5 best acupressure points for knee pain – quick relief

pressure points for knee pain

5 best acupressure points for knee pain – quick relief

Knee pain can result from a variety of conditions, including tight muscles in the area, recent injuries, persistent pain from rheumatoid arthritis, and joint degeneration. Acupuncture can reduce inflammation, produce pain-relieving endorphins, and stimulate blood circulation in addition to helping to stretch tight muscles that can allow the structure of the knee to return to normal.

Knee pain due to osteoarthritis is prevalent and makes it difficult to flex or extend the knee. It results from damage to the knee’s protecting cartilage and makes the joint painful, swollen, and stiff.

What is acupuncture?

In order to stimulate body locations, acupuncture uses very tiny steel needles that are placed into the skin. The objective is to alleviate a medical ailment or symptom, such as pain. The method has its roots in conventional Chinese medicine. Its usefulness for some illnesses has been supported by scientific investigations.

acupuncture
knee acupuncture

The most crucial release locations for triggers

  • The place where the IT band and the VL (vastus lateralis) band overlap on the middle part of the femur (Between the knee and hip joint). Since they are in a deeper layer of the VL muscle, these trigger points are challenging to locate by palpation. This point can be felt and released by a trained practitioner utilizing their elbow. The form roller allows the patient to self-release.
  • The patella bone’s location of the VL muscle connection. The lateral corner of the patella bone is where this region is situated. By applying pressure to the area with your finger while following the outside corner of the patella bone, you can locate the trigger point.
  • An overlap between the IT band and the general VL muscle (refer to the picture below). You can locate and release these sensitive places by stretching with a form roller.
  • The region where the Vastus Medialis muscle inserts (refer to the picture below)
  • The patella tendon. Trigger points can develop in the patella tendon as a result of stress (refer to the picture). Shockwave therapy is a potentially powerful therapeutic approach.

Dysfunctional patella tracking

The IT band and tight quadriceps (VL) pull the patella bone laterally with force. While squatting in a standing position, the patella bone will slide laterally (outside). It will cause tension in the surrounding tissues and friction against the trochlear groove. It will result in a wear-and-tear reaction and joint inflammation.

patella tracking

TECHNIQUES FOR MASSAGING KNEE PAIN

Pain and soreness are caused by trigger points. Trigger points can refer pain to other areas of the body other than where they are located, which is a significant aspect of trigger points. For instance, most headaches originate in the shoulders and neck before spreading to the brain.

In the numerous knee pain massage techniques, we will not directly touch the painful area but rather the trigger points. The following are the top 3 massage methods for knee pain:

  • Lifting Technique
  • frictional technique
  • frictional technique

1- Lift Technique:

  • On a hard, semi-hard surface—a mattress will do—have the receiver lie on their back.
  • The recipient should either rest their calf on your thigh as you sit next to them or bend their knee and place their foot firmly on the ground (see illustration)
  • Apply some eucalyptus or peppermint oil to your palms and begin moving them gently above and below the recipient’s knees.
  • Squeeze the region above and below the kneecap with your fingers and thumbs placed above and below the knee.
  • Slowly slide off those portions away from the kneecap as you squeeze.
  • Continue using this squeeze method and adjust the pressure as the recipient requests.
  • You can rub one knee for five to ten minutes before moving on to the other.

2- Friction Technique

  • Have the receiver lie on their back on a mattress or other similar firm surface.
  • Have the recipient extend their leg in a straight line (see illustration)
  • You can approach the recipient by their extended leg while standing or sitting.
  • Put a little peppermint or eucalyptus oil on your hands.
  • Warm up the area by beginning to gently massage the sides of the kneecap with long, gliding strokes.
  • Your thumb should be placed at the sides of your kneecap to begin the friction process.
  • Keep applying pressure as you press in with your thumbs on either side of the knee and move your thumb from the top to the bottom of the knee.
  • Repeat these steps 5–10 times.

3- Quad Compression Massage Technique

  • On a hard or semi-hard surface, such as a mattress, the recipient lies on their back.
  • They should place their leg flat on the ground (see illustration)
  • Stand or squat next to the receiver, holding their hips.
  • Kneading motions should be used to begin massaging the quad muscles. The muscles and skin are held between your thumb and fingers and gradually lifted and released as if you were kneading bread.
  • Keep massaging the quadriceps in a circular motion all around.
  • You can massage this leg for 5 to 10 minutes before moving on to the other leg.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Knee Pain

  • Endorphins, or “feel good” hormones, may be released when acupuncture needles are inserted into the body. This is because a signal is delivered from the spinal cord to the brain when the needles are inserted into the body. Scientists think that this lessens discomfort.
  • Additionally, cortisol, a hormone that aids in the regulation of inflammation, may produce less in the body as a result of acupuncture.
  • Following acupuncture treatments, knee function and mobility can temporarily improve due to diminished pain perceptions and decreased inflammation.

Precautions

  • Avoid putting pressure on regions that are red or warm to the touch, swollen, or irritated.
  • Avoid any places that have varicose veins, scar tissue, boils, blisters, or rashes.
  • Dress comfortably and loosely so that you can reach your thighs with ease.
  • Keep your balance and posture in check.

Conclusion

To lessen pain, inflammation, and stiffness in your knee and to increase your range of motion, consider trying acupuncture. And that can enhance your overall quality of life, enabling you to engage more fully in all your daily activities, whether they be in the gym, at work, or in the park. If these trigger-point therapy procedures are outside the scope of your professional practice, do not attempt to use them

Frequently asked questions ( PRESSURE POINTS FOR KNEE PAIN )

Can you ease knee pain with massage?

According to research, massage therapy may help people with knee osteoarthritis function more normally and with less pain and stiffness throughout the day. This appears to be particularly true in the immediate aftermath of a pain flare-up.

Can acupuncture help with knee pain?

The benefits of acupuncture have been demonstrated. Numerous clinical trials attest to acupuncture’s effectiveness in reducing knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. Acupuncture was proven to be beneficial for numerous pain problems, including knee osteoarthritis, in a trial involving 18,000 patients.

How many acupuncture sessions are necessary to treat knee pain?

It usually takes six to eight sessions. The acupuncturist will insert very tiny needles into different parts of your skin throughout each session. Most people claim to experience no discomfort, although after the needles are in, it’s usual to feel pressure or a mild ache.

How are trigger points released?

Adding pressure to a massage
·       Start by applying oil to the muscle.
·       Apply pressure while slowly moving along the muscle with your thumb or fingers, as if you were squeezing out an old sponge.
·       If you encounter a tight location or trigger point, pause, apply pressure for 5–10 seconds, and then proceed cautiously.