Acupuncture for Knee Pain

Researchers have studied the effects of acupuncture for knee pain, specifically patellofemoral pain syndrome (chronic pain around and behind the kneecap). A total of 75 patients were randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture or no treatment. The acupuncture group received eight treatments over four weeks.

Over a one year study and follow-up period, knee pain and function scores improved by 17.2 points in the acupuncture group, compared to only 5.6 points in the control group. The researchers concluded that acupuncture for knee pain gave a clear and long-lasting improvement in pain and function.

(Acupuncture Treatment of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, December 1999.)

Author: Robin Costello

I offer traditional Chinese acupuncture in Exeter, from a tranquil clinic a mile from the city centre, and next to the University of Exeter. I graduated originally from the London School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s 3 year full time Acupuncture Diploma (DipAc) course. I am on the practitioners register of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), a regulatory and professional body with an entry standard of a full three year undergraduate degree level training. I have worked in a hospital in south west China, deepening my knowledge and using acupuncture and Chinese massage (tuina) as the treatment of choice in its country of origin. I have taught Chinese medicine in colleges, the NHS and at university level. I also practise Qi Gong, and Chinese dietary therapy, that is the medicinal use of ordinary foods, chosen to help achieve particular therapeutic effects in different individuals.