Osteoarthritis (OA), sometimes called degenerative arthritis, is a disease of the joints that most often affects the knees, hips, hands, neck and low back. The arthritis sufferer will typically complain of pain, tenderness, stiffness, loss of flexibility and sometimes a grating sound in the joint.
Arthritis is a very prevalent disease that exists in at least one-half of the population over the age of 65 though this disease is not limited to the “older set”. Arthritis can also arise as a result of trauma to the joint, work-related repetitive injury or from overuse as is typical for some athletes.
There is no cure for arthritis, but acupuncture can provide a drug-free way to alleviate pain and restore function to enjoy a healthy active life. With acupuncture, you may be able to avoid the side effects associated with typical drug treatments.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, Qi, (pronounced chee) is the vital energy that flows throughout the body and protects it from illness. Qi flows in pathways called meridians and provides nourishment to every cell, tissue, muscle, joint, and organ in the body. When there is an imbalance or blockage in the flow of Qi, pain and inflammation may arise in this case in the joint.
Acupuncture treatment utilizes very thin, sterile, single-use, disposable needles that are strategically located. Most patients feel very little and sometimes no sensation when acupuncture needles are placed. Often patients will be able to fall asleep and completely rest during treatment. The number of needles used, and their placement is determined by the acupuncturist based on unique information that is gathered from each patient. Acupuncture is a very personalized form of medicine, so each patient is treated as an individual.
The number or treatments required, and the duration of treatment also may vary from patient to patient. Because arthritis is a chronic disease, typically one to two treatments are given each week for three weeks unless the patient finds relief more quickly. Once the desired level of pain relief is achieved, the patient and Acupuncturist may decide to stop treatment or to continue a less frequent basis; it is an individual decision.
There are additional TCM treatments that may be applied to aid in or hasten treatment results. These include electrical stimulation of the needles, Chinese herbal medicines, herbal patches or rubs, or heat treatment (with a lamp or the herb called “moxa”). The acupuncturist may recommend lifestyle changes such as dietary changes, stress relief, and exercise.
Take care,
Dr. Ann
