Acupuncture is an ancient art that continues to demonstrate its effectiveness in treating a wide range of conditions, including troublesome knee pain. Whether due to arthritis, sports injuries, or everyday joint wear and tear, this practice can make a difference. Modern scientific studies confirm the benefits of acupuncture, offering new hope to patients seeking pain relief without resorting to drugs or invasive surgeries. Why not consider a natural and proven approach?
Mechanisms of acupuncture action on knee pain
Acupuncture can alleviate pain through various neurobiological mechanisms, effects on inflammation, sensory stimulation, and neurochemical effects.
- Neurobiological mechanisms
Acupuncture can relieve pain by releasing endogenous opioids and depressing the release of stress hormones. A study showed a significant increase in plasma beta-endorphins and a reduction in cortisol levels after electro-acupuncture treatment (Ahsin et al., 2009). These chemical changes in the body contribute to pain reduction and overall well-being improvement.
- Effects on inflammation
Electro-acupuncture has been found more effective than pharmacological treatment in reducing pain and improving physical function, suggesting a significant anti-inflammatory effect (Chen et al., 2017). By reducing inflammation, acupuncture can contribute to quicker recovery and enhanced joint mobility.
- Neurochemical Effects
Acupuncture is associated with the release of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators such as serotonin and dopamine, which can contribute to analgesia. This effect is mediated through modulation mechanisms of both opioid and non-opioid pain pathways (Staud, 2007). Increased levels of these neurotransmitters can improve mood and reduce pain perception.
Clinical studies on the effectiveness of acupuncture for knee pain reduction
Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating knee pain. An analysis conducted on patients with osteoarthritis revealed that those receiving acupuncture treatments reported significant pain reduction and improved knee function compared to those who received no treatment or placebo treatments. In particular, the study by White et al. (2007) highlighted that acupuncture is superior to sham treatment and no intervention in improving knee pain and function in chronic knee pain patients.
Combined efficacy with pharmacotherapy
Another important evidence supporting acupuncture comes from a randomized study conducted by Mavrommatis et al. (2012). This study demonstrated that acupuncture combined with etoricoxib led to significant improvements in WOMAC scores and other efficacy measures compared to sham acupuncture combined with etoricoxib or etoricoxib alone. This suggests that acupuncture can enhance the effects of pharmacotherapy, offering more comprehensive pain relief.
Comparison with other physical therapies
When comparing acupuncture with other physical therapies, the results are equally promising. A network meta-analysis conducted by Corbett et al. (2013) indicated that acupuncture can be considered one of the most effective physical therapies for relieving knee osteoarthritis pain in the short term. This places acupuncture as one of the most valid options for patients seeking rapid and lasting relief.
Duration of therapeutic effect
Further confirmation of acupuncture's effectiveness comes from a meta-analysis conducted by Lin et al. (2016). This research demonstrated that acupuncture not only improves physical function in the short term but also provides long-term benefits. This means that patients can expect sustained improvement in their condition, thereby reducing the need for continuous and intensive treatments.
Acupuncture is a fantastic therapeutic option for knee pain with multiple benefits. In addition to pain reduction, acupuncture can improve joint mobility, reduce inflammation, and enhance patients' quality of life. Furthermore, acupuncture generally lacks side effects compared to conventional medications. With an increasing number of clinical studies demonstrating its efficacy, acupuncture is gaining popularity as a complementary treatment for knee pain.
If you suffer from knee pain, why not consider consulting with an acupuncture professional to see if this therapy could be right for you?
Bibliography:
- White, Adrian, N. Foster, M. Cummings, e P. Barlas. «Acupuncture treatment for chronic knee pain: a systematic review. - 2007
- Mavrommatis, Christos I., E. Argyra, A. Vadalouka, e D. Vasilakos. «Acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy to pharmacological treatment in patients with chronic pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee: A 3-armed, randomized, placebo-controlled trial - 2012
- Corbett, M., S. Rice, V. Madurasinghe, R. Slack, D. Fayter, M. Harden, A. Sutton, H. MacPherson, e N. Woolacott. «Acupuncture and other physical treatments for the relief of pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee: network meta-analysis - 2013
- Ahsin, Sadia, S. Saleem, A. M. Bhatti, R. Iles, e M. Aslam. «Clinical and endocrinological changes after electro-acupuncture treatment in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee - 2009
- Chen, Na, Jing Wang, A. Mucelli, Xu Zhang, e Changqing Wang. «Electro-Acupuncture is Beneficial for Knee Osteoarthritis: The Evidence from Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. - 2017
- Staud, R. «Mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia: Effective therapy for musculoskeletal pain? - 2007
- Lin, Xianfeng, Kangmao Huang, Guiqi Zhu, Zhaobo Huang, A. Qin, e S. Fan. «The Effects of Acupuncture on Chronic Knee Pain Due to Osteoarthritis: A Meta-Analysis. - 2016
