“How effective is acupuncture for arthritis?”
I am a 64 year old female. I want to know how effective is acupuncture for arthritis?
23 Answers
Lejla Fazlicic
Acupuncturist
Along with some lifestyle modifications it may be very successful. It can help you to live healthier and happier life.
Good luck
Dr. Leila
Good luck
Dr. Leila
How Acupuncture Affects Arthritis
Western medicine doesn’t recognize the concepts of qi and meridians. However, scientific evidence suggests alternate explanations for why acupuncture might provide pain relief.
“There’s a lot of research that says when we put an acupuncture needle into the body, a number of physiological mechanisms occurs,” says Brian Berman, MD, professor of family and community medicine and director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
A well-placed needle sets off a cascade of events, Dr. Berman explains, producing a signal that travels along the spinal cord to the brain, triggering a release of neurotransmitters called endorphins and enkephalins, which scientists believe reduce the sensation of pain. Research also shows that inserting an acupuncture needle induces the production of cortisol, a hormone that helps control inflammation. Acupuncture may stimulate activity of other pain-relieving chemicals in the body as well.
But do all these biochemical changes relieve sore, stiff joints? A study by Dr. Berman and his colleagues found that after 26 weeks, patients receiving real acupuncture felt significantly less pain and functioned better (as measured by how far they could walk in six minutes) than their counterparts who received sham acupuncture.
Western medicine doesn’t recognize the concepts of qi and meridians. However, scientific evidence suggests alternate explanations for why acupuncture might provide pain relief.
“There’s a lot of research that says when we put an acupuncture needle into the body, a number of physiological mechanisms occurs,” says Brian Berman, MD, professor of family and community medicine and director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
A well-placed needle sets off a cascade of events, Dr. Berman explains, producing a signal that travels along the spinal cord to the brain, triggering a release of neurotransmitters called endorphins and enkephalins, which scientists believe reduce the sensation of pain. Research also shows that inserting an acupuncture needle induces the production of cortisol, a hormone that helps control inflammation. Acupuncture may stimulate activity of other pain-relieving chemicals in the body as well.
But do all these biochemical changes relieve sore, stiff joints? A study by Dr. Berman and his colleagues found that after 26 weeks, patients receiving real acupuncture felt significantly less pain and functioned better (as measured by how far they could walk in six minutes) than their counterparts who received sham acupuncture.
Yes, it will relieve pain associated with Arthritis but it will not cure it.
Yes acupuncture, massage and herbs can help relieve arthritis, it would take you a while to get rid of these!
Acupuncture is EXCELLENT for arthritis! Very effective.
Acupuncture can be very effective for arthritic conditions, but it depends upon the severity of your condition. Other factors affect treatment outcomes as well, such as being overweight, diet, activity level, current medications, proper hydration, wearing proper foot support, living environment (a damp or musty household, smoky, etc.). Have you had other types of treatment before? If so, were they helpful?
Movement, however small, is important. A personal trainer once told me, "motion is lotion," as motion can help lubricate the joints. I would suggest adding to your diet foods that support bone health such as low fat milk and cheeses, green leafy vegetables (especially celery), tofu; foods and drinks that contain Vit D, Calcium, magnesium, selenium and zinc. Although, if you are lactose intolerant, dairy can cause inflammation of the joints and make arthritis worse. Replace the missing Calcium and Vit. D with other nutrients in beans and certain veggies is key, but you could also try lactose free or soy products.
I know for myself, personally, as I've gotten older my bones and joints ache more, but I've also put on weight with age, and extra weight only makes arthritis worse. So, work on maintaining a healthy weight, make dietary changes, move more, enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, make sure you are getting proper "restorative" sleep, drink plenty of water, wear shoes that have ample support. All of these things can help greatly with pain, but with acupuncture in the mix, you should see some results.
Feel better and good luck!
Movement, however small, is important. A personal trainer once told me, "motion is lotion," as motion can help lubricate the joints. I would suggest adding to your diet foods that support bone health such as low fat milk and cheeses, green leafy vegetables (especially celery), tofu; foods and drinks that contain Vit D, Calcium, magnesium, selenium and zinc. Although, if you are lactose intolerant, dairy can cause inflammation of the joints and make arthritis worse. Replace the missing Calcium and Vit. D with other nutrients in beans and certain veggies is key, but you could also try lactose free or soy products.
