with hip movement

Pain that worsens going up and down stairs

Referred pain down the front of the thigh or into the knee

Root Causes: A Functional Medicine Perspective

Hip pain stems from a wide range of sources: osteoarthritis (the most common cause in adults over 50), trochanteric bursitis, labral tears, iliopsoas or piriformis syndrome, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or referred pain from lumbar nerve roots. Each of these has different treatment implications.

Systemically, chronic inflammation, poor collagen synthesis (often linked to vitamin C and protein deficiency), and hormonal changes that thin cartilage all contribute to hip degeneration. In younger patients, tight hip flexors from prolonged sitting create a mechanical environment that strains the labrum and compresses the femoral head into the acetabulum with every step. Dr. Hendry's assessment addresses both these structural mechanics and the systemic contributors that determine how quickly the joint deteriorates.

How We Treat Hip Pain at IHP

Acupuncture along the Gallbladder, Liver, and Stomach meridians — which anatomically correspond to the hip joint and surrounding musculature — reduces joint inflammation, improves local circulation, and modulates pain signals from the hip region. Clinical trials in osteoarthritis of the hip confirm acupuncture provides meaningful pain reduction and functional improvement.

Trigger point dry needling into the gluteus medius, piriformis, TFL, and iliopsoas directly addresses the muscular contributors to hip pain and dysfunction. Cupping over the lateral hip and gluteal region decompresses fascial layers that restrict hip mobility. For trochanteric bursitis, acupuncture reduces bursal inflammation and addresses the ITB tightness that causes friction over the greater trochanter.

Dr. Hendry's Approach

Dr. Hendry assesses hip pain within the full context of pelvic and lumbar mechanics, recognizing that hip dysfunction rarely occurs in isolation. He evaluates lumbopelvic alignment, sacroiliac joint mobility, and the strength of the core and gluteal muscles that stabilize the hip — then builds a treatment plan that addresses all contributing factors.

Treatments We Use for Hip Pain

Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Pain

Can acupuncture help hip bursitis?

Yes. Trochanteric bursitis responds well to acupuncture and dry needling, which reduce bursal inflammation and address the underlying ITB and gluteus medius tightness that causes the bursitis.

How do I know if my hip pain is from the joint or the muscles?

Dr. Hendry performs a clinical examination — including range of motion testing, palpation, and orthopedic provocation tests — to localize the pain source. True hip joint pain is typically felt in the groin and worsens with internal rotation. Muscular hip pain varies by location.

I'm scheduled for hip replacement — should I still come in?

Pre-surgical acupuncture can reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and help you manage pain while waiting for surgery. Post-surgical acupuncture supports faster healing and recovery.

Does acupuncture work for hip labral tears?

Yes. Acupuncture reduces the inflammation and muscular guarding associated with labral tears, often providing significant pain relief. It does not repair the labrum structurally but can make a substantial functional difference.

Can piriformis syndrome cause hip pain?

Yes, and it's very common. Piriformis syndrome causes deep buttock pain that is often mistaken for hip joint pathology. Dr. Hendry distinguishes piriformis syndrome from true hip joint disease and treats it effectively with dry needling and acupuncture.