Acupuncture for Knee Pain in NYC

Manhattan Physical Therapy

Acupuncture for Knee Pain in NYC

Key Takeaways:

  • Knee pain is common and can be caused by arthritis, sports injuries, overuse, or daily wear and tear, often limiting mobility for New Yorkers.

  • Acupuncture provides natural relief by reducing inflammation, easing stiffness, improving circulation, and stimulating the body’s natural painkillers.

  • Treatment benefits include pain reduction, better mobility, less reliance on medications, stress relief, and improved quality of life.

  • Sessions are safe and gentle, using ultra-fine, sterile needles. Most patients feel relaxed, with many noticing relief within 4–6 treatments.

  • Suitable for diverse patients, from athletes recovering from injuries to older adults managing arthritis or post-surgical pain.

  • Acupuncture offers an alternative to invasive procedures and provides lasting relief when performed by a licensed expert.

What Is Knee Pain and Why Does It Happen?

Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal issues, affecting people of all ages. It can result from arthritis, sports injuries, overuse, or even everyday wear and tear. For many New Yorkers, knee pain makes it difficult to walk long distances, take the subway stairs, or stay active. Left untreated, it may limit mobility and reduce quality of life.

How Can Acupuncture Help with Knee Pain?

Acupuncture is a time-tested therapy that uses fine, sterile needles placed at specific points on the body. These points stimulate natural healing processes, improve circulation, and release endorphins—the body’s natural pain relievers. For knee pain, acupuncture helps reduce inflammation, ease stiffness, and improve overall joint function without the side effects of long-term medication use.

Who Provides Acupuncture for Knee Pain in NYC?

In New York City, John Miller is a licensed acupuncturist who specializes in orthopedic and trigger-point acupuncture. He earned his Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the New England School of Acupuncture (NESA), where he trained under Stephen Cina, Department Chair of Orthopedic Acupuncture. John combines traditional Chinese medicine with modern clinical approaches to create treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique condition.

He also provides effective care for sciatica, shoulder pain, and other musculoskeletal issues, helping patients restore mobility and reduce discomfort.

  • Aching, stabbing, or throbbing pain in the neck

  • Limited range of motion or stiffness

  • Headaches that start at the base of the skull

  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating into the arms

  • Shoulder or upper back discomfortHere's some stuff

What Are the Benefits of Acupuncture for Knee Pain?

Acupuncture provides both immediate and long-term benefits for people struggling with knee discomfort. Key advantages include:

  • Stimulates endorphins to reduce discomfort.

  • Encourages circulation and fluid balance around the knee joint.

  • Restores range of motion, especially for arthritis or post-injury stiffness.

  • Offers an alternative for patients who want to reduce medication use.

  • Sessions promote relaxation, which can lower pain-related tension.

  • Works well alongside physical therapy, exercise, or medical treatments.

Where Are Acupuncture Points for Knee Pain Located?

Acupuncturists often use a combination of local and distal points to treat knee pain. Commonly used points include:

  • ST36 (Zusanli): Below the knee, improves strength and circulation.

  • SP9 (Yinlingquan): Inside the leg below the knee, helpful for joint swelling.

  • GB34 (Yanglingquan): On the outer leg, beneficial for tendons and ligaments.

  • EX-LE4 (Neixiyan): Around the knee joint itself, often used for targeted pain relief.

While these points are frequently chosen, every treatment plan is personalized. John Miller considers the patient’s overall health, lifestyle, and medical history to create an approach that supports lasting recovery.

What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session for Knee Pain

For many first-time patients, knowing what to expect helps reduce any uncertainty. During your initial visit, John Miller will review your medical history, lifestyle, and specific knee pain concerns. After this consultation, he will identify acupuncture points tailored to your condition.
The treatment involves the placement of very fine, sterile needles at these points.

Most patients report only mild sensations such as a tingling or warming feeling. Sessions typically last between 30 to 45 minutes, during which you can relax in a calm setting. Many patients feel immediate relief, while others notice gradual improvement after several sessions.

How Many Treatments Are Usually Needed?

The number of treatments varies depending on the cause and severity of your knee pain. Acute injuries may respond well within a few sessions, while chronic conditions such as arthritis may require ongoing care. On average, patients begin noticing improvements within 4–6 treatments. John Miller designs individualized treatment schedules, often combining acupuncture with lifestyle advice to support faster recovery.

Who Can Benefit Most from Acupuncture for Knee Pain?

Acupuncture can help a wide range of patients, from athletes recovering from sports injuries to older adults managing arthritis. It is also effective for people with:

  • Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis causing stiffness and swelling.

  • Tendon or ligament injuries such as sprains or strains.

  • Post-surgical recovery to reduce pain and speed healing.

  • Chronic overuse pain from activities like running or prolonged standing.

Why Choose Acupuncture for Knee Pain in NYC?

New York City offers countless healthcare options, but acupuncture provides a safe, natural, and effective way to manage pain without dependency on medication or invasive procedures. Patients choose acupuncture because it addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of knee discomfort.


With John Miller’s specialized training in orthopedic acupuncture and trigger-point therapy, patients receive care that blends traditional wisdom with modern clinical expertise. His patient-centered approach ensures treatments are not only effective but also tailored to individual needs, helping restore mobility and improve quality of life.

Conclusion

Acupuncture stands as a proven, natural, and minimally invasive option for managing knee pain. By improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and stimulating the body’s own healing responses, it offers both immediate comfort and long-lasting benefits. If chronic or recurring knee pain is holding you back, consider exploring this effective approach to care.


To learn more or schedule your first appointment with John Miller, Licensed Acupuncturist in New York City, call (212)-213-3480 today. Take the first step toward restoring mobility and rediscovering a pain-free lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: How soon will I feel relief after acupuncture?

Some people notice immediate improvements after their first session, while others experience gradual relief over several treatments. Consistency is key for lasting results.

Question 2: Can acupuncture help knee arthritis?

Yes. Acupuncture is commonly used to reduce arthritis-related knee pain, stiffness, and inflammation. It can improve mobility and complement other treatments like physical therapy.

Question 3: How long do the effects of acupuncture last?

Relief duration varies by individual and condition. Many patients report long-term benefits, especially when acupuncture is combined with lifestyle changes and preventive care.

Question 4: Is acupuncture safe for knee pain?

When performed by a licensed practitioner, acupuncture is considered safe with minimal side effects. John Miller uses sterile, single-use needles for every treatment.

What Do They Say About Us?

Alexander Liu

"Everyone on the team at Manhattan Physical Therapy is super nice and caring. They were able to pretty quickly diagnose my knee and hip problems and immediately put me to work to reduce the pain."

Henry Myerberg

"You're not just a patient when you come to the Manhattan Physical Therapy. You feel like family there. In particular, Erica with her colleagues John, Lidia and Joe not only fix and improve you physically, they make you feel welcomed and cared for."

Hakyung Kim

"Everyone is so kind and helpful! my knee and hip pain have improved massively since starting Manhattan PT, highly recommend to anyone. special thanks to Bianca, Lidia, Joe, and John!"


Manhattan Physical Therapy

✆ Phone (appointments):
(212) 213-3480

Address: 385 5th Ave, Suite 503, New York, NY 10016