Is the synovitis patch effective as a Sanfu patch?

Increasingly, more people are recognizing the importance of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and many opt for TCM treatments for various diseases. Although TCM therapies may take longer to show effects, they are generally safe, effective, and capable of addressing conditions at their root.

TCM offers numerous therapeutic approaches, among which topical herbal plasters—especially the “Sanfu Tie” (Three-Heat Plaster)—are most commonly used. Widely applied in clinical practice, Sanfu Tie is employed to treat a broad spectrum of disorders. So, does applying Sanfu Tie help with synovitis?

Is Sanfu Tie Effective for Synovitis?

In most cases, applying Sanfu Tie can be beneficial for synovitis. It provides certain analgesic (pain-relieving) effects, though it cannot achieve a complete cure. Sanfu Tie is a TCM therapy integrating acupuncture, meridian theory, and herbal medicine: herbal formulations are directly applied to acupoints, generating localized chemical and thermal stimulation that helps both treat and prevent disease. Sanfu Tie can indeed offer some therapeutic benefit for synovitis, as it promotes local blood circulation, resolves blood stasis, reduces swelling and pain, and maintains warmth in the affected area—particularly advantageous during colder months.

Applying Sanfu Tie is indeed helpful for synovitis. After diagnosis of knee joint synovitis, Sanfu Tie may also be used. Beyond maintaining local warmth and alleviating pain, Sanfu Tie enhances blood circulation and eases local stiffness. In addition to Sanfu Tie, patients may consider using warming plasters or undergoing acupuncture—both of which promote blood circulation and resolve stasis. Nevertheless, targeted treatment remains essential upon diagnosis of synovitis. Patients experiencing severe pain may require oral or topical analgesics.

We recommend that patients seek timely medical consultation whenever symptoms arise and follow their physician’s guidance for condition-specific treatment. Self-medicating without professional advice should be avoided to prevent disease progression. We hope this information has been helpful to you.