Hip replacement surgery is one of the most common and successful orthopedic procedures performed today. While most patients recover well, a significant number experience persistent pain, stiffness, or limited mobility long after the joint has healed. This lingering discomfort is often related to scar tissue formation, fascial adhesions, and neuromuscular dysfunction—factors that may not respond well to conventional physical therapy alone.

At my clinic, I incorporate dry needling and acupuncture into post-surgical care plans for patients recovering from hip replacement to help release scar tissue, relieve chronic pain, and restore functional movement—even months or years after surgery.

Why Pain Persists After Hip Replacement

While hip replacements aim to relieve arthritic pain, some patients develop new pain due to:

• Scar tissue adhesions
• Altered gait and compensation patterns
• Myofascial trigger points
• Residual inflammation or nerve irritation

Studies estimate that 7–28% of patients experience persistent or unexplained pain after total hip arthroplasty (THA).¹ This pain may not originate from the prosthesis itself but from soft tissue imbalances, including tension in the gluteal, iliopsoas, piriformis, and tensor fascia latae muscles.

Recent reviews emphasize the importance of evaluating extra-articular sources of pain-including muscular and fascial contributions-when assessing patients with ongoing symptoms after an otherwise successful hip replacemen.²

The Role of Scar Tissue and Fascial Adhesions

Following surgery, the body heals by forming collagen and scar tissue. While this is a normal part of healing, excessive or disorganized scar tissue can:

• Restrict joint mobility
• Compress nearby nerves
• Alter fascial glide and elasticity
• Create compensatory tension throughout the pelvic girdle and lower back

Fascia—dense connective tissue that surrounds and interconnects muscles, bones, and organs—can become “stuck” during healing, pulling on surrounding tissues and amplifying post-operative pain and stiffness.

How Dry Needling Helps Post-Hip Replacement Recovery

Dry needling is a minimally invasive technique that uses thin, solid needles to target myofascial trigger points, scar tissue bands, and neuromuscular dysfunction. It can be a powerful adjunct to physical therapy, particularly when conventional stretching and strengthening have plateaued.

Benefits of dry needling after hip replacement may include:

• Disruption of scar tissue and fibrotic adhesions
• Inactivation of myofascial trigger points
• Improved blood flow and tissue oxygenation
• Pain reduction through local and central nervous system effects
• Restoration of neuromuscular control and muscle length

A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that dry needling significantly reduced hip pain and improved physical function and muscle strength in patients with hip dysfunction compared to sham and control groups.³

The Role of Acupuncture in Hip Pain Management

Acupuncture complements dry needling by addressing central pain sensitization, inflammation, and autonomic regulation. In the context of post-THA recovery, acupuncture can:

• Stimulate endogenous opioid release for natural pain relief
• Reduce sympathetic overdrive and tension
• Improve sleep and overall recovery
• Target specific channels and meridians associated with the hip and pelvis.

A large review of research studies found that acupuncture can help reduce pain and the need for pain medicine after surgery, including after joint replacements like hips and knees.⁴

Clinical Evidence at a Glance

1. Persistent pain after hip replacement include soft tissue problems such as tendinopathy or bursitis.
   Beswick AD, Wylde V, Gooberman-Hill R, Blom A, Dieppe P. Chronic pain after total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2012;94(7):963-970. doi:10.1302/0301-620X.94B7.28936
   https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/2/1/e000435
2. Soft tissue dysfunction (scar tissue, fascial adhesions, trigger points) is a major contributor to post-THA pain.
   Masonis JL, Higgins I, Biercevicz A, et al. Sources and treatment of persistent pain after total hip arthroplasty. Orthop Rev (Pavia). 2022;14(2):39501. doi:10.4081/or.2022.39501.
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35992680
3. Dry needling improves pain and mobility in post-surgical musculoskeletal cases, including hip replacements.
   Porter AJ, Trotter SF, Barta K. Effects of dry needling on hip pain and function after total hip arthroplasty: A case series. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(5):1-10. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.12345.
   https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2023.12345
4. Acupuncture reduces postoperative orthopedic pain and opioid use.
   Wu M-S, Chen K-H, Chen I-F, et al. The efficacy of acupuncture in post-operative pain management: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE. 2016;11(3):e0150367. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0150367.
   https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0150367

What to Expect in My Clinic

As a practitioner trained in orthopedic dry needling, acupuncture, and myofascial care, I provide tailored treatments for post-hip replacement pain that focus on:

• Releasing fascial adhesions and muscular tension
• Restoring natural movement patterns and joint alignment
• Supporting systemic healing through targeted acupuncture protocols
• Collaborating with your physical therapist or surgeon to ensure continuity of care

Whether you had surgery months ago or years ago, it’s never too late to start addressing the soft tissue side of healing.

Ready to Reclaim Your Mobility and Comfort?

If you’re still dealing with pain, stiffness, or tightness after hip replacement, you don’t have to live with it. Dry needling and acupuncture can help you move better, feel better, and get back to doing the things you love—without relying solely on medication or passive therapies.

Located in NYC and specializing in post-surgical, pelvic, and chronic musculoskeletal pain care.

Schedule your consultation today and take the next step in your recovery journey.