Can Acupuncture Alleviate Arthritis?

The results of arthritis treatment look promising. Series of acupuncture treatments alleviate pain.

The joint pain. The swelling. The constant diet of anti-inflammatories to squash the pain. In the US, arthritis affects three million people per year (predominantly women). Arthritis is a degenerative, auto-immune disorder where the body attacks itself. It can range from aching in the joints, redness/swelling to fever, joint deformation, organ inflammation, and even heart damage (if left untreated). Early symptoms to look out for are pain, swelling/redness, rheumatoid (inflammation of joints/muscles/tissue), psoriatic (inflammation that can lead to permanent damage), and even gout.

Arthritis pain may manifest in the hip joint, inner/outer thigh, buttocks, or groin. The pain is more pronounced in the morning and improves with movement (strenuous activity may worsen the pain). Discomfort grows with stiffness and a reduced range of motion.

The first stage is pain, stiffness, and the beginning growth of bone spurs. The second stage shows a marked increase in bone spurs and cartilage deterioration. In the third stage gap between the bones widens with significant cartilage deterioration and inflammation. Cartilage pieces break off into the synovial fluid (joint lubricating liquid) and impede movement. The fourth stage presents with chronic pain/inflammation and consistent deterioration of cartilage and synovial fluid. Severe pain impacts daily activities (including sleep).

Causes

While more common in elderly patients, arthritis can also affect younger people. Injury, structural problems, obesity, repetitive joint stress, genetics, or over-use can trigger arthritis. In the early stage, prevention is the key. Doctors may advise exercise modification, weight loss/diet changes, and proper vitamins/minerals to slow down the progression of the disease.

Treatment

It is advisable to manage mild cases with anti-inflammatories, braces/support (reduce joint stress), physical/movement therapy, and exercise to build flexibility and muscle. In the early stage, prevention is the key. Doctors often advise exercise modification (to prevent joint stress), weight loss/diet changes, alternative treatment (such as acupuncture), and proper vitamins/minerals to slow down the progression of the disease. Prescribing corticosteroid injections controls the inflammation. In advanced stages, doctors recommend more invasive treatments such as realignment surgery and/or hip replacement.

Approach with Acupuncture

Before you start popping pills, consider alternative options. Acupuncture has been tremendously successful at alleviating pain and slowing down disease progression. Successive treatments slow down joint and cartilage deterioration while reducing inflammation and increasing endorphin levels. Acupuncture relaxes the tight muscles improving muscle function, strength and allowing for joint protection and flexibility increase. Even in chronic cases, acupuncture has shown success in managing pain. Treating soft tissue contributes to relaxation and pain reduction. Existing insurance plans provide coverage for acupuncture treatment, so make sure to check with your provider.

Hi,

My Name is John Kim

I have been a licensed acupuncturist since 2000. When I first started my acupuncture career, my primary goal as a practitioner was to help people anguishing from living with pain everyday of their lives. I have seen on numerous occasions what chronic pain can do to a person physically but also seen how it can debilitate a person’s psyche as well.

Throughout the years, I have studied, developed and incorporated a very unique treatment protocol that has successfully treated and effectively reduced pain levels on chronic pain patients. I have combined traditional methods of acupuncture along with modern, research proven techniques to help reduce chronic pain symptoms in a safe, non- chemically addictive, and effective process.

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