Harnessing Auricular Acupuncture and Deep Oscillation for Knee Pain Relief: A Case Study By Ben Neves

In the world of alternative therapies, innovations and intuitive combinations of techniques often yield remarkable results. One such combination I recently explored involves using Auricular Acupuncture alongside Deep Oscillation therapy for treating knee pain—a case that delivered both surprising and extraordinary outcomes.

Clinical Presentation

My patient, a middle-aged woman, presented with persistent arthritic knee discomfort. Over the course of several months, these symptoms had further exacerbated after a gradual onset. She evaluated her pain as "severe pain/very intense" on a subjective scale of 7/10 (refer to the diagram below). Her daily activities were rendered challenging by the discomfort, which was obstructing her mobility.

Faces pain scale. Doctors pain assessment scale. Comparative pain scale chart. Faces pain rating tool. Visual pain chart. Vector illustration. Healthcare concept. 4

Clinical reasoning

Although knee pain is frequently alleviated through a variety of conventional and alternative treatments, I opted to pursue a somewhat unconventional approach combining Auricular Acupuncture with Deep Oscillation therapy (DOT) on the ear, followed by a further DOT treatment to the knee.

The efficacy of both modalities independently, notably in the context of pain, osteoarthritis, and rehabilitation, is supported by existing research [1-18].

Auricular acupuncture is founded on the premise that the ear is a microsystem that reflects the entire body. Numerous organs and systems, including joints such as the knee, are associated with specific locations on the ear.

deep oscillation impact through 8cm tissue layers

DOT is an internationally patented, proven technology based on the effects of creating an electrostatic field in the tissue of the patient. In contrast to externally applied, mechanical forms of therapy, (e.g. vibration), the therapy effect of DOT takes place in the tissue itself and works through the entire depth of the tissue layers to a depth of 8 cm (skin, connective tissue, subcutaneous fat, muscles, blood and lymph vessels). Easy application is from therapist to patient/client via hygienic, vinyl gloved hands; utilizing all normal massage movements or via circular movements over the tissue with a handheld applicator.

Although DOT is typically applied initially directly to the area of discomfort, I hypothesised, that the therapeutic effects of the treatment could further enhance my clients outcome by first applying it to the acupuncture points on the ear, whilst the ASP needles were in place, before then continuing DOT treatment to the knee joint.

Treatment Protocol

ear

I employed a Pointoselect device to identify the precise auricular sites that corresponded to the knee in order to initiate the treatment. The electrical conductivity of the epidermis is detected by this device, which results in an increase in the number of overactive acupuncture points.

I inserted ASP (semi-permanent) needles into the corresponding locations on the ear after identifying these sites. The insertion of these needles is generally rapid and relatively painless, resulting in a subtle, continuous stimulus to the acupuncture points. These are designed to stay in ear points for 2-5 days post treatment for continued results.
DOT was applied directly over the auricular points at 60 Hz, where the ASP needles were positioned for 5 minutes.
I then applied Deep Oscillation to the knee, using the two gloved hand method: 200 Hz to 250 Hz for 5 minutes, followed by 60 Hz for 4 minutes, then 14 Hz to 30 Hz for 5 mins.

Frequency Rationale

High: 200-250Hz

To reduce pain, activate the lymphatic network, and break down metabolic waste.

Medium: 25-80 Hz

Ideally suited to aiding microcirculation, specifically between the interstitial spaces promote mobility, flexibility and movement.

As I gently applied Deep Oscillation over the patient's ear, something remarkable occurred. The patient’s leg began to twitch involuntarily when I passed over the joint and muscular points associated with the knee. This response indicated a direct neurological and muscular connection being stimulated through the ear points—a clear sign that the treatment was reaching the intended areas of the body.

At this point, the patient described an immediate sensation of lightness and a reduction in pain at this point, her knee, which had been stiff and painful, felt freer, and she was able to bend it with greater ease, which continued to improve when the deep oscillation was further applied to the knee joint via the gloved hand method..

Result

By the end of the session, she rated her pain level as 2/10 - mild pain (down from 7/10), significantly lower, and the range of motion in her knee had noticeably improved.

This treatment approach was continued over the following weeks with consistent follow-up treatments leading to further improvements in pain management and joint function, 1-2/10 (very mild - discomforting to mild).

The patient reported not only a significant reduction in pain but also increased mobility and a decreased reliance on pain medication.

The combination of auricular acupuncture and Deep Oscillation therapy appeared to facilitate the reduction of inflammation and the improvement of local circulation, contributing to the overall reduction in arthritic symptoms.

Continued therapy sessions focused on maintaining these gains, with periodic assessments to adjust treatment as necessary.

Over time, my patient experienced sustained pain relief, improved quality of life, and the ability to engage more comfortably in daily activities. My patient no longer needs to attend my clinic.

Conclusion

The success of this treatment highlights the synergistic potential of combining Auricular Acupuncture with Deep Oscillation therapy. The precise stimulation of the auricular points using acupuncture needles, coupled with the deep mechanical effect of deep oscillation, appears to create a powerful therapeutic outcome. While further exploration and clinical trials would be needed to fully understand the mechanisms at play, this case suggests that applying Deep Oscillation over auricular acupuncture points can enhance the body's response to treatment, particularly for pain relief and improved mobility.

References

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