A recent review of randomized controlled trials concluded that acupuncture is an effective treatment for knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. This knee pain acupuncture research collected data from ten research studies representing 1456 participants, and is the most comprehensive review on the subject. CLICK HERE to read entire study.
Knee Pain Acupuncture Research – Background
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in America. It is also the most common cause for knee pain. 80% of people 65 years or older struggle with some form of it. Researchers have concluded that knee osteoarthritis is responsible for the greatest level of disability world-wide for climbing stairs, walking and housekeeping.
Participants
The number of participants in the 10 studies ranged from 24 in the smallest study to 570 in the largest. The average age was 60. All participants were diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee through radiographic evidence and/or according to ACR criteria.
Groups
To be included, studies had to have a true acupuncture group and a control group. Six of the studies compared true acupuncture to a sham (fake) acupuncture control group, 3 used a wait-list control, 2 used an education control, and 1 used a standard care control.
Types of Acupuncture Treatment
The types of true acupuncture included needling without electrical stimulation, electroacupuncture of all the needles (EA), and needle acupuncture plus EA on some of the points.
Four acupuncture points were used in more than half the knee pain acupuncture research studies. They include: ST-35, ST-36, SP-9, and GB-34. Seven other points were used in at least 2 of the studies: ST-34, SP-6, LI-4, GB-39, BL-60, KI-3, and Xiyan. One study allowed the acupuncturist to choose from a list of approved acupuncture points.
The treatment period lasted from 4 to 12 weeks. Acupuncture was administered by trained acupuncturists.
In most studies the practitioner activated a Qi sensation (de qi) on the needles, which is a gentle feeling of heaviness or numbness that confirms, upon needle placement, that the needle is in the correct location.
Design
All the knee pain acupuncture research studies were either double-blinded or single-blind. Participants were blinded to group assignment in the studies comparing true acupuncture to sham acupuncture. For studies using a wait-list or education control group comparison, participants could not be blinded; but in all cases, the practitioners were blinded to group assignment.
Outcomes
The primary outcome measure for all the studies was knee pain. Some measured pain using a visual analog scale, and other studies used numeric formats such as a numeric rating scale, pain dolorimetry, a pain intensity scale, or the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale.
Findings
9 of the 10 studies found that the acupuncture group had statistically significant pain reduction in comparison with the control group. One of these studies also found that the reduction in pain was significantly greater for the acupuncture group versus the drug treatment (diclofenac) group.
Discussion
Based on these findings, there is clear evidence that acupuncture is an effective treatment for pain and physical dysfunction regarding osteoarthritis of the knee.
The researchers concluded, “On this basis, acupuncture should be considered a viable adjunct or alternative treatment of knee pain and dysfunction associated with osteoarthritis of the knee for the thousands of individuals across the country who are suffering from symptoms of this chronic disease.”
What To Expect
All needles used in acupuncture treatment are sterile, single-use and hair thin. You will hardly feel them. Treatments are relaxing. Many of our patients at Raleigh Acupuncture fall asleep during their sessions. Afterwards you will feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
Next Steps
BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online. Or call us at 919-819-8113 and we will schedule an appointment for you. The knee pain acupuncture research is clear. Acupuncture works. Come in and experience it for yourself.
To learn more about our knee pain treatment click RALEIGH ACUPUNCTURE KNEE PAIN TREATMENT.
For a list of all the pain conditions we treat click PAIN CONDITIONS WE TREAT.
Acupuncture treats more than just pain. Learn about all the conditions we treat Click ALL CONDITIONS WE TREAT WITH ACUPUNCTURE.
To read the entire study in it’s original form CLICK HERE.
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.