Expert: Dr. Man Tran, Ph.D, D.C., L.Ac. - 1/7/2009

Question
Hi there,
I've been experiencing severe knee pain for two months which has stopped me from being able to walk. I have seen a couple of doctors who have suggested physiotherapy, and who have given me very strong anti-inflammatories. Neither seems to be helping.
I am considering acupuncture for this problem. I was wondering?
1) In my case, would acupuncture be something that would permanently stop the problem altogether, or would it just be a method of pain management?
2) From your experience with acupuncture, do you know what its effects are specifically for this condition?
Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi C (didn't mean the drink),

Acupuncture can help your knee pain at the root of the problem.  This mean you can have a lasting affect.  Acupuncture works by stimulating the channel or meridian of the body allowing the qi or energy in the body to flow freely.  Pain is usually caused by the stagnation of blood and qi at the location of pain.  Once the flow is enhanced, the pain will dissipate.  The pain will not come back until you re-injure the area.