Successful Needle Technique for Patellar Pain Syndromes

In this traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture technique, known as Wei Long Ci, 6-8 needles are used to surround the anatomical tissue or area of patellar pain. For the best effect, the needles should be inserted on opposite sides of the affected tissue and directed toward each other. This technique is commonly used for cysts, masses or patellar conditions such as chondromalacia or patellofemoral pain syndromes.

With the knee relaxed in extension, needle the perimeter of the patella. Using the classical needle technique Wei Long Ci, the practitioner inserts seven 1.5 inch/40 mm needles directed under the patella toward the center of the bone. Moxa or electro-acupuncture may be used when applicable.

The needles are inserted at the following locations and in this order:

1. Halfway between the superior and inferior pole of the patella on both the left and right.
2. The superior-lateral border of the patella.
3. The superior-medial border of the patella.
4. Extra point heding.
5. ST 35 (dubi)
6. Extra point medial xiyan.

Watch this demonstration video on a cadaver specimen to see the underlying tissues targeted by this needle technique, helping practitioners effectively address patellar pain:

Come and check out the MANY different assessment and treatment techniques for hip and lower extremity injuries. Instructor: Matt Callison, 33 years experience in treating orthopedic injuries from a sports medicine and traditional Chinese medicine approach.