Looking for a less harmful alternative to treating knee pain, rather than turning to prescription painkillers.
Some of the signs & symptoms of knee pain include:
Redness & warmth to the touch
Popping or crunching noises at the knee joint
Inability to fully extend the knee
Weakness or instability
Swelling & stiffness
How does an acupuncturist diagnose knee pain?
As an acupuncturist, my first step is to evaluate the pain from the perspective of the acupuncture theory, that the meridians of the body must be unobstructed. When there is obstruction, there is pain. Obstruction can be caused by injury, emotional stress and other factors. So, I evaluate each patient based on which meridian and the part of the body effected.
By putting the acupuncture diagnosis together with the Western medical diagnosis that your doctor might do, I am able to create a treatment plan.
How does acupuncture work for knee pain?
Acupuncture increases the circulation to the knee, thereby helping the knee to heal. When the blood flow increases, the toxins & fluids that are built up from the inflammation of the knee are able to be removed more quickly. Additionally, the improved circulation supplies the painful knee with an increased amount of nutrient-rich blood speeding up tissue repair.
Acupuncture works with the body’s own healing mechanism, by the release of endorphins and serotonin during acupuncture treatment.
The Benefits of Acupuncture for Knee Pain
The pain relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture for knee pain have not gone unnoticed by the medical community and patients alike.
Relieves day to day knee pain,
Eases the discomfort patients feel while waiting for surgery, and
Many times may be considered an alternative to the surgery itself.
Decreases the pain & stiffness levels
Increases muscle strength and flexion in the knee.
It is no secret why the majority of patients come in for knee pain related issues…it works!