Kane Monrad Acupuncture Specialist from Hamilton treating knee problems
There are many types of knee pain arising from internal conditions such as arthritis as well as injury related problems.
We ask Kane Monrad from Connect Therapies in Hamilton what are the main knee problems he encounters in the clinic. He says “I see a mix of chronic type knee problems like arthritis, Baker’s cysts as well acute injuries like cruciate ligament and meniscus tears. I also see a lot of post knee surgery rehabilitation patients”
ACC covers all knee injuries in New Zealand for acupuncture treatment. Moxibustion is considered a major tool to be used in conjunction with acupuncture. The heating action of moxibustion promotes blood and energy circulation which then accelerates the rehabilitation and recovery process. Tendons and ligaments do not have an abundant blood supply and from a Chinese medicine perspective become “dry” because they are not being nourished by ample blood. This is where moxibustion or the self help home care care application of using moxa patches is recommended to enhance the recovery process.
Patients are often surprised when needles are inserted nowhere near the injured knee. There may be needles inserted in the opposite elbow or in the feet or even back.
There are unique needling methods that have been developed by a modern day physician Master Tung. He has left behind a legacy of knowledge and needling techniques that he was generous enough to teach to many devoted students. Kane Monrad of Hamilton has been fortunate enough to have partaken in the extensive Tung training learning these techniques.
The author sees many patients with knee problems due to arthritis, both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Chinese medicine causes of arthritis are due to a declining kidney and liver energy as well coming from an accumulation of outside environmental factors such as damp and cold. There are acupuncture points to resolve dampness which then via a diuretic action help reduce the oedema and swelling associated with arthritis of the knee.
A good exercise to help strengthen knees is an ancient kung fu and qi gong exercise known as the horse stance. It can be observed here in another post where Michael Goodhue is demonstrating it.
