Hey Caleb,

I am assuming there are no open areas or redness that would indicate an infection.  If that is the case yes small gauge 1/2" needles around the area can facilitate an anti-inflammatory effect and assist in fluid movement.  

By "around the area" you mean just throughout, but directly int the bursa? Would the frequency of needling be closer to 1x a week, or would I want to needle at a higher frequency to maintain the anti-inflammatory response? (For reference this is my own knee, so I have some flexibility) 

Yes around it fine - you dont need to "pierce" the bursa and yes I would do it every other day for a few days to gauge the response.  Obviously it has been going on for 5 weeks so DN wil be an adjunct to address the neurochemical issues but will need additional management that you may already be doing and the DN will facilitate you making progress.