Acupuncture and its impact on alleviating knee discomfort: Advantages, outcomes, and financial aspects
Acupuncture, a practice originating from traditional Chinese medicine, is gaining recognition as a valuable adjunct for managing knee pain. This ancient healing technique involves inserting thin metal needles into specific points on the skin, and recent research suggests that it can be comparable to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for managing osteoarthritis pain.
For individuals suffering from osteoarthritis, acupuncture offers a potential solution for effectively managing the condition. A review of studies on the use of acupuncture for sports injuries found positive effects, such as less pain and faster recovery. Furthermore, a 2021 study found that using acupuncture with other treatments reduced postsurgical pain and the need for pain medication in people who had undergone total knee replacements.
When it comes to specific acupuncture points for treating knee pain, several have been identified. Yin Ling Quan (spleen 9) is located in the hollow of the inner leg, below the kneecap, and may be used to treat knee pain. Weiyang (urinary bladder 39), located on the outside edge of the middle of the back of the knee, is another point that practitioners often use. Yang Ling Quan (gallbladder 34), just below the outer knee, above the shinbone, and Weizhong (urinary bladder 40), in the middle of the back of the knee, are also commonly used. Dubi (stomach 35), located below the knee cap toward the outer leg, is another point that may be used.
However, it's important to note that not all acupuncture points are recommended for knee osteoarthritis due to a lack of supporting evidence. This highlights the need for standardized approaches and well-controlled, long-term trials to further clarify the effectiveness of acupuncture for knee pain.
Ligament and tendon injuries are among the most common knee injuries, and while acupuncture is widely studied and recognized as a complementary therapy for general musculoskeletal pain, the quality of evidence varies, and high-quality, condition-specific trials remain limited. For postsurgical pain in the knee, acupuncture may help, but specific robust evidence is less clear in the current literature.
A 2019 review found that auricular acupuncture may help reduce postsurgical pain, providing a potential alternative approach.
Scientists do not fully understand how acupuncture works to reduce pain, but it may affect hormone levels and the brain's perception of pain. It's crucial to find a qualified acupuncture practitioner to avoid the risk of infections and internal organ injuries.
The cost of one acupuncture session can range from around $75 to $200, and some insurance companies offer full or partial coverage for acupuncture, but coverage can depend on various factors.
In summary, stronger evidence supports acupuncture (including variants like warm, Fu's subcutaneous needling, and laser acupuncture) for pain reduction and functional improvement in knee osteoarthritis, especially when combined with massage or traditional Chinese medicine. For ligament and tendon injuries, some benefit for general musculoskeletal pain exists, but direct high-quality evidence specifically for these injuries is limited. For postsurgical knee pain, acupuncture may reduce pain, but well-controlled, long-term trials specifically for postsurgical pain are sparse; evidence quality is variable.
Overall, current scientific understanding supports acupuncture as a valuable adjunct for managing knee osteoarthritis pain and potentially other knee-related musculoskeletal pain conditions. Further rigorous, high-quality clinical trials are required to clarify its effectiveness for ligament, tendon injuries, and postsurgical pain with long-term follow-up.
- Acupuncture, similar to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can be a valuable adjunct for managing osteoarthritis pain and other knee-related conditions.
- The use of acupuncture for sports injuries has shown positive effects, with less pain and faster recovery documented in some cases.
- In managing chronic diseases like osteoarthritis, individuals can consider acupuncture as a potential solution, although more extensive and condition-specific trials are needed.
- Beyond knee pain, the application of acupuncture extends to other medical conditions and mental health, with various therapies and treatments being developed based on this ancient healing technique.
- Adequate nutrition plays an essential role in overall health and wellness, complementing acupuncture, fitness, and exercise in maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
