Acupuncture for Knee Pain Gainesville

Knee pain can be debilitating and life-altering. If you are experiencing pain in your knee, you may be wondering if acupuncture is a viable treatment option so they can stop relying on painkillers or avoid risky and expensive surgery.  The purpose of this page is to answer that question. Keep reading to find out if – and how – acupuncture can help treat the pain in your knee in Gainesville, Florida. 

Will Acupuncture Help My Knee Pain? 

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine. The practitioner inserts thin needles into different points of the body to help relieve pain. 

Acupuncture works by stimulating the body’s own healing process to reduce inflammation, increase circulation and release endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killing chemicals. Many believe it is useful for healing nerves, tissues, and muscles. The goal of acupuncture is to restore health to the body, providing relief of disease and pain. 

Because of its healing effect, many have found relief from many different types of pain in the body, including knee pain. Patients with arthritis, fibromyalgia, or even pain after surgery have all found relief through acupuncture. 

How Can Acupuncture Help Knee Pain After Surgery?

According to the Healthcare Medicine Institute, acupuncture can be an effective way of relieving pain following a surgery. Acupuncture works to reduce pain and inflammation, as well as improves range of motion. Patients can better participate in therapy, heal, and return to an active way of life. 

It is a wonderful alternative to opioids for pain management postoperatively. A study in JAMA Surgery found non-pharmaceutical interventions such as electrotherapy and acupuncture were associated with a reduced need for opioids after surgery. Alternative options are essential to explore to help reduce the risk of opioid dependence and misuse, which has become a United States healthcare epidemic. 

Does Acupuncture Work For Osteoarthritis Knee Pain?

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of knee pain, but that does not dismiss the anguish it may cause. People who have osteoarthritis can find it challenging to do many tasks such as household chores, walking upstairs, and even getting out of bed. Pain can keep sufferers up at night and be extremely debilitating. 

In order to fight opioid dependence, doctors are beginning to move away from prescribing opioids for chronic pain. Acupuncture is one way to do this. Not only is it useful for treating chronic pain, including osteoarthritis, but it is cost-effective with little risk. 

Traditional Chinese medicine calls joint pain “Bi” Pain or Painful Obstruction Syndrome. Weather, emotion, and malnourishment can all disrupt the body’s energy called Qi. Eventually, it leads to inflammation and pain. 

Acupuncture can be useful in just a few treatments if arthritic symptoms are mild. Acupuncture helps restore “Qi” (energy flow) within the body. For more severe and progressive osteoarthritis, ongoing treatment may be necessary. 

Acupuncture works for arthritis because it produces an anti-inflammatory effect and balances Qi. It also helps release natural, pain-fighting endorphins in the body. Acupuncture also improves the range of motion in the knee so sufferers can participate in daily living tasks and promote ongoing mobility. 

Where Are Knee Pain Acupuncture Points?

Acupuncture points for knee pain are located on both legs in the same location. You will often need needles placed in the knee of the problem; however, the other may also be treated if there is pain or tension. 

There are eight useful acupuncture points for knee pain:

• Calf’s Nose Point- Calf’s nose point is helpful for stiffness in the knee. The point is on the outside of the knee cap. The Guan Family uses a special point called Lower Calf’s Nose Point that is as effective as the commonly used point but safer as it completely eliminates the risk of the needle penetrating into the knee joint space and draining the joint fluid.
• Three Mile Point- Three mile point is one of the most popular points for knee pain. It is about 3-4 centimeters below the knee cap, one centimeter from the shin bone.
• Nourishing Valley Point- This point is located on the backside of the knee. It is found in the inner edge of the knee crease, in the hollow between tendons. 
• Shady Side of Mountain- Shady side of mountain is on the inside of the knee below the kneecap. It is on the head of the shin bone, below the bulge.
• Sunny Side of Mountain Point- This point is sufficient for upper knee pain. Many find it provides quick relief. Sunny side of mountain is below the kneecap on the front side of the shin bone. 
• Commanding Activity Point- Commanding activity point helps heal stiffness in the knee. The point is found on the backside of the kneecap. You’ll find it in the crease where the knee bends. 
• Commanding Middle Point- This point is helpful for sciatica and knee pain. It is in the crease behind the knee cap, in the knee joint’s crease.  
• Crooked Spring Point- Crooked sprint point is terrific for knee swelling. It is found on the inside of the knee, at the end of the crease where the knee bends. 

How Can Chinese Medicine Help With Knee Pain? 

Chinese herbal medicine is another non-narcotic way of treating knee pain. It involves the use of a customized selection of herbs to target patients’ pain and locations of inflammation. 

It is most important to consult with an experienced practitioner who can recommend the right formula specific to your needs. Practitioners make recommendations based on symptoms, not a western medical diagnosis. 

Herbal supplements, balms, or essential oils can all be useful remedies depending on the condition. The treatments can be helpful for knee pain conditions caused by both injury or disease. 

Chinese herbal medicine is safe when recommended by an experienced practitioner. Like traditional medications, side effects are possible, so it is essential to work with a skilled practitioner. It is also important herbs are supplied by vendors who are compliant with FDA guidelines.