Acupuncture is well proven for pain relief. Everyday, thousands of people in the United States alone receive acupuncture for their pain. A recent study sponsored at the National Institutes of Health shows conclusively that acupuncture is effective for the relief of knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. In fact it reduced the need for pain medications by 40% at the same time increasing functionality be 40%. A study from Demark even showed acupuncture to reduce the need for knee replacement surgery. It can also help reduce pain and swelling from tendonitis, bursitis, injuries and from rheumatoid arthritis.
If you are in pain, 40% reduction sounds pretty good. No two people have exactly the same level of response but, generally speaking, I like to see 80% reduction in knee pain within eight treatments. Being able to lower your pain medication also means that you lower your risk of side effects associated with long-term drug use. Speaking of side effects, acupuncture has proven to be very safe with a very low incidence of minor side effects. In fact, most people, rather than suffering negative side effects, have a sense of well-being and relaxation after acupuncture. Now that’s good medicine!
We don’t know exactly how acupuncture works. There are two main scientific theories. Gate Theory and endorphins. The Gate Theory suggests that stimulation of the acupuncture needles inhibits certain nerve fibers from relaying the pain message. Another theory suggests that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, a powerful morphine like substance that occurs naturally in the brain. Both theories may have merit, but we are still far from understanding exactly how acupuncture works scientifically. Don’t worry. We don’t know exactly how some commonly used drugs, like Tylenol work either.
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles are much smaller that most other needles. A good acupuncturist can often insert needles without any pain at all. Once the needles are placed you may feel unique sensation associated with the stimulation of the acupuncture point. Normally six to twelve of the tiny needles are placed near the area of pain or on various other areas on the body. I have treated knee pain successfully using only one point but usually several are needed to affect relief.
How long does it take to work?
Most of my patients have relief the moment they step off of the treatment table! Some patients will take up to six treatments before experiencing significant relief. Lasting pain relief will usually take several treatments. In my office, I suggest two treatments per week for three weeks, then one treatment a week for two weeks. At this point we will reassess to see if more treatments are needed. Some patients will not need to come in after the course of treatment, while other with chronic conditions, find that regular maintenance treatments are needed to keep the knee pain at bay. There are cases where it doesn’t work but, they are relatively infrequent.
Acupuncture may be the only treatment needed for knee pain, but it’s good to know that it works well with other therapies like anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, exercise, physical therapy and massage. Most acupuncturists, including myself are very happy to work with doctors and other therapists when it means getting better results for you.
Good Luck and Good Health!
