Traditional Chinese Medicine Provides Pain Relief for Patients Undergoing Knee Surgery
Written by Susan Parker | Updated on June 22, 2025
Reviewed by Susan Parker
11 sources cited
Overview
If you are scheduled for total knee replacement surgery, your doctor may recommend strong opioid medications to manage pain. However, the addictive nature and misuse of opioids have caused a significant public health crisis. Thankfully, healthcare providers are acknowledging the efficacy of a natural remedy rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine – acupuncture. This alternative can offer potent and safe pain relief without the risk of addiction.
Due to the rising number of total knee replacement surgeries in the U.S. annually, there is a growing worry regarding the opioid crisis. Acupuncture, an age-old practice from China, is emerging as a potential answer to reduce the dependence on opioids.
Recommended on Both Sides of the Atlantic
An increasing number of Americans are being prescribed opioids for persistent pain, leading to complications like opioid use disorder and overdose. In response, bodies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other medical organizations are suggesting acupuncture as an alternate method for managing chronic pain.
Recent guidelines from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health and The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in the U.K. also support acupuncture as an effective approach for treating persistent pain.
Acupuncture Reduces Need For Opioids
A recent study revealed at the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists showcased the benefits of electroacupuncture in alleviating post-surgery pain in knee replacement patients. The study found that a notable percentage of patients required little to no opioid pain relief after receiving acupuncture during the surgical procedure.
Acupuncture is often Overlooked
Stephanie Cheng, the lead author, highlighted the potential of acupuncture in reducing the reliance on opioids for controlling pain after surgery. She recommended incorporating acupuncture into hospital environments to tackle the opioid crisis and enhance patient outcomes.
Need to think Outside the Box
Experts stressed the importance of exploring alternative pain management techniques like acupuncture to combat opioid addiction post-surgery. Acupuncture provides a safe and efficient option with no adverse effects, making it a valuable consideration in pain management strategies.
My Takeaway
Aside from pain management, acupuncture brings various health advantages such as stress reduction, enhanced immunity, and support for digestion. Its holistic approach positions it as a promising substitute for prescribed pain medications.
