Hip Pain
Cupping Therapy for Hip Pain | Sunbury & Melton
How Cupping Therapy May Help
Cupping therapy is a soft tissue treatment that uses specially designed cups to create negative pressure (suction) on the skin and underlying tissues. Unlike massage, which applies downward pressure, cupping gently lifts the skin, fascia and superficial muscle layers. This different mechanical effect may help reduce muscle tightness, improve tissue mobility and temporarily decrease pain for some people with hip pain.
Although cupping therapy has been used for centuries in various cultures, modern research is still developing. Current evidence suggests it may provide short-term improvements in pain and function for some musculoskeletal conditions, particularly when muscle tension or myofascial dysfunction contributes to symptoms. However, cupping is not considered a cure for structural hip problems such as severe osteoarthritis, fractures or significant labral tears. At Health Wise Chiropractic, cupping therapy is used as one component of a personalised, evidence-informed treatment plan rather than a standalone solution.
Understanding the Source of Hip Pain
The first step in deciding whether cupping therapy is appropriate is identifying the source of the pain. Hip pain may arise from:
Tight or overworked muscles
Irritated tendons
Myofascial trigger points
Joint inflammation
Degenerative joint changes
Bursitis
Referred pain from the lower back
Nerve irritation
Sporting injuries
Postural or movement-related overload
Cupping therapy is generally most appropriate when muscles and connective tissues are contributing to pain or movement restriction.
What Happens During Your Appointment?
When you visit Health Wise Chiropractic for hip pain, the first step is understanding your symptoms and identifying the likely source of your discomfort. Cupping therapy is not automatically applied to every patient. A thorough assessment helps determine whether it is clinically appropriate as part of your care plan.
1. Health History and Discussion
Your practitioner will discuss:
When your hip pain started
Whether symptoms developed suddenly or gradually
Activities that aggravate or relieve your pain
Your work, exercise and lifestyle demands
Previous injuries or health conditions
Any treatments you have already tried
Understanding the pattern of your symptoms helps identify whether the problem is likely muscular, joint-related, nerve-related or referred from another area.
2. Physical Examination
A physical assessment may include:
Observation of posture and movement
Hip range of motion testing
Muscle strength assessment
Functional movements such as walking, squatting or stepping
Palpation of muscles and surrounding tissues
Assessment of the lower back and pelvis where appropriate
This helps determine which structures may be contributing to your symptoms.
3. Individualised Treatment Plan
Following assessment, your practitioner will explain:
The likely contributors to your hip pain
Whether cupping therapy may be suitable
Other treatment options that may assist recovery
Exercises or lifestyle changes that may support improvement
Your treatment plan may include a combination of therapies such as:
Cupping therapy
Chiropractic care
Massage therapy
Dry needling where appropriate
Mobility exercises
Strength rehabilitation
Education about posture and activity modification
4. Cupping Therapy Treatment
If cupping therapy is considered appropriate, your practitioner will:
Explain the procedure before starting
Select the appropriate treatment area
Apply specialised cups to the skin
Create gentle suction within the cups
Monitor your comfort throughout treatment
Patients commonly describe cupping as a pulling or stretching sensation rather than a painful experience.
Depending on the goal of treatment, cups may remain stationary or may be gently moved across the skin.
5. Aftercare Advice
Following cupping therapy, you may notice:
Mild redness
Temporary circular marks
Warmth in the treated area
Temporary tenderness
These effects usually resolve naturally over several days.
Your practitioner may recommend:
Drinking adequate water
Gentle movement
Avoiding excessive loading immediately after treatment if irritated
Completing prescribed exercises
Gradually returning to normal activity
The goal is not simply short-term relief, but helping you return to comfortable movement and normal function.
Home Care & Exercises
Home exercises are an important part of managing hip pain because they help improve strength, mobility, coordination and the ability of the hip to tolerate everyday activities. While treatments such as cupping therapy may help reduce muscle tension and discomfort, long-term improvement often depends on restoring normal movement and gradually rebuilding strength.
Exercises should always be adjusted to your individual condition. If an exercise increases sharp pain, causes worsening symptoms afterwards or does not feel appropriate, seek advice from your healthcare professional.
1. Hip Flexor Stretch
Purpose:
Helps improve flexibility through the front of the hip, particularly for people who spend long periods sitting.
Instructions:
Kneel on one knee with the other foot placed forward.
Keep your chest upright and gently tighten your abdominal muscles.
Slowly move your hips forward until you feel a stretch at the front of the hip of the kneeling leg.
Hold the position without forcing the movement.
