Noninvasive, low-cost, and easy-to-learn, acupressure can help to ease pain from osteoarthritis of the knee, even when patients do it themselves, a new study has found. This comforting news affects vast numbers of adults who experience pain and stiffness caused by arthritis in this crucial joint.
The randomized clinical trial, performed by researchers in Hong Kong, London, and Virginia, found that self-administered acupressure significantly reduced pain and improved mobility in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee.
The original investigation appeared in JAMA Network Open.
Lead author, Jerry Wing Fai Yeung, an associate professor at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Nursing, told The Epoch Times that he and his fellow investigators were not surprised by their findings.
“Previous smaller-scale studies have preliminarily tested and supported the potential effects of self-administered acupressure for relieving knee osteoarthritis pain,” he said. “Based on the previous works, our study further confirmed the effectiveness with a larger sample size.”
The study involved 314 residents of Hong Kong, aged 50 or older, with probable knee osteoarthritis.
One group of subjects received two training sessions on self-administered knee acupressure with a brief knee health education session. The trainers were registered Chinese medicine practitioners with at least five years of clinical experience. The participants in this group then practiced acupressure twice daily for 12 weeks. A control group received only education about maintaining knee health for the 12-week period.
At the end of the study, the acupressure group reported a significantly greater improvement in pain than did the control group. Participants in the self-administered acupressure group also performed significantly better in a mobility test and reported a better quality of life in the medium term than those in the control group.
Causes, Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis is common among the middle-aged and elderly, affecting 23 percent of people aged 40 and older, according to the researchers who conducted the trial.The Arthritis Foundation reports the knee is one of the most common joints to be affected by osteoarthritis. The foundation’s website lists risk factors for developing osteoarthritis of the knee:
- Older age: Osteoarthritis is most common in older adults.
- Female sex: Women are more likely than men to have knee osteoarthritis.
- Obesity: Being overweight stresses the knee joints and causes joint inflammation.
- Injuries: Any knee injury, even an old one, can lead to knee osteoarthritis.
- Repeated stress: Frequent stress on the knee from work or sports can increase risk for osteoarthritis.
- Genetics: A tendency to develop osteoarthritis can run in families.
- Bone deformities: Those with bone deformities are at higher risk.
- Some metabolic diseases: Diabetes and hemochromatosis (a condition in which the blood has too much iron) have been linked to osteoarthritis.
Treatment most often involves pain relievers such as ibuprofen, exercise and physical therapy, cold and heat therapy, and topical medications. Steroid injections and surgery, including knee replacement, may be called for in more severe cases. Interventions such as acupressure and acupuncture are considered complementary therapies rather than first-line treatment in most cases.
Performing Knee Acupressure at Home
“Acquiring mastery in acupressure techniques is more feasible and safe for individuals if taught by licensed practitioners, rather than attempting to learn them independently,” said Mr. Yeung.The Hong Kong study involved eight acupressure points in a 16-minute protocol and experienced Chinese medicine practitioners instructed the participants in proper technique.
“Some acupoints utilized in our studies, such as the Yanglingquan acupoint (GB 34) and Sanyinjiao (SP6), require some specific technique [to locate]. Familiarity with the anatomical structure of the knee joint is necessary for accurate acupoint location,” Mr. Yeung said.
“Therefore, individuals experiencing knee pain are advised to seek guidance from their acupuncturist, similar to the approach followed in our study. Additionally, strict adherence to professional acupressure techniques is crucial to prevent exacerbation of the condition or finger joint pain.”
However, patients who'd like to see what they can accomplish on their own before seeking out a professional may want to try an abbreviated knee pain acupressure regimen with only three points, such as the guidance and instructions offered by Kaiser Permanente called “Acupressure for Knee Pain.”
Knee massage may also offer some relief. Licensed massage therapist Ann Swanson demonstrates self-massage for knee pain on the Arthritis Foundation website and her YouTube channel.
Whether patients seek in-person expert guidance or give it a go on their own, they must be willing to perform the routine regularly.
“Best results will occur from regular acupressure throughout the day for several weeks,” Malerie Giaimo, a diplomate of Oriental medicine, licensed acupuncturist, and herbalist, told The Epoch Times.
“Acupressure is very effective for pain and arthritis located in and around the knee,” she said. “It’s important to apply acupressure near and around the site of pain, above and below the area.” She mentioned sites on the thigh, hamstring, and calf as beneficial to the knee.
“Some of my favorite points are Stomach 25, He Ding, Stomach 36, Spleen 10, and Gallbladder 34,” she said. Ms. Giaimo recommended receiving an acupuncture treatment for more direct, specific, and deeper pain relief.
A Complementary Treatment
According to Mr. Yeung:“The utilization of medication and injections should be discussed with healthcare professionals, including physicians and pharmacists, responsible for patients’ care.”
“Acupressure can be regarded as an alternative or complementary approach to conventional treatments for knee pain and osteoarthritis—however, it should not be seen as a full replacement for them without prior discussion with their physician.
“While certain individuals may experience relief solely through acupressure, it is crucial to recognize that each person’s condition is unique, and treatment effectiveness can vary, as it is also influenced by the treatment principles of traditional Chinese medicine.
“Conventional treatments such as medications and injections, prescribed by healthcare professionals, have established efficacy and may be indispensable for individuals with more severe symptoms. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider who possesses knowledge in both conventional and complementary therapies to determine the most suitable treatment plan tailored to an individual’s specific situation.”
