Acupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis in East Toronto | Research & Safety

Acupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis: What Does the Research Say?

Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition that can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty with activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods.

Acupuncture is one non-drug approach that has been studied for knee osteoarthritis.

What Does the Evidence Say?

NCCIH reports that research suggests acupuncture may help with pain associated with knee osteoarthritis.

Clinical studies generally show a larger difference when acupuncture is compared with no treatment than when it is compared with sham acupuncture.

This means treatment context and nonspecific effects may also contribute to outcomes.

Acupuncture should therefore be considered one possible component of an individualized management plan rather than a cure for osteoarthritis.

Can Acupuncture Rebuild Cartilage?

There is not sufficient evidence to claim that acupuncture regrows cartilage or reverses osteoarthritis.

Appropriate goals are more conservative, such as supporting symptom management for some patients.

What Else Matters in Knee Osteoarthritis Management?

Management of knee osteoarthritis may involve several approaches depending on the individual's symptoms, health, and treatment goals.

These may include:

• Exercise
• Weight management when appropriate
• Physiotherapy
• Medications
• Medical assessment
• Other treatments recommended by the patient's healthcare team

Acupuncture can be considered alongside other appropriate approaches when recommended and suitable for the individual.

When Should Knee Pain Be Assessed?

Not all knee pain is caused by osteoarthritis. Medical evaluation may be appropriate when symptoms are severe, unusual, or follow an injury.

Seek medical evaluation for:

• Major injury
• Inability to bear weight
• Significant swelling
• A red, hot joint
• Fever
• Locking or instability
• Rapidly worsening symptoms

Acupuncture should not delay appropriate medical assessment when knee symptoms require evaluation.

What Happens During Acupuncture Treatment?

Before treatment, a registered acupuncturist reviews your symptoms, medical history, medications, and treatment goals.

The practitioner then develops an individualized treatment plan and places very thin sterile needles at selected acupuncture points.

Treatment plans vary between individuals, and the number and frequency of sessions depend on symptoms and individual response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does acupuncture cure arthritis?

No. Acupuncture should not be presented as a cure for osteoarthritis or as a treatment that reverses joint degeneration.

May acupuncture help knee pain?

Research suggests acupuncture may help some people with osteoarthritis-related knee pain.

Can acupuncture rebuild cartilage?

There is not sufficient evidence to claim that acupuncture regrows cartilage or reverses osteoarthritis.

Can I continue exercise?

Exercise can be an important part of managing knee osteoarthritis. Follow advice appropriate for your condition and discuss activity with your healthcare providers.

How many acupuncture sessions will I need?

There is no universal number of sessions. Frequency depends on symptoms, treatment goals, individual circumstances, and response to treatment.

Acupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis in East Toronto

Relief Plus Wellness offers acupuncture services in East Toronto for clients considering acupuncture as part of an individualized approach to symptom management.

Relief Plus Wellness

1403 Gerrard St E, Toronto

Open Daily: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Book Acupuncture

If you are considering acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis symptoms, you can book an appointment with Relief Plus Wellness.

Relief Plus Wellness

1403 Gerrard St E, Toronto

Phone: (416) 461-1118

Open Daily: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general educational purposes only. Individual responses to acupuncture vary. Acupuncture is not presented as a cure for osteoarthritis or as a treatment that rebuilds cartilage. Knee pain that is severe, rapidly worsening, associated with major injury, significant swelling, fever, inability to bear weight, locking, or instability should receive appropriate medical assessment.

Sources

• NCCIH — Acupuncture: Effectiveness and Safety.
• NCCIH — Osteoarthritis: In Depth.

Relief Plus Wellness proudly serves patients from Leslieville, The Beaches, East York, Riverdale, Danforth, Greenwood-Coxwell, Upper Beaches, Little India, Scarborough, Downtown Toronto, and surrounding East Toronto communities.