Knee Pain & Acupuncture

A Brief Introductory Guide

Understanding the Challenges of Knee Pain and the Benefits of Acupuncture

Knee pain is a common condition that affects people of all ages and activity levels. It can result from injury, overuse, or degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis. The knee joint is one of the most complex and weight-bearing joints in the body, and it is susceptible to a range of issues that can cause pain, swelling, and decreased mobility. Knee pain can significantly impact quality of life, making it difficult to perform everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or exercising. Conventional treatments like medication, physical therapy, or surgery may offer relief, but they are not without limitations and side effects. Acupuncture, a therapeutic technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), offers a natural and effective way to manage knee pain and improve joint health.

The Wellspring Integrative Approach

Acute and chronic pain can be physically and emotionally unbearable and requires a sustained, integrated approach to reducing and resolving. We are Wellspring Health are privileged to be a member of your team. Wellspring Health uses Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine) and Conventional medicine in an integrative approach. This combination can enhance treatment outcomes, manage the side effects of conventional treatments (like chemotherapy), and provide additional support for chronic or complex conditions. We love science and we love working with conventional medical Doctors. This approach combines the strengths of both systems, offering a broader range of treatment options and emphasizing the prevention of disease as well as the treatment of existing conditions.

Below is a comprehensive introductory guide to how Wellspring & TCM can support you throughout every stage of your journey. Feel free to jump to any specific section that best suits your needs.

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Challenges Associated with Knee Pain

  1. Acute and Chronic Pain: Knee pain can be classified as acute or chronic, depending on its duration and cause. Acute knee pain is often the result of an injury, such as a ligament sprain, tendon strain, or meniscus tear. It typically presents with sharp, sudden pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Chronic knee pain, on the other hand, is usually due to long-term conditions like osteoarthritis or patellar tendonitis. This type of pain can persist for months or even years and is often associated with joint degeneration, stiffness, and loss of function.

  2. Inflammation and Swelling: Inflammation and swelling are common symptoms of knee pain, particularly in conditions like osteoarthritis, bursitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Swelling can restrict joint movement, making it difficult to bend or straighten the knee fully. Inflammation also contributes to pain and discomfort, making it challenging to engage in physical activities or even rest comfortably. Managing inflammation is crucial for reducing pain and preserving joint function.

  3. Reduced Mobility and Function: Knee pain often leads to reduced mobility and difficulty performing daily activities. This can include challenges with walking, standing for extended periods, climbing stairs, or engaging in recreational activities. The knee’s limited range of motion and instability can affect posture, gait, and overall physical function. Reduced mobility can lead to muscle weakness, further exacerbating pain and instability.

  4. Compensatory Pain and Injury: Knee pain can lead to compensatory movement patterns as individuals try to avoid putting weight on the affected knee. This compensation can place additional stress on other parts of the body, such as the hips, lower back, and opposite knee, potentially causing pain and injury in these areas. Effective pain management is necessary to prevent the development of secondary issues.

  5. Dependency on Pain Medications and Surgery: Many individuals with knee pain rely on pain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injections for relief. While these treatments can reduce pain and inflammation, they may come with side effects such as gastrointestinal issues, increased blood pressure, or joint damage with long-term use. In severe cases, surgery, such as knee replacement, may be recommended, but it carries risks and requires lengthy rehabilitation.

From Our Clients

“Great experience and 10/10 customer service.”

-Cormac M.

“This was my first time doing acupuncture and could not be having a better experience. Went in with incredibly achy knees, after a few sessions I felt the difference and now after consistent treatment I truly feel like I have a new lease on life, being able to enjoy exercise and activities without any pain. Kirsten and her team are so wonderful and professional, could not recommend the practice more!”

- Maddie L.

"I have been going to Kirsten for about 8 months now for an old knee problem I got playing soccer back in Ireland, I have played soccer at a high level for many years and I have had surgery to try and see if it will help and it didn't, the pain was back once I started running again so I had to do injections to help me get through a game, I have lived with this for years, I was talking to a friend one day about it and they recommend I try acupuncture so I said why not what do I have to lose, I asked around and someone recommended Kirsten at Wellspring Health so I booked a session and it was the best decision I ever made, after about 5/6 sessions my knee was feeling the best it was in years... I was back running after about 10 sessions, and I am not training for the 2022 New York marathon! I am so happy I did this, and I couldn't thank Kirsten enough, she is not just an amazing acupuncturist, but she is an absolute sweetheart of a lady. Thank you so much for all your help and I'm looking forward to the next session.” 

