Adjunct Placement for Acupuncture Points and Trigger Points for Knee Pain

The Primary Placement shown in the Knee Pain Treatment Protocol is the recommended starting point. The placements below are optional Adjunct Placements that may be considered when symptoms correspond with particular areas of tenderness, muscular involvement or movement restriction, or when the Primary Placement alone is not providing the desired response.Adjunct Placements may be used alongside the Primary Placement, at different times, or when exploring other placement options. In some situations, an appropriately selected distal acupuncture point may also be useful on its own. Under the Field | Dose | Placement (FDP) principle, select from the recommended placements according to where symptoms are felt, tenderness, movement restriction and individual response rather than routinely applying every point listed.

Recommended Additional Placements

Acupuncture Points

Xiyan/Dubi (M-LE-16) – Medium Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – M
A local knee placement around the region of the kneecap. It may be considered where symptoms or tenderness are concentrated around the knee joint.
ST36 – Medium Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – M
A point located below the knee on the front-lateral aspect of the lower leg. This provides an additional placement option away from the immediate knee joint.
GB34 – Medium Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – M
Located on the outer side of the upper lower leg, below the knee. It may be considered where discomfort or tenderness involves the lateral aspect of the knee and surrounding region.
SP9 – Medium Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – M
Located on the inner side of the upper lower leg, below the knee. It may be considered where symptoms or tenderness are more prominent around the medial knee region.

Myofascial Trigger Points

Vastus Medialis Trigger Point – Large Quadrapolar/Hexapolar or Extra Large OF50-3 or CF50-3 – L / XL
The vastus medialis lies on the inner portion of the quadriceps above the knee. Consider this placement where there is identifiable muscular tenderness or sensitivity in this region.
Vastus Lateralis Trigger Point – Large Quadrapolar/Hexapolar or Extra Large OF50-3 or CF50-3 – L / XL
The vastus lateralis lies along the outer portion of the thigh above the knee. It may be considered where muscular tenderness or restriction is more prominent on the lateral side.
Popliteus Trigger Point – Medium Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – M
The popliteus is associated with the posterior knee region. Consider this placement where a relevant tender or sensitive area can be identified behind the knee.

Practical Placement Guidance

Begin with the Primary Placement shown in the Knee Pain Treatment Protocol, which places Q Magnets around the knee joint spaces according to the severity and distribution of symptoms.

When considering Adjunct Placements, gently palpate the relevant areas and prioritise points that best correspond with:

local tenderness or sensitivity;
where the knee discomfort is most noticeable;
tenderness in the quadriceps or surrounding musculature;
restriction or discomfort associated with movement;
the individual’s response to the Primary Placement and any Adjunct Placement already being used.

For the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis, use L Large for a more focal trigger-point placement. The supported XL Extra Large option is intended where broader 50 mm coverage of the muscle region is required rather than simply because a larger magnet is available.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Knee pain can arise from different structures and underlying causes. Persistent, unexplained, worsening or severe knee symptoms should be assessed by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional, particularly where there has been significant injury, substantial loss of function or other concerning symptoms.

This information is intended as educational placement guidance and does not replace diagnosis, medical assessment or treatment recommended by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.