How Can Acupuncture For Arthritis Treatment Help Me?
What is arthritis?
Arthritis can affect any joint in the body. It can affect your knees, elbows, fingers, wrists, hands, hips, and ankles. In fact, it can affect any joint in your body. It is common for people to get arthritis because their bodies wear out and lose the ability to work properly. There are many different types of arthritis.
The 3 most common types of arthritis found in Australians are:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
Other types of arthritis include:
- Juvenile arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
- Scleroderma
Osteoarthritis affects the cartilage that covers the ends of bones and acts as a cushion between bones. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation of the synovial membrane that lines the joints.
Need Relief From Arthritis?
The main benefit of acupuncture treatment for arthritis is pain relief.
Relief is achieved in 3 ways:
- Endorphin production which inhibits pain perception.
- Blocking of pain signals to the brain.
- Deactivation of trigger points (frequently found around arthritic joints. Tender, extremely reactive areas often responsible for chronic pain.)
Read this study on Arthritis.org demonstrating effectiveness of acupuncture for arthritis (opens new window)
Does It Work And What Results Can I Expect?
- Usually minimum of 6 treatments needed.
- 80% of patients respond within 3 treatments, 20-70% on 1st
- 20% of patients see no response.
Positive effect on symptoms in 3 primary types of arthritis:
Rheumatoid Arthritis – inflammation (swelling, heat, redness with pain). Inflammation varies based on stress levels and acupuncture has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Osteoarthritis – acupuncture studies show reduction in calcium deposited as a result of cartilage wear. Once beyond certain level of deterioration, acupuncture no longer effective in reversing the situation but will reduce pain.
Gouty arthritis – pain relief is main treatment. Gouty arthritis comes and goes based on stress and diet. Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture help with both of these areas.
Learn more about our treatments and typical results.