Acupuncture treatment consists of very fine metallic needles inserted into specific points in the body.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese procedure of pain treatment in which the practitioner inserts fine needles at the specific points of body. This could relieve pain by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkilling chemicals, and by affecting the part of the brain that governs serotonin, a brain transmitter involved with mood. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, this regulates the flow of qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians.
How a Chinese acupuncture different from the Japanese and Korean acupuncture?
In Chinese acupuncture, the acupuncturist may turn or twirl the needles slightly or apply heat or electrical stimulation to enhance the effects. He or she may also burn a therapeutic herb near the skin; this is called moxibustion.
A Japanese form of acupuncture involves shallower needle insertion than in Chinese acupuncture, and the needles aren’t usually manipulated.
Korean acupuncture focuses on applying needles to points just in the hands and feet.
What is the duration of acupuncture treatment?
The acupuncturist typically inserts four to 10 needles and leaves them in place for 10 to 30 minutes while you rest. A usual course of treatment includes six to 12 sessions over a three-month period.
What is knee pain?
As knee is the largest joint in the body, most complaints of knee pain arises from some type of trauma such as torn or ruptured ligament, broken or fractured kneecap, torn cartilage or an accidental damage to the knee or the surrounding areas
Other conditions that can lead to knee pain are infections; arthritis; hemarthrosis (blood in the knee joint); cysts; and bone tumors. Being overweight can also contribute to knee problems by causing excess strain on ligaments and cartilage.
Who suffers from knee pain?
Many athletes experience knee injuries, particularly to the knee ligaments. As people get older, the amount of cartilage in the knee decreases, and many ligaments begin to lose some of their elasticity, making them more susceptible to pain and/or injury.
Acupuncture for Knee Pain
Is acupuncture treatment a safe practice?
Acupuncture is generally quite safe, and the complication rate appears to be quite low. A review of complications reported in medical journals found that the most serious problem was accidental insertion of a needle into the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. The advent of single-use, sealed needle packages has all but eliminated the risks of blood-borne infection such as hepatitis B or HIV.
How effective is the acupuncture treatment?
Studies have confirmed that acupuncture is beneficial in reducing knee pain, stiffness and physical disability in patients with knee and knee-related problems. Though this is also a fact that not all patients respond to the treatment of acupuncture therefore it is advised that the situation need to be discussed thoroughly with the acupuncturist.
What other diseases are cured by the acupuncture treatment?
Pain or musculoskeletal complaints accounted for 7 of the top 10 conditions for which people use acupuncture. Back pain was the most common, followed by joint pain, neck pain, severe headache/migraine, and recurring pain.
