Conquering the Big Three: Low Back, Shoulder, and Knee Pain — How Acupuncture Can Help

As an acupuncturist, I often say there’s a “Big Three” when it comes to chronic pain regardless of lifestyle: low back pain, shoulder pain, and knee pain. These joints are workhorses of the body, carrying loads, facilitating movement, and enabling daily function. Yet they’re also prime targets for strain, degeneration, and injury.

If you’re living with persistent pain in these areas, you’re not alone. Let’s explore why these joints hurt so often—and how our approach to acupuncture offers effective, holistic relief.

1. Low Back Pain

Fast Fact: Low back pain affects up to 80% of adults at some point in their lives, and it’s the leading cause of disability worldwide (WHO).

Why Does Low Back Pain Happen?

• Muscle strain – Poor posture, lifting injuries, or repetitive bending

• Disc issues – Herniated or degenerated discs can press on nerves

• Joint dysfunction – Facet joint arthritis or sacroiliac (SI) joint problems

• Stress and tension – Emotional stress creates muscular tightness

2. Shoulder Pain

Fast Fact: Shoulder pain affects about 18–26% of adults at some point. It’s the third most common musculoskeletal complaint after low back and neck pain (NIH).

Why Does Shoulder Pain Happen?

• Rotator cuff injuries – Small tears or inflammation of the shoulder’s stabilizing tendons

• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) – Painful stiffness limiting motion

• Bursitis or tendinitis – Swelling of soft tissue structures

• Referred pain – From neck problems or nerve entrapment

3. Knee Pain

Fast Fact: Knee pain affects about 25% of adults, and rates are rising due to aging populations and obesity (CDC).

Why Does Knee Pain Happen?

• Osteoarthritis – Cartilage breakdown causing joint stiffness and pain

• Ligament injuries – ACL, MCL, or meniscus tears

• Patellar pain syndrome – Pain around the kneecap due to overuse

• Inflammation – Bursitis, synovitis, or rheumatoid arthritis

How Acupuncture Helps

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, pain often arises from internal deficiency, qi and blood stagnation, or cold-damp invading the joints, due to overuse or trauma. Chronic pain may also indicate an underlying deficiency that prevents proper healing. When the energy weakens, pain and stiffness can follow.

Although the underlying diagnosis varies very little from one provider to another, no other clinic treats pain like we do by combining ancient Eastern wisdom and modern techniques. We excel in treating pain by:

• Reduces pain signals and eases inflammation – Studies show acupuncture triggers endorphin release, dampening pain pathways, and clams the nervous system. Needling reduces pro-inflammatory chemicals and helps control swelling in arthritis or injuries.

• Improving circulation – Needles boost local blood flow, speeding healing and improves delivery of nutrients to cartilage and tissues

• Relieves muscle tension – Motor points and muscle trigger points can release chronic tension zones

• Releases adhesions and restores range of motion – Helps “unglue” tight connective tissue and encourages better joint mobility

• Rebalances energy and strengthens tissues– Addressing organ deficiency or Qi-Blood stagnation restores harmony and balances underlying deficiencies for long-term healing

In many cases, our patients feel reduced pain after the first session, with sustained improvement over 4-6 weeks. In clinical practice, acupuncture is particularly helpful for knee osteoarthritis and frozen shoulder, which can otherwise linger for months. Our patients experience significant pain reduction and improved mobility compared to localized treatment modalities which only treat the pain areas.

Why Our Treatments Work So Well

In TCM, chronic pain is often the result of energy imbalances or blockages. Modern science shows acupuncture:

• Stimulates endorphins – Natural painkillers that soothe pain signals

• Regulates inflammation – Reduces pro-inflammatory markers like TNF-alpha

• Enhances circulation – Speeds healing by bringing oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues

• Balances the nervous system – Helps reduce stress, muscle guarding, and chronic tension

But our approach is more than just a physical treatment. It addresses the whole person, considering stress, emotions, diet, and lifestyle. By restoring this balance, acupuncture offers relief that’s not just temporary but lasting and preventive.

A Word on Treatment Frequency

• Acute pain – 1–2 sessions per week for 2–3 weeks

• Chronic pain – Weekly treatments for 6–8 weeks, then maintenance as needed

Many patients feel relief after just one or two sessions, but consistency is key for long-term change.

Final Thoughts

Low back, shoulder, and knee pain can steal joy from everyday life. But you don’t have to accept chronic pain as your “new normal.” Acupuncture offers a time-tested, scientifically backed way to:

✅ Reduce pain

✅ Improve mobility

✅ Speed healing

✅ Treat the root cause—not just symptoms

If you’re struggling with any of the “Big Three,” let’s talk. At our clinic, we’ll create a personalized plan to help you move, live, and feel better.

Book your consultation today—and take your first step toward pain-free living.