osteoarthritis and painful knee painKnee pain due to osteoarthritis affects approximately 1 in 10 adults over the age of 55. A recent study suggests that acupuncture in addition to drug treatment for knee pain from osteoarthritis is more effective than drug treatment alone.
Fifty-five patients seeking pain relief were divided into three groups: one group received acupuncture twice a week, while the second group received a placebo acupuncture technique. Both groups underwent standard pharmaceutical therapy for osteoarthritis pain relief in addition to acupuncture. The third group received only standard drug treatment for knee pain.
Results were measured at 8 weeks (conclusion of study) and 12 weeks (one month after final treatment). The patients who received acupuncture — either placebo or actual — experienced greater knee pain relief after 8 and 12 weeks compared with the group who underwent conventional drug therapy alone. Patients in the acupuncture groups reported an increased sense of well being and satisfaction in addition to knee pain relief.
Acupuncture continues to shine as an effective adjunct therapy in cases of chronic pain caused by osteoarthritis and other conditions. More and more Western practitioners are advocating acupuncture and Oriental medicine as part of a viable strategy for pain relief and management in cases of osteoarthritis.
