ACUPUNCTURE EFFECTIVE IN ALLEVIATION OF KNEE PAIN
September 11th, 2008
For individuals experiencing knee pain that does not improve with conventional modalities, acupuncture may be an effective therapeutic alternative. While no therapy has been proven to be completely effective in treating knee pain, acupuncture has shown success in treating generalized knee pain, knee pain without known etiology and conditions such as osteoarthritis of the knee.
The knee is one of the most frequently injured joints due to its structure complexity. Most forms of knee pain result from: Torn cartilage, a torn or ruptured ligament, strains that extend the knee beyond its normal range of motion, a broken or fractured kneecap, cysts, infections, excess strain on the ligaments and cartilage, bone tumors, and arthritis.
Knee-related conditions generally responsive to acupuncture include: Knee osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, strains, and local contusions, among others. Individuals experiencing knee pain of unclear etiology often can benefit from acupuncture. Acupuncture effectively resolves pain associated with knee conditions without a history of preceding injury or illness in which no allopathic diagnosis can be established.
According to the National Institutes of Health, more than four million people seek medical care for a knee or knee-related problem each year. Conventional knee pain therapies often include medications, such as analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs and tranquilizers which may not improve knee pain symptoms and can result in adverse side effects.
Acupuncture activates the body’s pain-modulating system, changing the processing and perception of pain information at various levels of the nervous system. There is a strong correlation between acupuncture point locations and the nervous system’s pain pathways; many acupoints are near nerves. When particular acupuncture points are stimulated, these nerves cause the release of endorphins, natural pain-killing chemicals in the brain, which can aid in reducing knee pain.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnoses identify knee pain conditions as having similar characteristics including: Inhibition of blood supply, alleviation of pain with warmth and a worsening of the pain severity with cold and damp. TCM’s aim in the treatment of knee-related pain conditions is to increase the chi, or vital energy flow, while nourishing the muscles in the affected area.
Acupuncture can improve knee joint function, decrease stiffness and increase muscle strength and flexion in the knee. Acupuncture, when applied to the local knee region, improves local blood flow. Increased circulation is particularly beneficial to areas that may have ischemia (a lack of blood flow), which is often prevalent in knee-related conditions that involve strain and swelling.
Selected acupuncture points for knee pain often include points surrounding the knee and foot, local points within the muscle and distal points in other parts of the body. Selection of these points in acupuncture treatment addresses many components of knee pain.
For information about Acupuncture & Massage College’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs call Joe Calareso, Admissions Director, at (305) 595-9500.
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