Does Your Knee Need a Needle?

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health suggest from a number of studies that acupuncture may help ease osteoarthritis – knee pain.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common reasons for chronic knee pain, causing inflammation and stiffness and affecting more than 14 million Americans. It is also the main cause of musculoskeletal disability in the United States, effecting about 13% of women and 10% of men 60 and older.

In addition to arthritic knee conditions, patients with ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL strains, sprains, and tears respond well to acupuncture.

Your acupuncturist will use a combination of points surrounding the knee, and in the muscles connecting to the knee to increase blood circulation and speed up the healing process. Multiple studies suggest that when needles are inserted, they stimulate points that boost our natural painkillers by strengthening the brain signal, through repeat treatments, to substantially reduce the intensity of pain and help the body reach homeostasis. The tiny micro traumas, open the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients through the vessel system to activate blood flow to targeted areas of the body.

Acupuncture has been unexpectedly successful for the pain in my knees. I was afraid to try it, but the treatments have really helped me. - Teri S

After many years of playing soccer, and hearing my brother's claims in Hong Kong of great results from his acupuncture treatment for leg injuries, I decided to give it a try on my knees. My knees have been hurting me on and off for about 3 months so I was tired of current medicine cabinet solutions. I have to say even after the first visit it has been very beneficial for me. I am approaching 60 years old and my knees crack a lot when I stand, so it was nice to get home, feel no pain or cracking. I understand this is short term and several visits are required to manage my pain. The whole experience was so relaxing. – Tom W

It’s important to look beyond chronic pain medication, especially opioids, for solutions to living better. Acupuncture can provide short-term pain relief in patients with chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis, and is a viable option to help decrease pain, inflammation, and range of motion in your knee.

Do not allow constant pain to limit your ability to function and enjoy life to the fullest. Pain is disruptive and time consuming, which is the reason many turn to the easiest and quickest option to get rid of it: medication. While medicine is great for the quick fix to get through the day, what happens when it wears off? The pain is still there, which also means the problem is still there.

Acupuncture treatments not only serve to relieve the symptom of pain but also stimulate the body’s ability to heal. When you opt for acupuncture for pain relief instead of medication, you are opting to address the root of the problem instead of just the symptoms.

Acupuncture Relieves Knee Pain

Research highlights the best part of regular acupuncture treatments for pain, is getting relief without the use of drugs and associated side effects. Modern Acupuncture® is a natural pain relief solution and the leading provider of acupuncture in the U.S. The most studied theories show that acupuncture stimulates the body to release naturally produced “feel good” endorphins and stimulate the parasympathetic or “rest and digest” response in our body.

Visit the clinic nearest you today.