acupuncture for arthritis pain

Acupuncture for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

Research indicates that acupuncture can effectively reduce pain associated with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Despite their distinct root causes, acupuncture has demonstrated positive outcomes for both conditions.

  1. Osteoarthritis (OA):
    • A 2019 randomized controlled trial found that acupuncture, when combined with usual care (typically NSAIDs), significantly reduced pain and improved mobility in knee osteoarthritis patients.
    • A systematic review of knee osteoarthritis reported acupuncture’s effectiveness in pain relief and functional recovery.
    • Notably, acupuncture had fewer adverse reactions compared to Western medical treatments.
  2. Beyond the Knee:
    • While much research focuses on knee osteoarthritis, patients have reported significant relief in other joints as well. Acupuncture has been beneficial for hip, neck, low back, and hand osteoarthritis.
  3. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):
    • Recent studies highlight acupuncture’s positive impact on pain relief, physical function, and health-related quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Consider integrating acupuncture into your pain management strategy, especially if you’re already working with a medical doctor. Always consult qualified practitioners to tailor treatments to individual needs.

Feel free to explore acupuncture as part of your holistic approach to managing arthritis pain.

Natalie Cheng-Kai-On

Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor and Registered Acupuncturist

Resources:

  1. Zhang L, Yuan H, Zhang L, Li J, Li H. Effect of acupuncture therapies combined with usual medical care on knee osteoarthritis. J Tradit Chin Med. 2019 Feb;39(1):103-110. PMID: 32186030.
  2. Li J, Li YX, Luo LJ, Ye J, Zhong DL, Xiao QW, Zheng H, Geng CM, Jin RJ, Liang FR. The effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis: An overview of systematic reviews. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Jul;98(28):e16301. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000016301. PMID: 31305415; PMCID: PMC6641846.
  3. Seca S, Miranda D, Cardoso D, Nogueira B, Greten HJ, Cabrita A, Alves M. Effectiveness of Acupuncture on Pain, Physical Function and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review of Quantitative Evidence. Chin J Integr Med. 2019 Sep;25(9):704-709. doi: 10.1007/s11655-018-2914-x. Epub 2018 Dec 19. PMID: 30569405.