I am 50 years old and have successfully avoided surgery on my knees for several years but have now decided to go ahead with it. Can acupuncture help my recovery at all?

Yes. Acupuncture is an excellent supportive therapy for many kinds of surgery. It works to improve your body's response to the trauma or injury incurred from the surgery. The direct benefits from acupuncture include reduced swelling and inflammation, plus improved and accelerated healing after surgery. In addition, acupuncture can boost your body's immune system, reduce the negative effects of stress, support your body's ability to utilize nutrients and promote the proper functioning of your organs.

Acupuncture treatments are given both before and after surgery. Normally we would provide 3 pre-surgical treatments and 3 post-surgical treatments. Acupuncture can also be used to heal and reduce the size of surgical scars (keloids). An improved response to surgical procedures is another benefit that occurs through an acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncture promotes your body's ability to function in the way it was designed - whether in terms of decreased healing time, stress reduction or assuring optimal health to prevent possible future illness.

About the Author:

Jane McKee, MAcOM, L.Ac. is a licensed acupuncturist in Tigard, Oregon. 

To learn more about Jane McKee or the Meridian Acupuncture Clinic, please visit www.meridianacupuncture.com