Knee Pains with Acupuncture: Simple Protocol, Powerful Results

Rapid and lasting knee pain relief through a horary point protocol

By David Lee, L.Ac.

Well-functioning knees are essential for mobility and independent daily living. Knee pain is common with aging, and acupuncture can effectively reduce pain and inflammation, helping to preserve mobility and quality of life.

Whether knee pain arises from injury, inflammation surrounding the joint, or degenerative changes within the joint itself, acupuncture can provide meaningful relief. In some cases, pain may resolve completely.

Bisoma Acupuncture offers a simple and effective treatment approach. This method relies exclusively on horary points, using only two sets of horary points in a structured protocol. Bisoma Acupuncture is both efficient and clinically effective, often producing rapid and long-lasting relief.

Case 1

Robert, male, age 58, farmer. Bilateral torn menisci with bone-on-bone degeneration in both knees. Acupuncture points were Metal Order on the right side.

The first treatment produced significant relief of knee pain. Prior to the second visit, the patient aggravated his knees in the morning, resulting in a recurrence of pain. The second treatment again relieved his symptoms. 10 treatments reduced 80% pain.

This patient was referred by another acupuncturist who had successfully treated his knee pain during a one-month cruise. Pleased with the improvement in mobility during his vacation, the patient sought continued acupuncture care thereafter.

Case 2

Aldo, male, age 32, electrician. Chronic right knee and leg pain for nearly two years following a motorcycle accident that resulted in fractures and required surgery. Despite diligent self-directed rehabilitation, he continued to experience daily pain. Two long surgical scars were present on examination. Acupuncture points were Metal Order on the right side.

After the first treatment, the patient was immediately able to stand and bear weight on the right leg with markedly reduced pain. The following day, he reported: “What an experience! I have almost no pain in my leg since the acupuncture. I am walking better than I have in nearly two years—amazing!”

He subsequently received five additional treatments spaced every 2–3 months. Each session produced immediate and progressive improvement, with reductions in pain intensity, frequency, and duration, along with increased range of motion. At present, pain is only sporadic, occurring occasionally with knee rotation. He now rides his electric bicycle to work without pain.

Several factors likely contributed to the rapid and sustained improvement, including consistent physical therapy, a healthy diet, high sensitivity to acupuncture, younger age, and the precise selection of horary points.

Case 3

Bernadette, female, age 47, kitchen preparation worker. Left knee bone-on-bone degeneration. Pain worsened by the end of the day and with certain ranges of motion. The patient works full-time in a market, standing for prolonged periods while preparing food. Acupuncture points were Wood Order on the left side.

The patient received acupuncture twice weekly for seven sessions. After the first treatment, she reported improvement by more than 30%. Pain decreased progressively each week. By the beginning of the fourth week, all pain symptoms had improved by more than half.

Despite continued physically demanding work, her pain continued to improve. The left knee pain showed significant relief despite underlying osteoarthritis.

Case 4

Lynn, female, age 69, retired. She had undergone meniscus surgery 10 years earlier and received multiple cortisone injections to delay eventual surgery. Due to progressive bone-on-bone degeneration affecting daily activities, she elected to proceed with total knee replacement surgery in four months. But she wanted acupuncture to give relief while she celebrated holidays. Acupuncture points were Wood Order on the right side.

She received 14 treatments at a frequency of twice weekly. Each week demonstrated a noticeable reduction in pain intensity, frequency, and duration. Overall pain relief reached approximately 70%.

Even in cases of significant structural damage, substantial symptom relief can be achieved. With holidays and her birthday, the patient wished to remain active and socially engaged prior to surgery.