Question:"My Doctor just recommended I get surgery for my ongoing knee pain. Is there any way to avoid this surgery, or at least prepare my body for healing?"
Suggestions:
Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture is becoming a “go-to” modality when it comes to pain. Whether it’s preparative or rehabilitative in the midst of surgery, or to circumvent surgery all together, the use of acupuncture, electro-stimulation, and herbal liniments can really get stagnated qi and blood moving, as well as restore balance to our system. I’ve seen recovery times cut in half! According to Chinese Medicine, the knees are governed by the Kidney meridian, along with the low-back, bones, urinary, sexual, auditory functions, and the emotion of fear (to name a few). It would be worthwhile to explore these areas, as there might be a larger picture than simply looking at the knee. With that in mind, on a deeper level, as a Five Element acupuncturist, we see the body’s “symptoms” (especially chronic) as a manifestation of an underlying imbalance, usually on the level of mind (emotions) or spirit. Pain above all, is a protective function for us. So I feel it is vital to explore what else has happened and is happening in someone’s life, where else there is stagnation that may be preventing the body from doing what it is meant to naturally...heal itself!
David A. Tucker, MSAOM, L.Ac, LMP
The Zen of Healing
206-696-1121
david@thezenofhealing.com
http://www.thezenofhealing.com
Corrective Exercise
Surgery tends to be a very popular treatment approach amongst most Doctors for dealing with joint pain. Yes, in some cases the severity of the injury or degeneration can be extreme enough that surgery is necessary, but before you take your Doctors word for it there are some very important things to understand.
For instance, the balance and function of the musculoskeletal system is vital to the health of all the joints of the body. Without proper postural alignment of the skeletal system the joints become dysfunctional and subject to pain and or injury. A major determinant of postural alignment and joint function is the length tension relationship between the muscles surrounding the joint. The better balanced these muscles are the more evenly the force of movement is distributed across the joint, eliminating unnecessary ware and tare on the inert structures that make up the joint. It would be in your best interest to work towards this balance before having surgery.
Now, there is still the most important function, from a structural standpoint, to understand when dealing with joint pain and that is that of the abdominal wall. Vital to proper postural alignment and joint function the abdominal wall creates stability within the entire trunk (spine, pelvis and rib cage) giving the knee and all other joints of the leg a solid platform from which to operate. Whether or not surgery is needed, good abdominal coordination must be a goal within the treatment plan or dysfunction and pain will continue to reside within the joint.
Jasson Zurilgen
C.H.E.K Practitioner
Heroics
www.heroicsusa.com
Chiropractic
Knee pain is an interesting one as it exposes a great opportunity not only to dive into the knee itself but also to address issues regarding how the body works. So, I am going to spend part of my answer to your question talking about how your body works and the other part directly addressing the knee.
The most successful way I know to begin addressing the workings of the body is by using analogies. In this particular analogy your spine represents the foundation of your house while the walls are represented by your legs and arms. If your walls start to crumble, wall paper starts to tear and the paint starts to chip because your foundation is not flat does it make any sense to apply new wall paper, re-paint and re-plaster the walls; of course not? That would be a waste of time, energy and money. Instead, it would make sense to go back to the foundation and level it. Well, the body works in very much the same way. Because your limbs connect to the spine, they are hugely susceptible to how your spine is lined up. As a result, under these circumstances, limb pain is only an effect, while the cause is how your “foundation” is looking and working.
Regarding the knee itself, there two points I would like to make. First, the knee is greatly affected by the functioning of the foot. Any damage, history of ankle sprains or lack of proper functioning of the foot can cause stress on the knee as the forces of gravity work their way up the limbs. Secondly, your knee itself can become misaligned. That’s right, the tibia, or shin bone, can become rotated and thus can put stress on all the muscles, ligaments and tendons of the knee as these tissues try to adapt and accommodate to the misalignment. Whatever the cause of your knee pain, simple tests at your Chiropractor’s office can determine whether Chiropractic can help.
Dr. Jason Penaluna
(Chiropractor and owner of Penaluna Chiropracitc Studio, PS)
(For more information visit www.penalunachiropractic.com)
Craniosacral Therapy
Knee pain can very often be reduced by craniosacral therapy, as it increases proper flow of fluids around the joint and eases restrictions in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the knee. In treatment, we may even find that your knee pain is due to something unsuspected. Did you know knee pain can be caused by a prolapsed kidney and then relieved by gently working with the position of the kidney? Just one possible option of many, and one that doesn't require going under the knife. But if surgery is inevitable, there are cranial techniques that will ease tension, stress, and congestion in the knee and the nervous system, helping to relax the body before the procedure. Follow up treatments after the surgery will speed healing in the tissues as well.
