Are you seeking a natural remedy to alleviate joint pain and stiffness? Consider acupuncture for osteoarthritis, a treatment that might provide the relief you have been looking for.
Did you know? More than 32.5 million adults in the U.S. are suffering from osteoarthritis, as provided by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is leading to disability, especially among older adults. While conventional medicine lends its hand to pain relief and surgical procedures, people are drifting towards a safer alternative, a drugless remedy, like acupuncture.
In this guide, we will explore how acupuncture can help with natural pain relief and improve joint health. So, read to the end.
How Acupuncture Supports Joint Health and Pain Management
The procedure of acupuncture for osteoarthritis involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles at some point on the body. Acupuncture is claimed to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissues, increase blood flow, and activate the body’s natural painkillers. Acupuncture for joint health works to:
- Relieve muscle tension
- Reduce swelling
- Increase flexibility
- Promote joint lubrication
- Stimulate the release of endorphins that aid in healing chronic pain.
How does acupuncture help with osteoarthritis?
This therapy of acupuncture for osteoarthritis is considered a boost for the healing capacity of your body. It involves needles in predetermined areas, sending special signals up to the brain and spinal cord. These signals cause the release of chemicals that:
- Block pain messages
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve joint motion
- Relax stiff muscles around the joints affected
Top Benefits of Acupuncture for Joint Pain Treatment
You may have asked: Does acupuncture help with osteoarthritis pain relief? Many have said yes. Here are the reasons:
- Natural pain relief
- Minimal side effects or none
- It is drug-free and safe to use
- Fewer medications to depend on
- Promotes general health
What conditions does acupuncture help with?
Besides acupuncture for arthritis pain, there are many more conditions where it proves helpful, for example:
- Chronic headaches
- Migraines
- Neck and back pain
- Sciatica
- Stress and anxiety
- Allergies
- Digestive issues
Relevant Blogs:
How Acupuncture Can Help with Anxiety and Stress?
Acupuncture vs. Other Treatments for Neck Pain: Which Works Best?
How Acupuncture Can Naturally Help Relieve Migraines
Acupuncture for Knee Pain Osteoarthritis
Knees are among the most affected joints by osteoarthritis. When the cartilage wears out, bones rub together, producing pain and inflammation.
Hence, acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis can:
- Reduce knee joint pain
- Improve range of motion
- Strengthen the muscles around the knee
- Enable better blood flow throughout the knee
Acupuncture Effects on Joint Types
Joint Area | Common OA Symptoms | Acupuncture Benefits |
|---|---|---|
Knee | Pain, swelling, stiffness | Boosts flexibility and eases inflammation |
Hip | Groin/thigh pain, limping | Improves posture and walking ability |
Spine (lower back) | Stiffness, nerve pain | Relieves pressure on nerves, boosts mobility |
Hands/Fingers | Swelling, grip weakness | Improves blood flow, reduces swelling |
Shoulder | Limited motion, pain | Relaxes tight muscles, improves movement |
Holistic Arthritis Treatment Beyond Pain Relief
If you are thinking, is acupuncture good for osteoarthritis? The answer is Yes. It is carried out to alleviate pain. It is a healing practice that treats the whole body. According to patients, these are some of the acupuncture benefits:
- Improved sleep
- Reduced stress
- Improved immune function
- Raised mood and clarity of mind
- Energy throughout the day
Healing becomes intensified when methods are used to heal the body and psyche concerning the elements causing chronic illness.
Why Choose Acupuncture Over Painkillers or Surgery?
While pain relief in cases of osteoarthritis is brought through NSAIDS or injections, these are deemed harmful for long-term use:
- Their tendency to create stomach ulcers
- Issues related to kidney function
- Blood pressure spikes
- Addictive tendencies
How Many Acupuncture Sessions Are Needed?
Treatment varies with each patient and case. However, please find below a general timeline:
- Acute Pain: 6 to 8 sessions, conducted once or twice per week
- Chronic OA: 10 to 12 sessions in 6 weeks
- Maintenance: Once or twice monthly following improvement
The acupuncturist will assess your symptoms and formulate a treatment plan accordingly.
Who Should Consider Acupuncture for Arthritis Pain?
You can be a good candidate if:
- You have mild to severe joint pain
- Want to avoid the surgery, or just want to delay it
- Sensitive to medications
- Would like an alternative, natural, and holistic approach
- Would like to increase their capacities to move about, and the general quality of life
Pro Tips Before Starting Acupuncture
Before your first appointment, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Wear loose clothing to allow easy access to your joints.
- Avoid having a heavy meal right before the treatment.
- Keep a track of your symptoms to note improvements.
- Be consistent for sustained results.
Also, make sure that your practitioner is licensed and competent in treating osteoarthritis.
What Can Acupuncture Help With in the Long Term?
Acupuncture can deal with the pain, as well as avoid a flare-up of symptoms. It intensifies with time in its ability to:
- Builds resilience in the joints
- Boost immunity
- Decrease stress
- Balance hormones
- Take care of the general balance of the body.
For this reason, acupuncture tends to be a part of integrative care plans.
Trusted Acupuncture for Osteoarthritis: Where to Begin
Let osteoarthritis not take away your joy anymore! Choose acupuncture for osteoarthritis and feel its benefits after several sessions. If you want to try acupuncture, then begin with a qualified clinic. You must consult with professionals trained primarily in the arts of arthritis and joint disorders.
We recommend starting your wellness journey at North Nassau Acupuncture. Our expert team provides pain relief, joint health, and holistic care customised to your needs. For more details, you can visit our website or contact us.
Free movement, undisturbed sleep, and vibrant health await you. Go ahead and book a consultation to start your healing journey!
FAQs
- Can acupuncture relieve arthritis pain?
Acupuncture is good at relieving pain, stiffness, and inflammation in osteoarthritis, particularly in the knees, hips, and hands.
- How does acupuncture assist people with osteoarthritis?
In people with osteoarthritis, acupuncture improves circulation, triggers endorphins, and reduces swelling for long-term joint health.
- Does acupuncture evolve as a quick fix for arthritis pain?
Some people find relief after one or two treatments, but the majority get the best results with ongoing sessions.
- Is acupuncture safe for elderly patients with OA?
Yes, this is low-risk, often safer than the usual pain-relief medicines used by elderly patients.
- What about the side effects?
Some may experience slight bruising, while others may feel dizzy; however, if done by a qualified practitioner, these are very rare.