Acupuncture for Arthritis

 

Acupuncture for Arthritis

 

Osteoarthritis

There are over 100 types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of Arthritis, with most people over 60 years of age experiencing some degree of osteoarthritis. Despite such a large number of people suffering from osteoarthritis, not everyone will experience pain.

Risk factors of Osteoarthritis include genetic factors, previous injury/trauma, overuse, obesity, age and muscle weakness.

While some of these risk factors can't be changed (age, genetics & previous injury), some can be improved to reduce your risk of suffering from this potentially debilitating joint pain (overuse, muscle weakness and obesity). 

Other forms of Arthritis

Other types of arthritis include Rheumatoid, Gout, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis and Septic Arthritis. Symptoms and the disease process of different arthritides vary, and so does the treatment.

Most treatment protocols involve medication and physical therapy, but again this depends on the type of arthritis. In back cases joint replacement surgery may be needed.

For those Arthritis sufferers who want to get more out of their treatment, or just want to explore other ways of improving their condition often turn to Acupuncture.

What is Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine which has been practiced for well over 4000 years. Acupuncture is based on the Chinese philosophy which identifies meridian channels as the primary routes in which the qi (pronounced chi) travels through. The qi is the life force/energy which travels the body and keeps our bodies working properly.

When disease sets in, it is due to blockages in the meridian channels which affect the qi to flow properly. Many different symptoms can arise do the ineffective flow of the qi including the various types of arthritis.

How Can Acupuncture Help

Acupuncture works by stimulating the qi flow and creating the best environment for the affected joints to heal. Acupuncture needles are applied externally to the skin and are aimed at improving the flow of qi through the meridian channels. Local acupuncture points are also occasionally used. This is when needles are applied to areas which are not traditional acupuncture points, and not on a meridian channel. This approach is more of a western medicine approach, but also has a beneficial effect at decreasing pain, reducing muscle tightness and improving joint range of motion. 

Other Information About Arthritis

Arthritis Australia is a great resource for Arthritis sufferers and includes lots of information about Arthritis, the latest research and information current clinical trials.