I know for myself, personally, as I've gotten older my bones and joints ache more, but I've also put on weight with age, and extra weight only makes arthritis worse. So, work on maintaining a healthy weight, make dietary changes, move more, enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, make sure you are getting proper "restorative" sleep, drink plenty of water, wear shoes that have ample support. All of these things can help greatly with pain, but with acupuncture in the mix, you should see some results.
Feel better and good luck!
Acupuncture has proven to be very effective in the treatment of musculo-skeletal pain. Acupuncture helps with pain, inflammation and the sensation of general tightness that is very common in osteoarthritis.
Generally quite effective. It reduces pain and inflammation in most people. There are some people who do not respond d to acupuncture and unfortunately there is no way to know ahead of time if you are a responder or not. By the third treatment, you should have an idea of if it works for you or not.
Good luck and feel better!
Good luck and feel better!
It is known amongst comparative studies that there is a lack of well-designed human/animal double-blinded Randomized Control Trials regarding the efficacy of acupuncture with regards to arthritis. My answer is based upon clinical experience.
https://newmansacupilates.wordpress.com/2018/09/16/arthritis-and-acupuncture/
https://newmansacupilates.wordpress.com/2018/09/16/arthritis-and-acupuncture/
Can be life changing
It helps
Dear Patient,
There are a number of studies that show acupuncture to be effective for arthritis even rheumatoid. You might want to consider an anti-inflammatory diet, exercise, medication, and yoga. By the way, a number of insurance companies will help with the cost.
Mark Roby, ND, PA-C
There are a number of studies that show acupuncture to be effective for arthritis even rheumatoid. You might want to consider an anti-inflammatory diet, exercise, medication, and yoga. By the way, a number of insurance companies will help with the cost.
Mark Roby, ND, PA-C
To answer your question, it is important to know what kind of arthritis you are talking about. Is that rheumatoid arthritis or just age-related arthritis with significant loss of cartilage, or is it gout (access of uric acid in your blood)? Generally, acupuncture is good for all kinds of arthritis as a pain control method. However, in my practice, I usually combine acupuncture with homeopathic remedies for better results. For more information, read here: https://philaholisticclinic.com/natural-remedies-for-arthritis/
It can be very effective, but I also recommend getting gluten out of your diet and using essential oils for near-term relief.
I get good results with using acupuncture for arthritis, especially if it is osteoarthritis. But even with rheumatoid arthritis, I find acupuncture helpful in relieving the pain.
Mr. Anthony James Lorenzo
Acupuncturist
Osteoarthritis response quite well... but it may take some time at this stage of your life (being an elder). Rheumatoid arthritis is a bit more challenging as usually a patient that shows up at my office with this condition is already on several or at least one toxic medication, and the medication's toxicity is causing further problems and slowing the effectiveness. Hope that is helpful! When i was a student, I treated a woman a bit older than you that had visibly bulging nuckles in her hands from osteoarthritis. Within three treatments, the swelling/bulging reduced significantly and she was in no pain. I see greater and more rapid success with patients not taking pharmaceuticals though... mostly for the same reasons I mentioned above, or at least that is my operating theory and all I have been able to notice was different in varying patient success outcomes. This is NOT intended as medical advice about changing your prescriptions, and you should always consult your doctor before making any such decisions. Good luck!
Acupuncture is extremely effective for managing pain.
Yes. There are many publications online.
I would find a local acupuncturist and try it. Arthritis is a reaction to inflammation so doing your best to decrease inflammation through diet and adding in anti-inflammatories is the easiest way to start.
Yes, arthritis is a chronic condition which requires acupuncture, recommended exercises, and diet. Acupuncture itself can be very helpful, requited consistency in treatment, successfully rate is high.
For the management of arthritis pain, acupuncture can be very effective. Most studies show an 8-10 treatment loading dose followed by up to 12 months of pain reduction or relief. In the long run, this can be much more cost effective than pharmaceutical pain management.
Very! With regular treatments, acupuncture can help manage and alleviate symptoms, and prevent flare ups.
It is very effective for arthritis, it can heal the arthritis.
