Acupuncture for Pes Anserine Bursitis
Acupuncture for Pes Anserine Bursitis: How Targeted Needling Can Help Alleviate Knee Pain
Pes anserine bursitis can significantly limit your mobility and comfort, making everyday activities a challenge. While lifestyle modifications and exercises often play a crucial role in managing this condition, many individuals seek additional strategies to expedite healing and alleviate discomfort.
Acupuncture—a treatment modality that involves inserting fine, sterile acupuncture needles into the body —offers a promising, evidence-supported approach to reducing pain and improving function for those dealing with pes anserine bursitis. In this article, we’ll explore how acupuncture may help address inflammation, enhance circulation, and complement your existing treatment plan.
Key Points
Understanding Pes Anserine Bursitis: A condition that causes significant knee pain and limits mobility, affecting daily activities.
Acupuncture as a Treatment: May help to improve local circulation, modulate pain signals, and address muscle imbalances
Research-Backed Effectiveness: Studies indicate acupuncture significantly improves pain, function, and quality of life for those with pes anserine bursitis.
Common Acupuncture Points: SP10, ST35, SP9, LR8, along with individualized Ashi and trigger points.
Safety and FAQs: Generally safe when performed by licensed practitioners, can be combined with other therapies, and works best as part of a holistic treatment plan.
Understanding Acupuncture in a Modern Context
Acupuncture has roots in traditional practices, but modern interpretations focus on its measurable physiological effects rather than concepts like “Qi” or “energy.” By gently inserting an acupuncture needle into precise points around the affected knee and the muscles connected to the pes anserine area (the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus), practitioners aim to:
Stimulate local blood flow, improving circulation to the knee structures
Encourage the release of neurotransmitters like endorphins and enkephalins, which help reduce pain perception
Decrease muscle tension and sensitivity, potentially easing strain on the pes anserine bursa
Reduce inflammatory markers over time, supporting the body’s natural healing response
How Acupuncture Targets Pes Anserine Bursitis
Improved Local Circulation
Acupuncture needles create micro-stimuli that prompt the body to send nutrient-rich blood to the treatment area. For pes anserine bursitis, this can mean better delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to the medial knee region, supporting tissue repair and reducing lingering inflammation.
Modulating Pain Signals
Research suggests that acupuncture can influence the nervous system’s processing of pain signals. By interacting with sensory nerve endings, it may “downregulate” pain perception, making daily movements—such as walking, using stairs, or performing light exercise—more comfortable.
Addressing Muscle Imbalances
Muscle tightness in the hamstrings, hips, or calves can exacerbate stress on the knee. Acupuncture sessions often include points targeting areas of muscular tension, promoting more balanced lower-body biomechanics. When combined with pes anserine bursitis exercises, this can lead to more sustainable improvements in flexibility and strength.
Complementing Other Treatments
While acupuncture can be a powerful standalone tool, it often integrates seamlessly into broader treatment strategies. For instance, physical therapy may focus on restoring range of motion and strength, while acupuncture helps control pain and inflammation. Together, these approaches encourage a more efficient and comfortable return to your normal activities.
What to Expect During Acupuncture Treatment
An acupuncture session typically begins with an evaluation of your symptoms, knee alignment, and any underlying factors like muscle imbalances. Based on these findings, the practitioner selects specific points around the knee and potentially the hip or lower leg. Fine, sterile needles are inserted gently and may be left in place for a short period (often 10–30 minutes). Most individuals report minimal discomfort—some even find the experience relaxing.
The practitioner may also include other styles of acupuncture treatment like electroacupuncture, trigger point needling, cupping, gua sha (scraping), or heat lamp therapy to offer more comprehensive treatment as needed.
Over multiple sessions, you may notice gradual improvements in pain relief, stability, and range of motion. The frequency and duration of treatment depend on the severity of your bursitis and your response to the therapy, so open communication with your acupuncturist is key.
Integrating Acupuncture Into a Comprehensive Plan
Acupuncture works best when paired with other conservative measures. Consider incorporating:
Targeted Exercises: Continue performing exercises for pes anserine bursitis as recommended by your physical therapist. These may include hamstring stretches, glute strengthening, and core stability drills to support proper knee alignment.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Maintain a healthy weight, use proper footwear, and gradually progress your activity levels to reduce undue stress on the medial knee structures.
Other Therapies: Depending on your condition’s severity, your healthcare team may suggest additional methods like manual therapy, dry needling (another needling style that your acupuncturist may practice), or bracing to provide supplemental support.
Pes Anserine Acupuncture Research Summary
A 2021 review published in the Journal of Acupuncture Research evaluated randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database on pes anserine tendinitis/bursitis (PATB) treatments. Of the 142 studies originally identified, 20 RCTs met the criteria for inclusion. These trials frequently utilized traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions—including acupuncture, manipulation, and external herbal applications—to manage PATB.
