Adjunct Placement for Acupuncture Points and Trigger Points for Hip Pain
The Primary Placement shown in the Hip Pain Treatment Protocol is the recommended starting point. The placements below are optional Adjunct Placements that may be considered where symptoms correspond with particular areas of tenderness, muscular involvement or movement restriction, or when the Primary Placement alone is not providing the desired response.
Adjunct Placements may be used alongside the Primary Placement, at different times, or when exploring other placement options. In some situations, an appropriately selected distal acupuncture point may also be considered on its own. Under the Field | Dose | Placement principle, select only the recommended points that best correspond with the individual’s symptoms and response, using the specified magnet configuration and size for each placement.
Recommended Additional Placements
Acupuncture Points
- GB30 – Large Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – L
Located in the buttock region near the posterior aspect of the hip. It may be considered where discomfort or tenderness involves the deeper gluteal region. - GB34 – Medium Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – M
Located on the outer side of the upper lower leg, just below the knee near the head of the fibula. This is a distal point and may provide another placement option when appropriate to the individual’s symptoms and response. - BL40 – Large Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – L
Located at the centre of the crease behind the knee. This distal point may be considered as an alternative or additional placement rather than treating the hip region alone.
Myofascial Trigger Points
- Gluteus Medius Trigger Point – Large Quadrapolar/Hexapolar or Extra Large Octapolar/Concentric – L / XL
The gluteus medius occupies the outer-upper buttock between the iliac crest and greater trochanter. Prioritise a tender or sensitive area within the muscle where this corresponds with the person’s hip symptoms. - Piriformis Trigger Point – Large Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – L
The piriformis lies deep within the buttock behind the hip joint. This placement may be considered where tenderness or discomfort is concentrated in the deeper posterior hip or buttock region. - Tensor Fasciae Latae Trigger Point – Large Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – L
The tensor fasciae latae lies at the front and outer side of the hip, just below the iliac crest. Consider this placement where there is local tenderness or muscular involvement in the anterolateral hip.
Practical Placement Guidance
Begin with the Primary Placement shown in the Hip Pain Treatment Protocol. Where additional placement is being explored, gently palpate the relevant hip and buttock region and prioritise the recommended points that most closely correspond with:
- local tenderness or sensitivity;
- where discomfort is felt;
- muscular tenderness;
- movement restriction; and
- individual response.
GB34 and BL40 are distal acupuncture points and do not need to be used simply because hip pain is present. They may be explored selectively where appropriate.
For the gluteus medius, use a L Large magnet for a focal trigger point. A XL Extra Large option is reserved for broader 50 mm coverage of the gluteal region rather than a discrete focal point. Larger magnets are not automatically preferable; the selected field and dose should match the intended anatomical coverage.
When using the movement described in the Primary Hip Pain Treatment Protocol to locate the hip joint placement, hold a chair or another secure support to reduce the risk of falling.
This information is provided as educational guidance and does not replace diagnosis, medical assessment or treatment recommended by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
