KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that often causes pain, stiffness, and limited mobility, which can affect daily activities and reduce independence. As the cartilage in the knee joint wears away over time, bones can rub together, leading to discomfort and inflammation. While conventional treatments such as pain medication and even surgery are common, acupuncture offers a natural, drug-free alternative that may significantly reduce pain, improve function, and enhance overall quality of life for those living with knee osteoarthritis.
Some of the common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include:  

• Pain: Often worsens with activity or long periods of sitting.
• Stiffness: Especially after rest or in the morning.
• Swelling: Inflammation around the knee joint.
• Reduced Mobility: Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or bending the knee.  

​HOW ACUPUNCTURE MAY HELP
Acupuncture may provide several benefits for those living with knee osteoarthritis:  

• Pain Relief: Acupuncture has long been recognised for its ability to reduce pain. It stimulates the body’s natural production of endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers) and other chemicals that block pain signals. This helps relieve both acute and chronic pain associated with knee osteoarthritis.
• Reducing Inflammation: Knee osteoarthritis often leads to inflammation in and around the joint, which exacerbates pain and stiffness. Acupuncture helps decrease the production of inflammatory markers in the body, helping to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Improving Circulation: Acupuncture improves blood flow to the affected area, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the knee joint. This enhanced circulation supports healing and can help prevent further degeneration of the cartilage.
• Restoring Joint Mobility: Regular acupuncture treatments can help increase flexibility and range of motion in the knee. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, tension in the muscles and connective tissues surrounding the knee joint is reduced, which helps restore normal movement and ease discomfort.  

Acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis is one of the many conditions that have been extensively studied by western medical science. Acupuncture is recommended for knee osteoarthritis by a number of health organisations around the world, including The American College of Rheumatology, Osteoarthritis Research Society International, and The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in the UK.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
Acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis begins with a consultation, during which we will assess your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. Based on this information, we will create a customised treatment plan. We will then insert thin, single-use, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points. These points may be located around the knee, leg, or even distal points on the body (such as the arm or back - which surprises many people!) that influences knee function. Once the needles are inserted, you will rest for about 20 to 30 minutes. During this time, you may experience a tingling sensation, warmth, or relaxation - many people fall asleep. A series of treatments is typically recommended for knee osteoarthritis.
ACUPUNCTURE FOR POST-OPERATIVE PAIN
Sometimes surgery is a necessary approach for addressing certain health conditions - whether that be for joint issues or other health concerns, as it may offer the best chance for recovery and improved quality of life when other treatments are insufficient. 
Acupuncture has been shown to provide several benefits for managing post-operative pain, including:

• Pain Reduction: Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which may help reduce the intensity of post-surgical pain. Studies show that acupuncture can decrease pain scores significantly compared to control groups receiving standard care alone.
• Reduced Opioid Use: By alleviating pain effectively, acupuncture may help lower the reliance on opioids, which may minimise the risk of side effects such as nausea, dizziness, constipation, and addiction.
• Faster Recovery: Acupuncture improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation, which may accelerate wound healing and tissue repair after surgery.
• Reducing Secondary Symptoms: Acupuncture may assist with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and other side effects often associated with anesthesia or pain medications, making the recovery process more comfortable.
• Reducing stress and anxiety, which are common after surgery, promoting better rest and recovery.

Research published in journals like ‘Pain Medicine’ and ‘The Journal of Pain’ has highlighted acupuncture’s role in significantly reducing post-operative pain and opioid consumption.

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