I previously wrote about knee pain where X-rays showed “nothing wrong” — yet the pain continued. That post was about how fat tissue can actually be the culprit.
Today, let’s talk about the opposite scenario: when imaging does show abnormalities — specifically, structural deformity.
How Common Is Knee Deformity?
According to research, knee deformities begin appearing in the 40s. By the 70s, 60% of men and 80% of women show deformity on imaging.
But here’s the crucial question: of those people with deformity, how many actually had knee pain?
The answer? Only about one-third to one-half.
Doesn’t that make you think twice about the assumption that deformity automatically means pain?
Breaking Free from the “Deformity = Pain” Spell
“The doctor said my bones are deformed.”
“They told me my cartilage is worn down and that’s causing the pain.”
I hear this from clients all the time.
When you see the X-ray image and have it explained to you, it’s natural to think, “Ah, so that’s what’s causing my pain.”
But have you ever had the pain-free knee checked too?
At our clinic, we use ultrasound to observe knees — and in many cases, the pain-free knee shows the same deformity as the painful one.
Both knees are deformed, yet only one hurts. What does that tell us?
Focus on Fascia, Not Bone
It means the deformed bone itself isn’t necessarily the problem.
Looking closely at the ultrasound images, the painful knee shows a certain area where the tissue appears more irregular — thicker, more tangled — compared to the other side.
When we needle that specific area, knee pain often disappears on the spot.
That area is fascia.
Acupuncture can’t change bone deformity in one session — obviously. But the fact that targeting this tissue resolves pain tells us fascia is where the real issue lies.
So if you’ve been told “you have knee deformity, so you just have to live with it” or “surgery is your only option” — and you’re feeling discouraged — know that treating the fascia might be the solution.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation.
Before You Visit…
Fair warning: our English is a work in progress! (Ha!)
But thanks to the magic of translation apps, we communicate just fine with patients from around the world.
Your body speaks a universal language — and that’s the one we’re fluent in.
