Arthritis and Joint Pain
Dr. Roberto Irawan, OMD at Golden Bamboo Acupuncture can treat Arthritis.
Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis caused by the wearing down of the cartilage that protects the bones of a joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition caused by inflammation in the lining of the joints. Both forms of arthritis cause pain, tenderness, and swelling, and may result in loss of movement in the affected joints. Over time, joints affected by arthritis may become severely damaged. Arthritis occurs more frequently in older individuals, however, it sometimes develops in athletes from overuse of a joint or after an injury.
Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness are common complaints of people with arthritis, often prompting them to seek medical care. Acupuncture is an effective treatment option for the symptoms of arthritis, as it works to naturally reduce the inflammation and muscular tension around the joints, decreasing pain and discomfort.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture can relieve pain by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's own natural painkillers. In addition, acupuncture may also help to boost the immune system, reducing swelling and inflammation and improving range-of-motion in the affected joints. While medication such as NSAIDs and analgesics are the traditional treatment for arthritis, they often have side effects and only mask the pain, instead of promoting healing within the joints. Acupuncture can provide pain management and improve joint function without any unwanted side effects.
The Acupuncture Method
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles to various depths into strategic points on the body. Depending on the individual, the location of the acupuncture points may vary. After the needles have been inserted, they may be stimulated manually or by electrical stimulation, and a warming lamp may be used. Acupressure and therapeutic massage may also be performed to increase circulation in affected areas and to help to deactivate painful trigger points. Typical treatments last from 30 to 60 minutes and the frequency of treatments will vary based on the individual.