Knee pain

Brief Description

Knee pain can stem from external injuries like trauma or overuse, as well as internal imbalances such as Qi and Blood deficiency or Liver and Kidney weakness. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views these factors as interconnected, often overlapping, and treats them holistically. By combining acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes, TCM not only alleviates pain but also addresses the root causes, ensuring effective and lasting relief.

Common Misconceptions

  • Only focusing on local treatment: Many people believe knee pain can be resolved with local acupuncture alone. However, without addressing systemic issues like Qi and Blood deficiency, results may be limited in some cases.
  • Over-reliance on knee braces: While braces provide temporary support, they can lead to dependency and fail to address the root cause.
  • Using painkillers for quick relief: Painkillers only mask the pain without solving the underlying problem.
  • Using treadmills for exercise: Many treadmills and gym equipment place unnecessary strain on the knees, exacerbating the condition.

TCM Diagnosis

Typical Tongue

Typical Pulse

For deficient cases, pause can be thin, weak.

TCM Pathogenesis

Knee pain in TCM is classified into two main categories:

Traumatic Knee Pain (External Injury): Caused by overuse, strain, or trauma, leading to Qi and Blood stagnation in the local area. Chronic Knee Pain (Internal Imbalance): Often associated with systemic deficiencies, particularly Liver and Kidney insufficiency, leading to weakened tendons and bones.

In practice, knee pain frequently involves a combination of external and internal factors. For example, an individual with underlying Qi and Blood deficiency or Liver and Kidney insufficiency is more prone to injury, and their recovery is often slower and more complicated.

TCM Treatment

General Principle

For External Injury: Use acupuncture to unblock local meridians and reduce pain and swelling. For Internal Imbalance: Combine acupuncture with herbal medicine to nourish Qi and Blood and strengthen the Liver and Kidney. Holistic Approach: Treat the knee locally while addressing systemic deficiencies to ensure a complete and lasting recovery.

Unique Therapies We Apply

  • Dynamic Acupuncture Techniques: Special needling methods target key points along the affected meridians to relieve pain and improve mobility.
  • Herbal Formulas: Tailored prescriptions to strengthen the body, improve circulation, and balance internal deficiencies.

Treatment Plan

  • Acute Knee Pain (0-2 Weeks): Focus: Pain relief and reducing local inflammation. Frequency: Acupuncture 2-3 times per week.
  • Subacute Phase (2-8 Weeks): Focus: Promote Qi and Blood circulation and address internal deficiencies. Frequency: Acupuncture 1-2 times per week; herbal medicine daily(optional).
  • Chronic Knee Pain (8 Weeks+): Focus: Strengthen the Liver and Kidney, prevent recurrence, and restore full functionality. Frequency: Weekly acupuncture with continued herbal therapy.

Precaution

  • Avoid Over-reliance on Braces: Use knee braces sparingly to avoid dependency and maintain natural joint strength.
  • No Treadmills: Avoid gym equipment like treadmills that place excessive strain on the knees. Opt for low-impact exercises like swimming or walking on flat surfaces.
  • Address Systemic Issues: Pay attention to overall health, including Qi and Blood balance, to prevent chronic knee problems.

Summary

Knee pain often involves both external injuries and internal imbalances, requiring a comprehensive treatment approach. TCM offers effective solutions by combining acupuncture to relieve local pain, herbal medicine to address systemic deficiencies, and holistic therapies to promote lasting recovery. Avoid common pitfalls like over-relying on braces or painkillers, and prioritize early intervention and lifestyle adjustments for optimal results.

TCM Dr. Ma

The Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment approaches outlined above are derived from my clinical experience, and I acknowledge there may be areas not fully covered or that require further refinement over time.

This content is intended to provide a learning reference for professionals and enthusiasts in Traditional Chinese Medicine and to help patients gain a better understanding of their conditions and common misconceptions.

However, I must emphasize that this information does not constitute specific treatment guidance. All TCM treatments must be tailored to the individual through thorough diagnosis by a qualified practitioner. Non-professionals should not attempt self-treatment based on this information, as any treatment conducted without professional supervision may carry potential safety risks.