Hip Pain

In Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3-4 degenerative hip arthritis, the cartilage is almost completely lost, making it difficult to reverse structural problems non-surgically. However, if combined with Korean traditional medicine treatments aimed at pain management, maintaining walking function, and preserving muscle strength, it is sometimes possible to delay surgery by more than 1 to 2 years. Pre-operative Korean traditional medicine treatment boosts overall physical strength and immunity, accelerating post-operative recovery. During post-operative rehabilitation, the combination of acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and herbal medicine is also effective for restoring muscles around the joint and managing swelling. We recommend that you consult thoroughly with your attending orthopedic surgeon. From a Korean medicine perspective, end-stage hip arthritis is a severe condition in which the vital energy of the kidneys is nearly depleted and blood stasis blocks the entire joint cavity. At this stage, an approach is required that simultaneously addresses both the external symptom of pain and the underlying cause of kidney deficiency. At Dongjedang, in the pre-operative stage, we use moxibustion to release contractures around the joint and pharmacopuncture to suppress residual inflammation, thereby maximizing the time patients can maintain their daily lives without pain. After surgery, we use herbal medicine to aid in the recovery of vital energy and blood and wound healing, while combining it with acupuncture to help the muscles surrounding the artificial joint adapt quickly. Korean medicine and surgical treatment are not competitors, but rather partners with distinct roles.