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Can Acupuncture Help with Knee Pain

There is no specific adult age where knee pain occurs. In most studies statistically it shows an increase in middle age to older age. Increased knee pain hinders our way we go about our lives. It makes most things we do in life a challenge. Research analysis of knee pain shows it as frequent in adults and the elderly nowadays. More than 14 million Americans undergo symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. It is very common in people 50 years or older.

Osteoarthritis causes knee pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Doctors may prescribe frequent medications, specifically opioids to avoid chronic pain. However, acupuncture has been proven to work naturally and efficiently in order to treat pain while being cost-effective and covered under some insurances. It has little to no risks as compared to prescribed medications.

Data Studies support acupuncture to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis, specifically in knee studies. In a 2014 study 18,000 patients gained benefits from acupuncture and relieve knee pain conditions (Hinman, et al, 2014).

What is Acupuncture and how does it work?

Acupuncture, a branch of conventional Chinese medicine, has a rich history of relieving pain and assisting in different diseases. It inserts hair-like thin needles into the body that gives an anti-inflammatory effect in order to relieve pain.

Different patients require different treatments, and not all patients can get relief only through needles. Some require a more involved technique known as electro-acupuncture, also called percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or PENS. This is something we offer at American Back Center and may be covered under your insurance plan. It has been analyzed that electro-acupuncture works in an efficacious manner for patients with knee arthritis. A limited number of sessions may provide satisfactory outcomes for those who have mild or moderate knee arthritis. However, those undergoing bone-on-bone and more advanced require ongoing acupuncture.

Your doctor may also combine acupuncture with conventional treatments, including physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or injections. Additionally, in severe cases, acupuncture may provide short-term relief until the patient undergoes knee replacement surgery.

Proven Benefits of Acupuncture

Studies have shown that acupuncture promotes an anti-inflammatory effect by releasing the natural pain-relieving chemical of the body, endogenous opioid endorphins (Lin, et al, 2016). It lowers the production of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that assists in controlling inflammation. A patient may feel reduced pain sensations and less inflammation. Acupuncture has the tendency to improve knee function and mobility. Some studies analyze that acupuncture treatment is the result of the expectations and beliefs of a patient, which means patients’ perspectives have an influence on the outcomes (Li, et al, 2015). So, if you are one of those or have a close one who experiences knee pain, stiffness, and problems in mobility, approach a professional acupuncturist.

In this regard, American Back Center is there for your help as we offer exceptional services for acupuncture treatment. Our ultimate goal is to empower individuals to attain optimal health and wellness. The acupuncture technique in our clinic influences neurotransmitter activity and stimulates pain-relieving endorphins that help you get rid of knee pain and stiffness.

Acupuncture is one of the most beneficial options to decrease inflammation, pain, and stiffness. It boosts the range of motion in your knee and enhances the overall quality of your life. So, what are you waiting for? Reach us and follow our treatment sessions to get a pain relieved and quality boosted life.

References

Hinman, R. S., McCrory, P., Pirotta, M., Relf, I., Forbes, A., Crossley, K. M., … & Bennell, K. L. (2014). Acupuncture for chronic knee pain: a randomized clinical trial. Jama, 312(13), 1313-1322.

Lin, X., Huang, K., Zhu, G., Huang, Z., Qin, A., & Fan, S. (2016). The effects of acupuncture on chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis. JBJS, 98(18), 1578-1585.

Li, Y. M. (2015). Treating chronic knee pain with acupuncture. JAMA, 313(6), 628-628.