Amanda Roe: Acupuncture and Clinical Hypnotherapist.
Call 087 6331898
Email: amanda@roehealth.ie
Knee problems are one of the most common reasons people visit their GP. Whether caused by sports injuries, years of physical work, or the gradual wear and tear of arthritis, knee pain can make even the simplest daily activities diffcult. When walking, climbing stairs, or even resting at night becomes a struggle, surgery is sometimes the only option.
There are several types of knee surgery. Some are relatively minor, such as arthroscopic repairs for torn ligaments or meniscus injuries, often done through small keyhole incisions. Others are more major, like ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction, usually required after sports injuries where the ligament tears and stability is lost. At the other end of the scale are total knee replacements, performed when arthritis has destroyed the cushioning cartilage, leaving painful bone-on-bone contact.
While these operations vary in scale, they all share one thing: recovery. Recovery is just as important as the surgery itself. Patients often face swelling, stiffness, scar tissue, and muscle weakness in the weeks and months afterwards. This is where acupuncture can make a powerful difference across all types of knee surgery.
From around four weeks post-surgery, acupuncture can be safely introduced to aid recovery. In the early stages it helps to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and stimulate circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients directly to the tissues that need repair. It also calms the nervous system, easing stress and improving sleep, both vital for healing.
As recovery progresses, acupuncture can be applied directly around the scar. Scar tissue often forms tight, fibrous bands that restrict movement or irritates nerve endings, leading to tingling, numbness, or ongoing discomfort. Acupuncture helps to soften adhesions, restore flexibility, and regulate nerve activity, making movement more comfortable and natural.
Electroacupuncture, where a gentle electrical current is passed through the needles, can also be used to activate key muscles in the thigh and calf. This helps strengthen and reactivate the muscles without placing strain on the knee, complementing physiotherapy, which retrains movement patterns and strengthens the joint.
Acupuncture also enhances circulation, reduces inflammation, and relaxes the whole body. Many patients report reduced anxiety and an improved sense of wellbeing, which indirectly speeds up recovery by helping the body stay in balance.
In short, while surgery repairs the joint, acupuncture bridges the gap between the operating theatre and full recovery. Whatever the procedure, from minor repairs to full replacement, acupuncture supports not just the knee, but the whole body, helping patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and return to living life fully.
Amanda Roe is a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Acupuncturist, Chinese herbalist, Life and Health coach specialising in Women’s Health. She offers a range of services including acupuncture for pelvic floor dysfunction, scar’s, pain and fertility. She combines this with clinical hypnotherapy to help people suffering with trauma, fears, phobias and eating disorders. For more information or to book a consultation visit www.roehealth.ie or call/ text Amanda on: 087 6331898