The majority of studies showed that acupuncture therapy (with methods like acupotomy, subcutaneous needling, or stiletto needling) significantly improved pain, function, and overall quality of life when compared to control treatments. Many of these RCTs combined acupuncture with other modalities, such as herbal compresses, electroacupuncture, infrared therapy, and conventional Western treatments (e.g., anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or ultrasound-guided interventions).
Though the studies varied in design and combination therapies, the results consistently indicated that acupuncture is both safe and effective for pes anserine bursitis. Participants often experienced reductions in pain scores (VAS), improvements in knee function (Lysholm or HSS scores), and higher clinical efficacy rates compared to control groups. While further high-quality, long-term studies are needed, this review suggests that acupuncture and integrated TCM approaches hold promise as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy for PATB.
Acupuncture Points for Pes Anserine Bursitis
In the reviewed RCTs, certain acupoints appeared frequently across different acupuncture techniques. Points commonly associated with pes anserine bursitis treatment included:
SP10 (Xuehai): Located above the knee, it is often targeted to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation.
ST35 (Dubi): Near the knee joint line, it helps address local pain, swelling, and joint function.
SP9 (Yinlingquan): Known for its ability to regulate fluid and dampness, this point assists in alleviating pain and stiffness.
LR8 (Ququan): Located at the medial knee, it is used to strengthen tendons, improve circulation, and support joint stability.
Acupuncturists often complemented these primary points with “Ashi” points (tender spots), myofascial trigger points, as well as additional acupoints chosen based on individual patient presentations.
Additional Insights
The reviewed RCTs frequently combined acupuncture with other TCM therapies and Western interventions, suggesting a synergistic approach may yield the best outcomes. For example:
External Herbal Applications: Herbal liniments, plasters, and ointments aimed at improving local blood flow, reducing inflammation, and relieving pain.
Manipulation and Physical Therapy: Techniques like manual therapy to improve patellar tracking, massage, and stretching targeted muscle imbalances that strain the pes anserine region.
Integrated Treatment Plans: Many studies incorporated conventional Western treatments such as mild analgesics, anti-inflammatories, or ultrasound guidance, indicating that a hybrid TCM-Western approach can be more effective than any single modality alone.
These findings reinforce that acupuncture is not just a stand-alone therapy, but rather an integral part of a multidisciplinary strategy for managing pes anserine bursitis, improving patient comfort, and accelerating rehabilitation.
Conclusion
Acupuncture offers a scientifically grounded method to help alleviate pes anserine bursitis pain and support the healing process. By improving local circulation, modulating pain signals, and addressing muscle imbalances, acupuncture can be a valuable component of your knee care strategy. When combined with proper exercises, lifestyle adjustments, and possibly other interventions, it sets the stage for meaningful relief and a more confident return to everyday activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will acupuncture alone cure pes anserine bursitis?
Acupuncture can significantly help reduce pain and inflammation, but it’s most effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include exercises, activity modifications, and other therapies.
How many acupuncture sessions are needed to see improvement?
Results vary. Some individuals notice changes after a few sessions, while others may require several weeks to months of treatment. Your practitioner can provide a more personalized timeline based on your progress.
Is acupuncture safe for pes anserine bursitis?
When performed by a qualified, licensed practitioner, acupuncture is generally safe with minimal side effects. Always ensure your provider uses sterile needles and follows proper safety protocols.
Can I combine acupuncture with other treatments like dry needling?
Yes. Acupuncture and dry needling both use fine acupuncture needles but have different target points and methods. Many patients benefit from a combination of techniques tailored to their unique condition.
Do I need to stop exercising or doing stretches if I start acupuncture?
Not necessarily. In fact, continuing with your recommended exercise program and stretches often complements acupuncture’s benefits. Always follow the advice of your healthcare providers to maintain a balanced and safe approach.
Over to you
If you liked this article, please share with friends and family who may be suffering with pes anserine pain.
Sources:
Travell, J. G., Simons, D. G. (1993). Myofascial pain and dysfunction: The trigger point manual. London: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Biel, A., & Dorn, R. (2010). Trail guide to the body: A hands-on guide to locating muscles, bones and more. Boulder, CO: Books of Dicovery.
Janda, Vladimír. “Muscle Function Testing.” (1983).
Mohseni M, Mabrouk A, Li D, et al. Pes Anserine Bursitis. [Updated 2024 Jan 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532941/
Choi* HJ, Back HK, Kim YJ, Oh DY, Park CW, Namgoong J. A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials of Pes Anserinus Tendinitis/Bursitis Syndrome in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database. J Acupunct Res 2021;38:284-292. https://doi.org/10.13045/jar.2021.00192
Disclaimer: This web site is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Reading this website does not constitute providing medical advice or any professional services. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health issue or disease. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Seek the advice of a medical doctor or other qualified health professional for any medical condition. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room. No acupuncturist-patient relationship is created by reading this website or using the information. Morningside Acupuncture PLLC and its employees and contributors do not make any express or implied representations with respect to the information on this site or its use.
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