Repetitions:
Hold for 20–30 seconds
Repeat 2–3 times each side
Frequency:
Daily or most days of the week
Progression:
Progress by adding a gentle reach overhead or increasing the duration of the stretch as flexibility improves.
2. Glute Bridge Exercise
Purpose:
Strengthens the gluteal muscles, which help support the hip and pelvis during walking, lifting and exercise.
Instructions:
Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
Tighten your abdominal muscles gently.
Squeeze your glute muscles and lift your hips towards the ceiling.
Pause briefly at the top.
Slowly lower back down.
Repetitions:
10–15 repetitions
2–3 sets
Frequency:
3–4 times per week
Progression:
Progress to single-leg bridges or add resistance using a band around the thighs.
3. Side-Lying Hip Abduction
Purpose:
Strengthens the gluteus medius muscles, which help stabilise the pelvis and control hip movement.
Instructions:
Lie on your side with the affected hip on top.
Keep your upper leg straight.
Slowly lift the top leg upwards while keeping your toes pointing forward.
Avoid rolling your body backwards.
Lower slowly.
Repetitions:
10–12 repetitions
2–3 sets each side
Frequency:
3 times per week
Progression:
Add a resistance band around the thighs or ankles as strength improves.
4. Hip Mobility Flow
Purpose:
Improves comfortable movement through the hip joint and surrounding muscles.
Instructions:
Sit comfortably on a chair or floor.
Slowly move your knee through a comfortable range of internal and external rotation.
Avoid forcing the movement.
Focus on smooth controlled motion.
Repetitions:
10 controlled movements each direction
Frequency:
Daily
Progression:
Increase the movement range gradually as comfort improves.
5. Bodyweight Squat
Purpose:
Improves functional hip strength for daily activities such as sitting, lifting and climbing stairs.
Instructions:
Stand with feet approximately shoulder-width apart.
Keep your chest upright.
Slowly bend your hips and knees as if sitting into a chair.
Keep your knees tracking in line with your toes.
Return to standing.
Repetitions:
8–12 repetitions
2–3 sets
Frequency:
2–4 times per week
Progression:
Increase depth gradually, add resistance, or progress to more challenging strengthening exercises.
Prevention Tips
While not all hip pain can be prevented, maintaining healthy movement habits can reduce unnecessary stress on the hips and surrounding tissues.
Maintain Good Posture
Poor posture does not directly cause all hip pain, but prolonged positions may contribute to muscle fatigue and stiffness.
Helpful habits include:
Avoid staying in one position for long periods
Change positions regularly throughout the day
Keep your feet supported when sitting
Avoid consistently leaning to one side while standing
Improve Your Workstation Setup
For people who spend many hours sitting:
Adjust your chair height so your hips and knees are comfortable
Keep your screen at an appropriate height
Support your lower back if needed
Take movement breaks every 30–60 minutes
Include short walking breaks during the day
Lift Correctly
Incorrect lifting technique can increase stress through the hips and lower back.
Tips include:
Keep loads close to your body
Bend through your hips and knees rather than rounding your back
Avoid twisting while lifting heavy objects
Ask for assistance with very heavy items
Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity helps maintain:
Hip strength
Joint mobility
Muscle endurance
Balance and coordination
Useful activities may include:
Walking
Strength training
Swimming
Cycling
Mobility exercises
Increase training loads gradually rather than making sudden changes.
Stretch and Strengthen
A balanced approach is usually more effective than stretching alone.
Focus on:
Glute strength
Hip mobility
Core stability
Lower limb strength
Movement control
Optimise Sleep
Sleep supports recovery and pain regulation.
Helpful strategies include:
Maintaining a consistent sleep routine
Using comfortable pillows for support if side sleeping
Avoiding sleeping positions that aggravate symptoms
Managing stress before bedtime
Manage Stress and Recovery
Stress can influence muscle tension and pain sensitivity.
Helpful strategies include:
Regular exercise
Relaxation techniques
Breathing exercises
Adequate recovery between workouts
Maintaining social connection
Recovery Timeline
Recovery from hip pain varies considerably depending on the cause, severity and individual factors. There is no single timeline that applies to everyone.
Mild Hip Pain
Mild muscular hip pain may improve within:
A few days to several weeks
Factors that may support recovery include:
Early assessment
Modifying aggravating activities
Gentle movement
Appropriate strengthening exercises
Addressing contributing factors
Some people may notice short-term improvement following treatments such as cupping therapy, particularly when muscle tension contributes to symptoms.