Shawna Lendzion Harbin, LMP, CCSP
Massage Therapist and Certified Craniosacral Therapist
NoctiLuca Essential Wellness
http://www.noctilucaessentialwellness.com
Feng Shui
The knee and leg are associated with the Career Gua in Feng Shui.
The Career Gua deals with security, foundation, grounding, life path, and life experience. In the Black Hat sect of Feng Shui, the Career Gua is located in the middle of the wall wherever your front door (to your house, or to a room) is located. The best color in that area is black.
Before going into surgery make sure that area of your home/room is clean, organized, and you feel secure (no lingering doubts or questions). Since Career also deals with life experience and life path, take some time to examine how you got to this place in your life, as well as thinking about where you're heading to. The legs help us mobilize physically, but they also represent mobilization metaphorically so if our legs are in good shape, then we can move forward easily.
Becca Campbell
Naturopathic Medicine
There is usually a way to avoid surgery, depending on the cause for the knee pain. One should always seek multiple alternative health providers for a second opinion before surgery is considered for knee pain.
In addition to bodywork, corrective exercise and physical therapy, there are many other factors to consider. Whether it be a naturopathic or ayurvedic philosophy, nutrition and gut health are the foundation for healthy joints. For example, either approach appreciates the importance of healthy fats and oils when dealing with any joint issue. Nutritional deficiencies or food intolerances will also adversely affect joint health. Either approach will use herbal medicines and supplements to treat pain and inflammation as well as to encourage healing to take place.
Naturopathic medicine also includes physical methods of healing such as ultrasound, short-wave diathermy, cold laser, contrast hydrotherapy and poultices to just name a few. Ayurveda has its own physical methods to also encourage tissue regeneration, i.e. healing without surgery.
Alexandra Porter, N.D.
Kerala (Seattle office) 206-729-9999
Northcreek Clinic (Bothell office) 425-485-6059
Medical Intuitive
I believe most injury pain below the hips are due to the way we walk. Tight muscles in the legs will pull hip, knee, and ankle joints out of place. When bones are pulled out of place the joints don’t have enough room to move thus causing such symptoms as arthritis and excessive joint pain.
Our mind tells our body how to move. If we are depressed you won’t walk upright and will start to lean forward. This will put more weight on your knees as your body has to counter the weight from always leaning forward. Walking upright and having correct posture technique will give your body more strength thus alleviating the stress one will put on there body.
The more you are empowered to watch you own health the less you will need emergency care. See my article on “How to walk consciously and correctly”. http://biznik.com/members/jacob-caldwell-lmp/articles/how-to-walk-without-an-orthodic-crutch
Jacob Caldwell, LMP
Medical Intuitive
www.StepsToEnlightenment.com
Massage Therapy
There are many avenues you can explore before undergoing invasive surgery. My first response is to get a second opinion. Specifically, seek a physical therapist or more holistic practitioner that can give you in depth information and possibly a variety of well-rounded options. There are unfortunately a lot of physicians that recommend unnecessary surgery. Listen to your instincts and make sure that you feel completely confident in what is being suggested. Ask questions; be informed about your body and what exactly is happening in the structures.
If it is indeed determined that surgery is appropriate for your condition, there are many facets of massage therapy that can aid with both the preparation and the healing of the structures involved. Depending on the current start of your knee, trigger point release, lymphatic drainage and basic Swedish techniques can help restore tissue health and increase circulation in preparation for the trauma of surgery.
During the acute stage of healing, contrast hydrotherapy, lymphatic drainage massage, some passive range of motion and muscle energy techniques can continue to improve range of motion and functionality of the joint. And in the final stages of healing, cross fiber friction on the incision will help to break up scar tissue and renew the best health possible in the area.
Guinevere Amadeo, LMP.
Massage Therapist, Reflexologist
Holistic Health Examiner
Although OMM contributors are professional healthcare providers, the information and advice published on OneMindMedical.blogspot.com is generalized and not intended to replace a thorough evaluation of your unique physical concerns. You should not use this information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. You should consult a physician or applicable practitioner in all matters relating to your health, and particularly in respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. Any action on your part in response to the information provided in this web site is at the reader's discretion.
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