Acupuncture for Knee Pain | Melbourne, Derby | LB Acupuncture

ACUPUNCTURE FOR KNEE PAIN

Knee pain can make everyday life much more difficult. Whether it's climbing the stairs, walking the dog, getting out of a chair or enjoying your favourite activities, painful knees can have a real impact on your independence and quality of life.

Knee pain can affect people of all ages. It may develop gradually through wear and tear, follow a sporting injury or appear after doing more activity than usual.

At LB Acupuncture, I take the time to understand not only where your knee hurts, but how it's affecting your daily life. Every treatment is tailored to your individual needs, helping us develop an approach that's right for you.

What is knee pain?

The knee is one of the largest and busiest joints in the body. It relies on bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscles all working together to allow smooth movement.

Pain can develop for many different reasons, including arthritis, tendon problems, ligament injuries, overuse or changes associated with ageing.

Some people experience pain only during activity, while others notice stiffness first thing in the morning, discomfort after sitting for long periods or aching throughout the day.

You may also notice that your knee feels unstable, gives way unexpectedly or makes clicking or grinding noises when you move. These symptoms don't always indicate a serious problem, but they can be a sign that the knee would benefit from assessment. 

Common symptoms of knee pain

Symptoms may include:

• Pain around or behind the kneecap
• Stiffness, particularly after resting
• Swelling around the joint
• Pain when climbing or descending stairs
• Difficulty kneeling or squatting
• Clicking or grinding sensations
• Reduced movement or flexibility

As every person is different, your symptoms and the cause of your knee pain may not be the same as someone else's.

How does Traditional Chinese Medicine view knee pain?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), knee pain isn't simply viewed as a problem within the joint itself.

Pain may develop when the smooth flow of Qi and Blood is disrupted by injury, overuse, or repetitive strain. For some people, longer-term deficiencies or external factors such as Wind, Cold or Damp may also contribute to symptoms.

During your consultation, I'll consider your overall health, lifestyle and symptoms before tailoring treatment to your individual pattern.

Can acupuncture help with knee pain?

Many people choose acupuncture as part of their approach to managing knee pain. Research suggests acupuncture may help reduce pain and improve function for some people, particularly those with knee osteoarthritis, although results vary between individuals.

For some patients, I may also recommend electroacupuncture as part of their treatment. This combines acupuncture with a gentle electrical stimulation and may be appropriate for certain types of persistent musculoskeletal pain.

Acupuncture may be used alongside exercises, physiotherapy or other treatments recommended by your healthcare professional.

What happens during your first appointment?

Your first appointment lasts around an hour.

We'll discuss:

• How and when your knee pain started
• What movements make it better or worse
• Previous injuries or surgery
• Your work, hobbies and activity levels
• Your general health and lifestyle

Following your consultation, you'll receive your first acupuncture treatment using sterile, single-use needles.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments depends on the cause of your knee pain, how long you've had your symptoms and how you respond to treatment.

Some people notice improvements after a few sessions, while longer-standing conditions may require a longer course of treatment. We'll review your progress together and adjust your treatment plan where appropriate.

Lisa's Advice

Knee pain often makes people stop moving altogether because they're worried they'll make things worse. While it's sensible to avoid activities that significantly increase your pain, gentle movement is often helpful for keeping the joint mobile and maintaining muscle strength. We'll discuss what may be appropriate for your individual situation during your appointment.

If your knee suddenly becomes swollen after an injury, won't support your weight, locks completely, or you develop severe pain with redness, heat, or fever, it's important to seek prompt medical assessment.

Why choose LB Acupuncture?

I understand how frustrating knee pain can be when it starts limiting your everyday life.

At LB Acupuncture, you'll have time to talk through your symptoms without feeling rushed. I aim to provide a calm, supportive environment where we work together to understand what's contributing to your pain and develop a treatment plan that's tailored to your individual needs.

My clinic is based in Melbourne, Derbyshire, and I welcome patients from Derby, Castle Donington, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Swadlincote, Burton upon Trent and the surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can acupuncture help knee arthritis?

Research suggests acupuncture may help reduce pain and improve function for some people with knee osteoarthritis. During your consultation, we'll discuss whether acupuncture may be appropriate for your individual circumstances.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most people experience very little discomfort. The needles are extremely fine, and many patients find treatment relaxing.

Can I continue walking?

In many cases, yes. Gentle activity is often beneficial, although this depends on the cause of your knee pain. We'll discuss what's appropriate for you during your consultation.

You may also be interested in

If your knee pain is related to arthritis, you may also find my Arthritis page helpful.

If pain is affecting your feet or hips, you may also like to read my Plantar Fasciitis and Hip Pain pages.

Book an Appointment

If knee pain is affecting your daily life and you'd like to explore whether acupuncture could be part of your treatment plan, I'd be delighted to welcome you to LB Acupuncture.

Please get in touch if you'd like to arrange an appointment or if you have any questions before booking. I'm always happy to help.