In The Journal of Family Practice, the March 2009 issue features an article entitled, "Arthroscopic surgery for knee osteoarthritis? Just say no." A 2002 study had shown arthroscopic surgery to be of no benefit for moderate to severe osteo-arthritis but it was so contrary to current practice that it was ignored. Now a recent two-year study showed the same outcome. Only patients with large meniscal tears might benefit from surgery. What they do recommend is Acetaminophen, NSAIDS, Glucosamine and Condroitin, physical therapy, regular exercise, and ACUPUNCTURE. (See the reference article: "Effectiveness of acupuncture as adjunctive therapy in osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, controlled trial, by B.M. Berman, L. Lao, P. Langenberg, et al. Ann Intern Med. 2004; 141: 901-910.)

Inflammation in the knees is one of the most common conditions these days, as all joggers and tennis players can agree. Our knees carry our bodies everywhere. Oddly though, knee injuries are one of the most successful challenges for an acupuncturist. There are two openings in the knee, known as "the eyes of the knees" where needles can be painlessly inserted. These fine steel wires act as antennae for realigning the electrical charge of the acidic, inflamed tissue. Heat can be conducted down the shaft of the needle deep into the joint. The gentle heat not only brings relief from pain, it also stimulates the circulation of blood and lymph-to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the injured or degenerated focal point. Then it carries away the toxins and old blood cells.

Massage also plays an important role in breaking up the excessive adhesions and scarred, fibrous tissue that build up around an injury. These masses cause a gluing, shortening and thickening effect which reduces the full range of motion. Acupuncture and body work are the most effective modalities to help restore resilience and flexibility to this connective tissue. I always include massage and deep tissue work wherever needed. Tendons are made up of little hairs that become tangled and collect 'debris'-fluids, crystalized salts, stuff that disrupts the normal function of the tendon. Often you can feel the little bumps in the normally smooth tissue. This can be eliminated by gentle massage so that the realigned tendons can then allow a healthy relaxation in the muscles to which they are attached. Rather than going for a quick bandaid fix, acupuncture fixes the knees naturally and for the long run. This enables these crucial joints to carry us around so that we can continue to keep the entire body in shape and on the move.