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[A323]After Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

by Alien, Ali

Acupuncture - Knee Surgery

In order to prevent the spread of more confusion and conflict on the subject of acupuncture and alternative medicine in general, it should be noted that the title of this article is a bit misleading. Acupuncture is not actually used to perform surgery on the knee. Invasive surgical procedures are the trademark of Western Style Medicine. Acupuncture has several uses in the pre-operative and post-operative periods of a major invasive knee surgery.

Pain control is one recognized area where acupuncture shows excellent results. Much of the literature of acupuncture deals with pain. Pain is considered to be caused by a blockage in the normal flow of vital energy through a series of channels known as Meridians that crisscross the body. If the blockages are removed, the pain should cease. Since knee surgery often results in much pain and discomfort in the period immediately after the surgery and in the pre-ambulatory period, acupuncture treatments after knee surgery should be valuable.

There have also been tests done on the relationship of acupuncture treatments given before knee surgery and the pain levels in the post-op period. The results were surprising to the surgeons conducting the tests. A control group was given acupuncture treatments that targeted points that would have no possible relationship to pain relief or the knee. Some of the points were not even actual acupuncture points. The test group received needling in three points directly related to the knee and pain relief.

In the pre-ambulatory recovery period, there was a marked decrease in the amount of pain relief sought by the test group when compared to the control group. The test group also tended to spend less time in recovery and became ambulatory at a significantly faster rate. Acupuncture-knee surgery might be more of a match than it first appears. Another clinical study showed that acupuncture treatments geared toward creating calming and anxiety relief in the pre-operative period tended to produce less painful post-op periods and quicker healing. Also, the original purpose was achieved as the patients were calmer and more optimistic prior to surgery.

Acupuncture-knee surgery may not seem like a likely mix, but acupuncture is capable of restoring balance to the entire body and of promoting healing of trauma. This principle is going to hold true regardless of if the trauma is caused by an accident injury to the knee, or if it is caused by the invasive knife of a Surgeon.

The most common reasons for knee surgery are arthritis and injury. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that slowly wears away cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis is inflammation of the knee, causing damage to the cartilage. Arthritis can develop in people of all ages but is more commonly found in the older segment of the population. Injury can occur following a blow to the knee and is commonly a result of sports related injuries. This type of injury is often found in younger people who are involved in activities with a lot of stress to the knee, sudden shifting of positions, or potential for the knee to be hit. There are several types of surgery to repair damage done to the knee.

Synovectomy is the process where the lining of the knee is replaced. This surgery often helps reduce progression of knee problems and can delay the need for more invasive surgery. This type of surgery shows success only if the problems were diagnosed early and the damage is not severe. Prolonged diagnosis or advanced injury will not likely be conducive to this type of surgery.

An osteotomy is a procedure is where the bones are cut and realigned to redistribute weight. If this type of surgery is performed, it may reduce the necessity for a knee replacement. In order for it to be successful, though; early detection is crucial. Even in more advanced cases, this surgery can prolong the need for knee replacement by up to ten years.

Menisectomy is where pieces of cartilage are removed to help promote a pain free experience. This procedure is an arthroscopic process resulting in less recovery time and lowered post operative pain. In approximately sixty percent of patients, this procedure can provide maximum relief for up to five years. It has a high success rate.

Total knee replacement surgery is the most radical type of surgery of the knee. It is usually a last resort and will occur only with progressive advancement of damage or in cases of severe distress. This procedure is still in its early stages of development but advances are made continually. This type of surgery is proven to be highly effective and can provide permanent relief from pain and stiffness.

Damage to the knee can cause pain and stiffness. This may hamper a person's ability to walk or perform routine exercises comfortably. Surgery is a viable option for reducing the effects of knee arthritis or injury. Most physicians recommend utilizing the least invasive form of surgery possible. This will provide relief and delay the necessity for more radical surgery.

Article Source : Acupuncture Chiropractor

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Both Alien & Gray Rollins are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Alien has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pregnancy Problems, Fitness and Get Rid of Bed Bugs. Alien writes for . He also writes for and. Alien's top article generates over 673000 views. to your Favourites.

Gray Rollins has sinced written about articles on various topics from Property Investment, Guide Guitar and insurance agents. Gray Rollins is a featured writer for KneeRemedyHelp.com. To learn more about and. Gray Rollins's top article generates over 368000 views. to your Favourites.