Knee osteoarthritis research boosts acupuncture. This landmark study was funded by the National Institutes of Health. The findings of the study — the longest and largest randomized, controlled clinical trial of acupuncture ever conducted — were published in the December 21, 2004, issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
To learn about our acupuncture treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee watch this video:
The multi-site study team, including rheumatologists and licensed acupuncturists, enrolled 570 patients, aged 50 or older with osteoarthritis of the knee. Participants had significant pain in their knee the month before joining the study, but had never experienced acupuncture, had not had knee surgery in the previous 6 months, and had not used steroid or similar injections.
Participants were randomly assigned to receive one of three treatments: acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or participation in a control group that followed the Arthritis Foundation’s self-help course for managing their condition. Patients continued to receive standard medical care from their primary physicians, including anti-inflammatory medications, such as COX-2 selective inhibitors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and opioid pain relievers.
Knee Osteoarthritis Research Boosts Acupuncture
“For the first time, a clinical trial with sufficient rigor, size, and duration has shown that acupuncture reduces the pain and functional impairment of osteoarthritis of the knee,” said Stephen E. Straus, M.D., NCCAM Director. “These results also indicate that acupuncture can serve as an effective addition to a standard regimen of care and improve quality of life for knee osteoarthritis sufferers.”
“More than 20 million Americans have osteoarthritis. This disease is one of the most frequent causes of physical disability among adults,” said Stephen I. Katz, M.D., Ph.D., NIAMS Director. “Thus, seeking an effective means of decreasing osteoarthritis pain and increasing function is of critical importance.”
During the course of the study, 190 patients received true acupuncture and 191 patients received sham acupuncture for 24 treatment sessions over 26 weeks. Sham acupuncture is a procedure designed to prevent patients from being able to detect if needles are actually inserted at treatment points.
On joining the study, patients’ pain and knee function were assessed using standard arthritis research survey instruments and measurement tools. Patients’ progress was assessed at 4, 8, 14, and 26 weeks. By week 8, participants receiving acupuncture were showing a significant increase in function and by week 14 a significant decrease in pain, compared with the sham and control groups.
“This trial establishes that acupuncture is an effective complement to conventional arthritis treatment and can be successfully employed as part of a multidisciplinary approach to treating the symptoms of osteoarthritis,” said Dr. Berman.
To learn more about our knee pain treatment click KNEE PAIN TREATMENT FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS.
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Knee Osteoarthritis Research Boosts Acupuncture.
What our Clients are Saying
My knees were so bad with arthritis that I couldn’t play golf. My wife did research on the internet and said acupuncture might help. I went in not expecting much. He told me it would take three to six treatments to see if it would work. My case was tougher because I’m overweight. Sure enough, after five treatments the pain started easing. I needed twelve treatments total, but my knees improved so much I’m playing golf again. I go in for what he calls tune-ups every month, but I don’t mind. The acupuncture keeps my knees not hurting. I’ve recommended it to my golf buddies and they’ve had success as well.
Raleigh Acupuncture was recommended by a friend after I mentioned my insomnia and dependency on a sleeping pill. My apprehension was short lived because of the results of my visits to Dr. Mark. With acupuncture treatments and Chinese herbs I was able to begin sleeping well and continue to do so. Dr. Mark is a good listener and encourages his patients in all health issues as well as the original purpose for treatment. Consequently, my knees are stronger and I’m walking better and with more confidence. I haven’t had the need for a cortisone shot in a year and a half. Occasionally, I would use a cane and it’s now somewhere gathering dust. Also, I had a persistent headache that my primary physician had no solution for, and after two acupuncture treatments it’s a thing of the past. Hot flashes were another issue that was treated successfully. I am so grateful to have found a knowledgeable and caring person to treat my ailments, many of which I thought would only grow worse as I aged. Generally, I feel healthier.
I love to play golf, that’s my passion. But I’m overweight and my knees hurt so bad I couldn’t even walk the course. My wife told me to try acupuncture. These guys were straight with me, said to try six treatments to see if my knees would respond. I’ll tell you, nothing happened at first. But, by the sixth treatment my knees starting feeling better. I got six more treatments after that and now I’m playing golf again. They don’t hurt so much any more. From a 10 out of 10, now they’re at a 3. I can live with that.
My knees were so bad I couldn’t walk down the stairs without holding on to the railing for dear life. I’m also deathly afraid of needles. So they used extra tiny needles on my knees and in three treatments my knee pain was gone. Incredible! I highly recommend Raleigh Acupuncture for anyone with knee pain.
This was my first time trying out acupuncture. I had a great experience and was made to feel very comfortable with the whole process. The treatment I received on my knee definitely helped with my tendinitis. I would recommend Raleigh Acupuncture to anyone.
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