Knee issues and ailments can be painful and frustrating to live with, and the prospect of surgery is scary. To reduce pain, and help the healing process, it's a sound idea to follow a few simple alternative treatments.
Physical Therapy
The aim of physical therapy is to strengthen the muscles around the knee, to help restore stability to your knee. This will relieve pain and prevent further damage. Talk to your doctor about physical therapy programs. Typical programs will last two to four weeks, during which a therapist will work with you and help you rebuild the muscles in your leg. Once the program is over, stick with the prescribed exercises.
Some patients also opt for massage therapy. Trained massage therapists work with your muscles to stimulate circulation, relieve pain and promote healing. Like physical therapy, talk to your doctor before treatment.
Everyday Methods
Taking care of your knee and allowing it to repair itself takes constant effort. Stretch your knees daily, but never push yourself past what is comfortable. Make sure you do not overexert yourself, resting when necessary. Icing the knee is recommended as well; 20 minutes three times a day is acceptable. Along with this, compression will help prevent fluid buildup in damaged tissue. Ask your doctor about a proper compression bandage. Last, elevate your leg when possible, to promote circulation and drain unwanted fluids.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can relieve pain in the joints, by unblocking "qi" (pronounced "chi"), as tradition would dictate. Most doctors would argue that the of endorphins and neurotransmitters relieve the pain. Regardless of how it works, research points to successful pain relief. If you want acupuncture treatment, consult your doctor.
Consult a Doctor
Always consult a doctor about your condition. Trying to improve your health is fine, but many things can affect your knees, and it's always expedient to have a doctor assess your situation. Ask for treatment options that your doctor approves of before pursuing any type of treatment.
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