Acupuncture for Arthritis

Arthritis pain is a very common medical complaint, particularly for people over 65 years of age.

For many people suffering with arthritis, it can be a crippling illness.

It causes intense, chronic pain as well as loss of function, and most treatments fall short of offering the patients true relief from their symptoms.

However, traditional Chinese medical practitioners have used acupuncture for arthritis pain for centuries and have shown proven results not only in the area of chronic pain management, but have also been able to restore function, sometimes showing up to a 40% improvement in joint mobility for those in an advanced stage of the illness.

Is Arthritis Pain Relief Possible?

Western practitioners agree that acupuncture has shown results in those suffering from arthritis.

Many Western doctors are now recommending acupuncture for arthritis pain, particularly for those patients who suffer from long term chronic arthritis.

Often, acupuncture for arthritis pain is recommended by a Western medical doctor as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that combines both Western and Chinese medicine.

It has been shown in studies that acupuncture for arthritis pain could reduce pain by as much as 44% in patients over the age of 50 with an advanced stage of arthritis.

Can Acupuncture Really Help Arthritis Pain?

Due to the benefits of using acupuncture for arthritis pain, the National Institutes of Health have issued an endorsement of acupuncture for arthritis.

This resulted in many insurance companies agreeing to cover some, if not all, of the acupuncture treatment.

If you are considering trying acupuncture for arthritis pain, check with your doctor as well as your insurance company for coverage information and referrals.

Getting Treatment for Arthritis Pain

Your acupuncturist will complete a thorough assessment before beginning any treatment.

Because Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, typically looks at the whole body and not just the main areas that are affected, it is quite common for numerous patients with a diagnosis of arthritis to be receiving different forms of acupuncture treatment, as treatment is tailored to the individual patient depending on the findings of the assessment.

The number of sessions will vary from individual to individual, but most patients report feeling some relief from symptoms after the first session.

Sometimes, herbal ointments, liniments, and poultices will be used as an accompaniment to the acupuncture.

Herbal supplements are also sometimes offered.

Consult Your Doctor

Because of the use of supplements, it is important to tell your acupuncture practitioner about all prescription and over the counter drugs you are taking so they can eliminate any contra-indicators.

Your doctor should be informed of any herbal supplements you begin taking as a result of your acupuncture for arthritis pain treatment, as well.