Moderate Hip Pain
Moderate cases may require:
Several weeks to a few months
This may include conditions such as:
Tendon irritation
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
Persistent muscle imbalance
Movement-related hip pain
Recovery usually requires:
Progressive exercise
Activity modification
Strength development
Consistent rehabilitation
Persistent or Chronic Hip Pain
Long-standing hip pain may take:
Several months or longer
Chronic symptoms may involve:
Degenerative joint changes
Ongoing tendon problems
Nervous system sensitivity
Multiple contributing factors
Management often focuses on improving function, confidence with movement and quality of life rather than simply eliminating every symptom.
The speed of recovery depends on:
The underlying diagnosis
Age and general health
Activity demands
Previous injuries
Consistency with rehabilitation
Sleep and stress levels
A healthcare professional can provide a more personalised expectation after assessment.
Australian Statistics
Hip pain contributes significantly to musculoskeletal health issues across Australia, although exact prevalence figures vary depending on age groups, definitions and the condition being measured.
Musculoskeletal conditions are among the most common health problems affecting Australians. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), millions of Australians live with musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoarthritis and other disorders affecting joints, muscles and connective tissues.
Hip osteoarthritis is a significant contributor to hip-related disability, particularly among older adults. Population ageing, increased rates of overweight and obesity, previous injuries and participation in high-impact activities all contribute to the growing burden of hip and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Hip pain can affect:
Mobility
Work capacity
Exercise participation
Independence
Sleep quality
Overall wellbeing
Early assessment and appropriate management can help many people maintain function and continue participating in meaningful activities.
Evidence & Clinical Guidelines
Current evidence suggests cupping therapy may provide short-term improvements in pain and function for some musculoskeletal conditions, but the strength of evidence varies depending on the condition being treated.
Systematic reviews examining cupping therapy have reported potential benefits for pain reduction in some conditions, including general musculoskeletal pain. However, many studies have limitations such as:
Small sample sizes
Different cupping methods being used
Short follow-up periods
Difficulty comparing treatment protocols
For hip pain specifically, high-quality research directly evaluating cupping therapy remains limited. Much of the available evidence relates to broader musculoskeletal conditions involving muscle tension, myofascial pain and soft tissue dysfunction.
Clinical guidelines for managing hip pain generally emphasise:
Accurate diagnosis
Education
Exercise therapy
Strengthening programs
Maintaining appropriate activity
Weight management where relevant
Addressing contributing factors
Passive treatments such as massage or cupping may be used as supportive therapies, particularly when they help patients participate more comfortably in rehabilitation.
The current evidence supports viewing cupping therapy as a complementary treatment rather than a replacement for active rehabilitation or appropriate medical care.
At Health Wise Chiropractic, treatment decisions are based on individual assessment, clinical reasoning and the best available evidence.
Why Choose Health Wise Chiropractic?
At Health Wise Chiropractic, our approach to hip pain focuses on understanding the individual factors contributing to your symptoms rather than applying the same treatment approach to everyone.
Our experienced practitioners provide personalised care based on:
A detailed health history
Physical assessment
Clinical reasoning
Evidence-informed treatment options
Individual goals and lifestyle needs
Where appropriate, cupping therapy may form part of a broader management plan that may include chiropractic care, massage therapy, rehabilitation exercises, mobility strategies and advice to support long-term improvement.
Our clinics in Sunbury and Melton aim to provide accessible musculoskeletal care for people experiencing hip pain, sports-related discomfort, workplace-related injuries and movement limitations.
Patients can access care through convenient online bookings, allowing assessment and treatment planning to begin at a time that suits their schedule.
Why Choose Health Wise Chiropractic?
At Health Wise Chiropractic, our approach to hip pain focuses on understanding the individual factors contributing to your symptoms rather than applying the same treatment approach to everyone.
Our experienced practitioners provide personalised care based on:
A detailed health history
Physical assessment
Clinical reasoning
Evidence-informed treatment options
Individual goals and lifestyle needs
Where appropriate, cupping therapy may form part of a broader management plan that may include chiropractic care, massage therapy, rehabilitation exercises, mobility strategies and advice to support long-term improvement.
Our clinics in Sunbury and Melton aim to provide accessible musculoskeletal care for people experiencing hip pain, sports-related discomfort, workplace-related injuries and movement limitations.
Patients can access care through convenient online bookings, allowing assessment and treatment planning to begin at a time that suits their schedule.
