Acupuncture Works for Knee Pain
By Michael Roland
Acupuncture is well proven for pain relief. Everyday, thousands of people in
the
alone receive acupuncture for their pain. A recent study sponsored at the
National Institutes of Health shows conclusively that acupuncture is effective
for the relief of knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. In fact it reduced the
need for pain medications by 40% at the same time increasing functionality be
40%. A study from Demark even showed acupuncture to reduce the need for knee
replacement surgery. It can also help reduce pain and swelling from tendonitis,
bursitis, injuries and from rheumatoid arthritis.
If you are in pain, 40% reduction sounds pretty good. No two people have
exactly the same level of response but, generally speaking, I like to see 80%
reduction in knee pain within eight treatments. Being able to lower your pain
medication also means that you lower your risk of side effects associated with
long-term drug use. Speaking of side effects, acupuncture has proven to be very
safe with a very low incidence of minor side effects. In fact, most people,
rather than suffering negative side effects, have a sense of well-being and
relaxation after acupuncture. Now that’s good medicine!
We don’t know exactly how acupuncture works. There are two main scientific
theories. Gate Theory and endorphins. The Gate Theory suggests that stimulation
of the acupuncture needles inhibits certain nerve fibers from relaying the pain
message. Another theory suggests that acupuncture stimulates the release of
endorphins, a powerful morphine like substance that occurs naturally in the
brain. Both theories may have merit, but we are still far from understanding
exactly how acupuncture works scientifically. Don’t worry. We don’t know
exactly how some commonly used drugs, like Tylenol work either.
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles are much smaller that most other needles. A good
acupuncturist can often insert needles without any pain at all. Once the
needles are placed you may feel unique sensation associated with the
stimulation of the acupuncture point. Normally six to twelve of the tiny
needles are placed near the area of pain or on various other areas on the body.
I have treated knee pain successfully using only one point but usually several
are needed to affect relief.
How long does it take to work?
Most of my patients have relief the moment they step off of the treatment
table! Some patients will take up to six treatments before experiencing
significant relief. Lasting pain relief will usually take several treatments.
In my office, I suggest two treatments per week for three weeks, then one
treatment a week for two weeks. At this point we will reassess to see if more treatments
are needed. Some patients will not need to come in after the course of
treatment, while other with chronic conditions, find that regular maintenance
treatments are needed to keep the knee pain at bay. There are cases where it
doesn’t work but, they are relatively infrequent.
Acupuncture may be the only treatment needed for knee pain, but it’s good to
know that it works well with other therapies like anti-inflammatories, pain
relievers, exercise, physical therapy and massage. Most acupuncturists, including
myself are very happy to work with doctors and other therapists when it means
getting better results for you.
Good Luck and Good Health!
Michael Roland, L.Ac.,
MTCM is the acupuncture and Chinese medicine expert on drweil.com. He is in
private practice in
He has a new DVD on the ancient art of health cultivation called qigong.
These simple exercises can help you relax and revitalize. Available here.
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