Needle-free Acupuncture for KNEE PAIN – Using TENS (Self-Treatment)

In this video, I will show you some knee acupuncture points that can help with your knee pain. 

Without the use of needles, you can use a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) device and place the electrodes on these acupuncture points for knee pain. The setting that can effectively stimulate knee acupuncture points are:

Pulse Width – 200 microseconds

Frequency – 4 Hertz

Mode – Normal

Place the 2 electrode pads on each of the acupuncture points on the side of knee pain.

The stimulation mode will be under N, or normal setting (in some devices it may be C – for constant), and the sensation should feel like a tap tap tap sensation. Turn the intensity dial clockwise or up until you feel a mild and comfortable tapping sensation. You can expect some movement of the muscles in the thigh and lower leg and this is normal. This is because of the nerve stimulation which contracts the muscles.

How to find these Acupuncture Points for Knee Pain

The first point is on the inside of the knee where the bulge of the inside quads, or VMO is located. You may find this when you are pushing your knee down to the floor (i.e. fully straightening your leg). Pushing on this acupuncture point will be tender.

The second point that you can place the electrodes is located just outside and below the knee, where a bony prominence is felt. This is your fibular head. Once you find this point, move about an inch down from that bony prominence and an inch towards your midline and that is the acupuncture point. Again, you should feel some tenderness when you push on this area.

Set the timer on the device to 15 minutes, and you can repeat this 3 times per day, as needed.

Hope you find these acupuncture points helpful for your knee pain. Feel free to share this video with someone who has knee pain and/or just wants to improve their knee health. If you have any questions, reach out to one of our Burnaby Physiotherapists at EastWest Physiotherapy.