1. Can cupping therapy help hip pain?
Cupping therapy may help some people with hip pain, particularly when symptoms are related to muscle tightness, soft tissue tension or myofascial discomfort. By creating gentle suction on the skin, cupping may help reduce muscle tension, improve comfort and support movement. However, it is not suitable for every type of hip pain, and results vary between individuals. A thorough assessment is recommended to determine whether cupping therapy is appropriate for your specific condition.
2. What type of hip pain may respond best to cupping therapy?
Cupping therapy is generally considered most suitable for hip pain involving muscles and soft tissues, such as:
Gluteal muscle tightness
Hip flexor tension
Muscle soreness after exercise
Myofascial trigger points
Movement-related muscle discomfort
Hip pain caused by fractures, severe arthritis, significant joint damage or certain medical conditions may require different management approaches.
3. Does cupping therapy treat the actual cause of hip pain?
Cupping therapy may help address some contributing factors, such as muscle tension and soft tissue restriction, but it does not directly repair every underlying cause of hip pain.
For example:
Tight muscles may respond well to soft tissue treatments
Weakness may require strengthening exercises
Joint degeneration may require broader management
Nerve-related pain may require assessment of the spine and nervous system
The most effective approach depends on identifying the reason behind your symptoms.
4. Is cupping therapy painful?
Most people describe cupping therapy as a pulling, stretching or tight sensation rather than pain.
After treatment, it is common to experience:
Temporary redness
Circular marks on the skin
Mild tenderness
Warmth in the treated area
These effects generally resolve naturally. Your practitioner will monitor your comfort throughout the appointment and adjust treatment intensity if needed.
5. How long do cupping therapy results last?
The duration of improvement varies between individuals.
Some people may experience:
Immediate temporary relief
Improved movement for several days
Gradual improvement when combined with rehabilitation
Others may notice limited benefit, particularly if the main cause of hip pain is unrelated to soft tissue tension.
Long-term improvement usually depends on addressing contributing factors through exercise, movement changes and appropriate care.
6. How many cupping therapy sessions will I need for hip pain?
The number of sessions required depends on:
The cause of your hip pain
How long symptoms have been present
Your activity levels
Your response to treatment
Other treatments included in your care plan
Some people may benefit from occasional sessions, while others may require a broader rehabilitation program involving exercises and other therapies.
Your practitioner can provide guidance after completing an assessment.
7. Can cupping therapy help hip pain caused by sitting too much?
Cupping therapy may help some people who experience hip discomfort associated with prolonged sitting.
Long periods of sitting can contribute to:
Hip flexor tightness
Reduced movement
Gluteal muscle inactivity
Increased stiffness
However, long-term improvement usually requires regular movement, strengthening exercises and workstation adjustments in addition to symptom relief strategies.
8. Can I have cupping therapy if I have hip arthritis?
Some people with hip arthritis may find cupping therapy helpful for surrounding muscle tension and discomfort. However, cupping does not reverse arthritis or restore damaged cartilage.
Management of hip osteoarthritis commonly focuses on:
Strengthening exercises
Maintaining mobility
Managing activity levels
Weight management where appropriate
Education and self-management strategies
Your suitability for cupping therapy should be assessed individually.
9. Are there any reasons I should avoid cupping therapy?
Cupping therapy may not be appropriate for everyone.
You should discuss your suitability with a healthcare professional if you have:
Skin infections or open wounds
Significant bruising disorders
Certain blood clotting conditions
Severe swelling
Unexplained hip pain
Suspected fractures
Serious underlying health conditions
If symptoms suggest a condition requiring medical investigation, referral to your GP or specialist may be recommended.
10. Should I see a chiropractor or healthcare professional for hip pain?
A professional assessment can help determine what is causing your hip pain and what treatment approach may be most appropriate.
A chiropractor may assess:
Hip movement
Muscle function
Lower back contribution
Pelvic movement
Posture and biomechanics
Functional activities
Depending on your presentation, treatment may include cupping therapy alongside rehabilitation exercises, manual therapy, education and lifestyle advice.
Take the First Step Towards Managing Your Hip Pain
Hip pain can have many different causes, and finding the right approach starts with understanding what is contributing to your symptoms.
At Health Wise Chiropractic, our practitioners provide personalised assessments to help identify whether your hip pain is related to muscles, joints, movement patterns or other contributing factors. Where appropriate, cupping therapy may be included as part of a broader evidence-informed treatment plan alongside rehabilitation, chiropractic care, massage therapy and lifestyle advice.
Whether your symptoms are affecting exercise, work, walking or daily activities, an assessment can help guide the next steps.
Visit our Sunbury or Melton clinics and speak with our team about your hip pain.
Book online today with Health Wise Chiropractic to arrange your personalised assessment.