Acupuncture for Knee Pain, Osteoarthritis in Victoria: Relief for Knee Pain and Stiffness
Living with osteoarthritis can feel like being stuck in a body that doesn’t want to move the way you do. Aching knees, stiff joints, and everyday discomfort can make it hard to stay active or simply enjoy daily life. At Allies Integrated Health, we know how frustrating that can be—and we believe you deserve options beyond pills and surgery.
One option that’s been getting a lot of attention is acupuncture. And the research keeps growing.
What the latest study shows
A 2025 clinical trial set out to compare several acupuncture techniques—manual acupuncture, electroacupuncture, warm-needle acupuncture, and mild moxibustion—against sham acupuncture and even a common arthritis medication (Celebrex).
(Quick note: sham acupuncture is like a placebo version of acupuncture, where needles don’t fully penetrate or aren’t placed on true acupuncture points. It helps researchers test whether real acupuncture works—and the results show it does.)
The study included patients with knee osteoarthritis and tracked changes in both pain levels and physical function over four weeks. Here’s what the researchers found:
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All acupuncture treatments worked better than sham acupuncture for reducing pain and improving mobility.
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Electroacupuncture came out strongest, not only beating sham treatments but also outperforming Celebrex when it came to easing pain and helping people move more freely.
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Improvements were measurable within just one month of treatment.
These findings line up with other reviews showing that acupuncture can provide lasting benefits for osteoarthritis—sometimes continuing for months after treatment ends. When paired with movement or exercise therapy, the improvements often go even further.
How acupuncture helps with osteoarthritis
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, osteoarthritis is often seen as a mix of stagnation, cold, and deficiency in the body’s energy pathways. Acupuncture works to restore balance, move qi and blood, and reduce the blockages that lead to pain and stiffness.
From a biomedical perspective, modern studies suggest acupuncture may:
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Reduce inflammation in and around the joints
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Improve circulation to cartilage and surrounding tissues
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Influence the nervous system to calm pain signals
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Support the body’s natural healing and repair processes
This means less pain, more mobility, and an easier time doing the things you love—whether that’s gardening, walking the dog, or getting back into activities you’ve had to avoid.
What to expect at Allies
If you’re curious about acupuncture for knee pain in Victoria, here’s what a visit might look like. First, your practitioner will sit down with you to understand your health history, daily routine, and goals. Together, you’ll decide on a treatment plan—sometimes acupuncture alone, and sometimes in combination with massage therapy, naturopathic care, or gentle exercise guidance.
During treatment, very thin needles are placed in specific acupuncture points. Some patients notice a warming or tingling sensation, while others simply feel relaxed.
Most people find acupuncture sessions calming, and many leave feeling lighter or more mobile right away. For arthritis, a series of treatments is usually recommended to get the best results.
Frequently asked questions
Does acupuncture really help arthritis?
Yes. Research—including the 2025 clinical trial—shows that acupuncture can significantly reduce pain and improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis. Electroacupuncture, in particular, often outperforms standard medication in trials.
Is acupuncture safe?
When performed by trained practitioners, acupuncture is considered very safe. The needles are sterile and single-use. Side effects are usually minimal, such as slight temporary soreness at the needle site.
How long do results last?
Many patients notice immediate relief, but the best results come with a series of treatments. Research shows improvements can last several months, and regular maintenance sessions may help keep pain levels down.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on your body, your goals, and the severity of your arthritis. Some people feel better after just a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing care. At Allies, we’ll design a plan that fits your needs.
Acupuncture for knee pain in Victoria
At Allies, our practitioners offer acupuncture for knee pain and other arthritis-related conditions in a collaborative, patient-centered way. Whether you’re dealing with early stiffness or long-term osteoarthritis, we’ll work with you to build a care plan that fits your lifestyle.
For some patients, that might mean combining private acupuncture or community acupuncture with massage therapy, naturopathic care, or exercise support. For others, it might be a short series of treatments to get through a flare-up. The choice is yours, and we’re here to support you.
Ready to move with less pain?
If you’ve been searching for acupuncture for osteoarthritis in Victoria BC, you’ve found the right place. Book an appointment today and explore how acupuncture can support your joints, reduce pain, and help you move more freely.