Acupuncture for Hip Pain.Osteopathy ... Acupuncture, including laser acupuncture and acupotomy, is used as a conservative treatment for early-stage avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head to reduce pain, improve mobility, and potentially delay surgery. It works by enhancing blood circulation, relieving joint pressure, and potentially promoting angiogenesis and bone regeneration. National Institutes of Health (.gov) National Institutes of Health (.gov) + Key Findings on Acupuncture for AVN: Effectiveness: Studies suggest acupuncture can effectively relieve pain and reduce hip stiffness, particularly in stages I–II. Laser Acupuncture: A case report showed that laser acupuncture (using specific wavelengths to target acupuncture points) might help regenerate the femoral head, with cases demonstrating structural improvements on MRIs. Acupotomy (Needle-Knife): This technique, which combines acupuncture with a small knife-like needle, has shown significant improvements in hip function scores (Harris Hip Score) and is often more effective than routine acupuncture alone. Combined Therapy: Acupuncture is often used in combination with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbs, cupping, or yoga to improve outcomes, say Vivekananda Health Global Safety: Acupuncture and laser acupuncture are generally associated with minimal to no serious adverse events, notes MDPI and ResearchGate. National Institutes of Health (.gov) National Institutes of Health (.gov) Typical Acupuncture Points Used: Treatments often focus on relieving tension in the muscles surrounding the hip, such as the glutes and piriformis. Specific points often targeted include: Clifton Physical Therapy Clifton Physical Therapy Local points: GB30, GB31, GB34 around the hip joint, notes National Institutes of Health (.gov). Distal points: Li4, Li11, St36, SP6, LIV3.