swollen knees

Hi @nancymac67, and welcome to Connect. I would encourage you to read through the discussion on knee replacements, which includes pre- and post-opp (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/im-having-knee-replacement-l-on-june-20th-any-suggestions-on-how/). I think you may be able to relate to some of the conversation and members.

I'm also tagging @dongee, @tomg and @niazummbaunt - who have recently wrote about knee replacement, pain, etc.

It would be beneficial for the group to have other therapy methods beyond injections. Are you in PT? What exercises have you found helpful, if any?

Bought "Mayo Clinic on Arthritis" book some time ago. It is advice on how to "manage pain and lead an active life". It is worth its weight in gold.
On page 170 it discusses "acupuncture". As a last resort I tried it and so far after 2 months of treatment I am pain free etc. I believe that you may have to find a competent Acupuncurist. Good luck!

Could you please tell me how many times you went and how long did it take to feel results?

After having extensive physiotherapy and hydrotherapy I was still in constant pain. It was out of desperation that I went to an acupuncturist. It was twice a week for the first month and then fortnightly for the past 6 weeks. I understand that after my next visit I will probably have to have monthly visits. After the first visit it was unbelievable; the relief was amazing, but at first it did not extend past a couple of days. I began acupuncture in the middle of March and now I am completely out of pain and no swelling. I have an exercise bike which I use most days - only to keep the circulation going. I normally walk the dog at least 6 kms a day on reasonably flat ground. I have been a pilates enthusiast for the past 30 years. I am 73 years old. The acupuncturist practices Japanese Acupuncture and visits Japan on a regular basis. I live in Australia and am subsidised by my private health insurance. My son is a Medical Doctor and is amazed at my results. My Orthopaedic Surgeon is also impressed and says not being overweight contributes to my success. He has had other patients who have had similar results to mine. I have followed Mayo Clinic for quite a few years and always value and appreciate their opinions. Good luck in whatever works for you.

I have researched acupuncture and been impressed by positive results for those suffering from lower back pain.I just had my second acupuncture session a few days ago. I awoke the next morning feeling better than I had in a long time. However, i went to my prescheduled physical therapy session that same day for massage and stretching. By the end of the day and continuing through the next day, pain was back. I have decided to postpone PT since I may be mixing the proverbial apples & oranges. I want to focus on the acupuncture potential for pain relief and your message has made me even more hopeful.