Acupuncture is a popular alternative medicine. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into the body. This technique is believed to promote the balance of the flow of energy and the chi. It is commonly used to treat different kinds of pain.

Acupuncture for Arthritis

Acupuncture has traditionally been used to treat various conditions, including arthritis. People suffering from arthritis may consider acupuncture as an option to manage and relieve the pain. It may not cure the condition, but can naturally relieve the arthritic symptoms, particularly the inflammation in the joints and the pain.

This technique dates back more than 2,000 years ago. The Chinese have continually used this for various conditions since then. As such, it is considered to be one of the oldest traditional medical procedures. As already mentioned earlier, the main goal of acupuncture, aside from alleviating certain symptoms, is to resolve energy imbalances and promote a well-balanced chi.

But how can acupuncture help arthritis? Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into the skin. These needles are not just inserted anywhere, but at specific locations called “acupoints.” When these “acupoints” are inserted with needles, our body releases endorphins, which are natural pain-killing chemicals; thus, the pain is relieved. It also helps alleviate discomfort and other symptoms because acupuncture is said to affect the body’s serotonin, which is a brain chemical responsible for promoting good mood. This way, the technique helps alleviate the pain and other symptoms associated with arthritis.

Acupuncture Treatment for Knee Arthritis

Knee pain is now being treated using acupuncture. This is because this traditional Chinese medicine is known for its ability to promote comfort and relieve pain. But how effective is it and how long does the relief last?

There have been studies that confirm the benefits of acupuncture in reducing knee pain, inflammation, immobility and stiffness. Patients with knee problems experienced comfort and relief after trying out acupuncture.

Moreover, a study in the September 2016 JBJS looked at how acupuncture lowered pain and improved function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. The acupuncture group had better knee function at both 13 and 26 weeks compared to controls. The acupuncture group had superior pain improvement after 13 weeks but not after 26 weeks.

So what does this imply? There is no question that acupuncture can help bring pain relief and comfort to the patient. However, it does not really cure the condition and the effect is only temporary.

The Bottom Line

My take on acupuncture is that it is beneficial as temporary treatment. Patients that need short term pain relief should consider acupuncture as a viable treatment option. There’s no harm in trying, especially if all you really want is to be relieved from the pain even just for a while. However, if you want long-lasting relief, there are other options you can try to treat your knee pain and other arthritis symptoms.

If you have arthritis and are looking for other treatment options, contact a professional. Make an appointment with me to discuss your arthritis and what treatment is right for you.