- Keith M. 

Benefits of Acupuncture for Knee Pain

Acupuncture is a natural, non-invasive therapy that involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow (Qi) and promote healing. It offers a holistic approach to managing knee pain by addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes of the condition. Here’s how acupuncture can benefit individuals dealing with knee pain:

  1. Reduces Pain and Inflammation: Acupuncture helps reduce knee pain by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. It also modulates the body’s pain signals by influencing the nervous system, providing relief from discomfort. Additionally, acupuncture promotes the release of anti-inflammatory chemicals, which helps reduce swelling and inflammation in the knee joint. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.

  2. Improves Joint Mobility and Function: Acupuncture can help relax tight muscles and increase blood circulation around the knee joint. This supports better oxygen and nutrient delivery to the affected area, promoting tissue healing and reducing stiffness. Improved circulation can also reduce swelling, making it easier to move the knee and engage in physical activities. Regular acupuncture sessions can enhance range of motion and overall joint function.

  3. Promotes Tissue Repair and Healing: Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing processes by enhancing circulation and promoting tissue repair. It encourages the regeneration of damaged tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, which is essential for long-term recovery. This makes acupuncture a valuable complementary therapy for individuals recovering from knee injuries or surgery.

  4. Reduces Dependency on Pain Medications: Acupuncture provides a drug-free approach to managing knee pain, reducing the need for medications like NSAIDs or corticosteroids. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who experience side effects from these drugs or are concerned about long-term use. Integrating acupuncture into a knee pain management plan can reduce reliance on medications and provide more sustainable pain relief.

  5. Supports Emotional and Psychological Well-Being: Chronic knee pain can take a toll on mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression. Acupuncture helps reduce stress and promote relaxation by balancing the body’s energy and calming the nervous system. This emotional support can enhance overall well-being and make it easier to cope with the challenges of knee pain.

Pain We Treat With Acupuncture

Parting Thoughts:

Knee pain presents significant challenges, affecting physical function, mobility, and quality of life. Conventional treatments like medications and surgery can provide relief, but they may not address the root causes or offer long-term solutions. Acupuncture offers a holistic, natural approach to managing knee pain by reducing pain and inflammation, promoting tissue healing, and supporting overall well-being. As a complementary therapy, acupuncture can enhance traditional knee pain management strategies, improve mobility, and provide lasting relief for individuals dealing with knee pain. Through its multifaceted benefits, acupuncture helps patients regain function and achieve a higher quality of life.

Resources & Links to Learn More

Acupuncture has been extensively studied for its potential benefits in managing knee pain, particularly related to osteoarthritis. Here are five clinical studies from different sources highlighting its positive effects:

  1. Acupuncture for Chronic Knee Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial: This study evaluated the efficacy of acupuncture in patients with chronic knee pain. Results indicated significant improvements in pain relief and physical function among participants receiving acupuncture compared to control groups.  JAMA Network

  2. Acupuncture for Chronic Knee Pain: A Protocol for an Updated Systematic Review: This systematic review protocol aims to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for chronic knee pain by analyzing randomized controlled trials. The review intends to provide comprehensive evidence on acupuncture's role in managing knee pain.  BMJ Open

  3. Acupuncture Treatment for Chronic Knee Pain: A Systematic Review: This systematic review analyzed multiple studies on acupuncture for chronic knee pain, concluding that acupuncture can effectively reduce pain and improve function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.  Oxford Academic

  4. Pain Management with Acupuncture in Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    This meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture in managing pain associated with osteoarthritis, including knee osteoarthritis. The findings suggest that acupuncture is associated with significant reductions in pain intensity and improvements in functional mobility.  BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

  5. Different Kinds of Acupuncture Treatments for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Multicentre, Randomized Controlled Trial: This multicenter randomized controlled trial compared various acupuncture treatments for knee osteoarthritis. The study found that specific acupuncture modalities provided significant pain relief and functional improvement in patients.  Trials

These studies collectively suggest that acupuncture may offer benefits in managing knee pain, particularly in reducing pain and improving function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.