Acupuncture. A study published in 1999 suggests that acupuncture treatments combined with physiotherapy are more effective than physiotherapy alone in reducing symptoms of cancer. femoro-patellar syndrome and improve physical abilities. Lasting 1 year, this study was conducted on 75 people suffering from patellofemoral syndrome during physical activity (for an average of 6 ½ years)⁶. 

 biofeedback. The use of biofeedback to reduce pain associated with patellofemoral syndrome was evaluated in a preliminary study of 26 people. According to this study, biofeedback would speed up healing¹¹.

 Arnica (Arnica montana). Commission E recognizes that arnica flowers have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties when used topically to treat joint disorders.

Dosage

Arnica-based ointments are available on the market. These preparations should contain 20% to 25% tincture or 15% arnica oil to have an effect. You can also apply to the knee compresses or poultices soaked in an infusion prepared by putting 2 g of dried flowers in 100 ml of boiling water (infuse for 5 to 10 minutes and let cool before use). Consult the Arnica file.

 Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens). Commission E and ESCOP have recognized the effectiveness of the root of this African plant in relieving arthritis and musculoskeletal pain. The majority of studies done so far have focused on lower back pain and arthritis. Devil’s claw is believed to reduce the production of leukotrienes, substances involved in the inflammation process.

Dosage

Consult our Devil’s Claw sheet.

Notes

It is recommended to follow this treatment for at least 2 or 3 months in order to take full advantage of its effects.

 Boswellie (Boswellia serrata). In traditional medicines from India and China, the resin that exudes from the trunk of this large frankincense tree native to the Indian subcontinent is used as an anti-inflammatory. For more information, see our Boswellie fact sheet.

Dosage

Take 300 mg to 400 mg, 3 times a day, of an extract standardized to 37,5% boswellic acids.

Notes

It may take 4 to 8 weeks for the therapeutic effects to appear fully.

 Pine gum (Pinus sp). In the past, pine gum was used to treat joint and muscle pain (sprains, sore muscles, tendonitis, etc.). To our knowledge, no scientific research has been conducted on pine gum.

Dosage

Apply the gum, cover with a piece of flannel and keep for 3 days. Repeat as needed.

Remark

After 3 days, the body will have absorbed the gum and the poultice will then be removed without difficulty. Hence the importance of following the instructions for use.

 White willow (Salix alba). The bark of the white willow contains salicine, the molecule which is at the origin of acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin®). It has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Although it has been used for thousands of years to treat tendon conditions, no clinical trials have been conducted to confirm this use. However, several trials support its effectiveness in relieving low back pain.^4,5.

Dosage

Consult our White Willow file.

 Osteopathy . In the case of the iliotibial band friction syndrome, the symptoms are sometimes maintained by a slight imbalance of the pelvis which can be improved by mobilizations in osteopathy.

 Shock waves. For people with chronic patellar tendonitis, shockwave therapy would help relieve pain¹⁰, according to old preliminary studies. This treatment, which is usually used against kidney stones (extracorporeal lithotripsy), consists of generating powerful waves on the skin which will reach the injured tendon and promote its healing. In 2007, a study carried out on 73 athletes suffering from patellar tendonitis showed that shock wave treatment (on average 4 sessions 2 to 7 days apart) contributes to healing.¹², but further studies will be needed to confirm the validity of this technique.