Knee Pain Acupuncture Gold Coast
Knee pain is prevalent among adults and typically stem from the natural deterioration caused by everyday actions such as walking, bending, standing, and lifting. Athletes engaged in activities like running or sports with frequent jumping or sudden direction changes are also prone to experiencing knee pain and problems. Regardless of the root cause, be it aging or injury, knee pain can cause significant inconvenience and even hinder one’s daily functioning in certain cases.
What are some typical knee problems?
Numerous knee problems emerge due to the natural aging process and the ongoing wear and tension faced by the knee joint, such as arthritis. Additionally, injuries or sudden movements that strain the knee can cause other knee problems. Some commonly observed knee problems include:
Sprained or strained knee ligaments and/or muscles
Pain, swelling, and difficulty walking are common symptoms that arise from a sprained or strained knee ligament or muscle, typically resulting from an impact or sudden twisting of the knee.
Torn cartilage
When a knee experiences trauma, it can result in the tearing of the menisci, which are connective tissue pads that function as shock absorbers and promote stability. Sprains may frequently lead to cartilage tears. Treating this condition may involve wearing a brace while engaging in physical activities to prevent additional damage to the knee. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to mend the tear.
Tendonitis
Overuse of a tendon during activities like running, jumping, or cycling can lead to inflammation of the tendons. Jumper’s knee, also known as tendonitis of the patellar tendon, is a condition that frequently occurs in sports like basketball. This is caused by the strain on the tendon when a player lands forcefully on the ground after a jump.
Arthritis
The knee is commonly affected by osteoarthritis, which is the most prevalent form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition that involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joint. It typically impacts individuals who are middle-aged or older. Factors such as excessive strain on the joint from repeated injuries or being overweight can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the knees by inflaming the joint and damaging the cartilage. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis tends to manifest at a younger age.
How does Acupuncture relieve Knee pain?
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine in which thin needles are inserted into the body. It is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Acupuncture may relieve (both sensory and affective) inflammatory pain. This occurs through activation of a variety of bioactive chemicals through peripheral, spinal, and supraspinal mechanisms.
Zhang et al 2014 – Mechanisms of acupuncture in persistent pain
The staff at our Acupuncture Gold Coast clinic are trained and qualified to provide you with the highest standards of practice and treatment.
Knee osteoarthritis pain Acupuncture Research
[Positive effect]
Knee osteoarthritis pain was not reviewed in the Australian DVA review (2010) and rated as ‘evidence of potential positive effect’ in the USVA Evidence map of acupuncture (2014) (5, 6). In a network meta-analysis comparing 22 interventions in 152 studies, acupuncture was found to be equal to balneotherapy and superior to sham acupuncture, muscle-strengthening exercise, Tai Chi, weight loss, standard care and aerobic exercise (in ranked order) (52). Acupuncture was also superior to standard care and muscle-strengthening exercises in a sub-analysis of moderate to high quality studies (52). In a systematic review of 12 randomised controlled trials, acupuncture was found to significantly reduce pain intensity, to improve functional mobility and quality of life (53). Subgroup analysis showed greater reduction in pain intensity when treatment lasted for more than four weeks (53). The reviewers concluded that ‘current evidence supports the use of acupuncture as an alternative for traditional analgesics in patients with osteoarthritis’ (53).
The above research suggests that Acupuncture may provide beneficial outcomes however other papers did not have the same findings so the evidence is regarded as mixed.
Acupuncture Gold Coast Location
The Gold Coast Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Clinic is located in the Albert Centre at 5/18 Ferry Street, Nerang.
This is also a great location for our customers in the surrounding suburbs of Nerang including Gilston, Highland Park, Mount Nathan, Carrara, Ashmore, Gaven, Molendinar, Worongary, Helensvale, Coomera, Hope Island, Oxenford, Upper Coomera, Pimpama, Ormeau, Maudsland, Willowvale and Tamborine Mountain.
Book your appointment
Acupuncture is available at our Nerang Clinic. If it is your first visit please make sure you arrive 5 minutes early to fill out paperwork. All our therapists are qualified and trained professionals.
Call our Clinic
You may call us at our Nerang clinic directly.
Phone: 5573 6601
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References
5. Biotext. Alternative therapies and Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold and White Card arrangements. In: Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs, editor: Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs; 2010.
6. Hempel S, Taylor SL, Solloway MR, Miake-Lye IM, Beroes JM, Shanman R, et al. VA Evidence-based Synthesis Program Reports. Evidence Map of Acupuncture. Washington (DC): Department of Veterans Affairs; 2014.
52. Corbett MS, Rice SJ, Madurasinghe V, Slack R, Fayter DA, Harden M, et al. Acupuncture and other physical treatments for the relief of pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee: network meta-analysis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2013 Sep;21(9):1290-8.
53. Manyanga T, Froese M, Zarychanski R, Abou-Setta A, Friesen C, Tennenhouse M, et al. Pain management with acupuncture in osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014;14:312.