Acupuncture for arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting 80 percent of those aged 65 or older. It most commonly affects the joints in the hips, hands, lower back and knees, causing severe and chronic pain, and can have a profoundly disabling effect. Conventional treatment includes medication to control pain and inflammation, physical therapy and in severe cases, joint replacement surgery.

There is  substantial evidence that acupuncture can reduce pain, improve functional mobility and enhance quality of life for patients with osteoarthritis and can offer a safe and effective drug-free alternative, with substantially less side effects than many drugs, or other accepted medical procedures. In one of the largest and most rigorous reviews of acupuncture ever conducted, involving over 17,000 subjects and 29 randomised control trials, acupuncture was found to provide effective pain relief and increase mobility in osteoarthritis of the knee.

Acupuncture may also be helpful for other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The evidence isn’t conclusive for this condition, but there are studies showing both traditional and electro-acupuncture may help reduce tenderness and inflammation.

How much acupuncture will I need?

Regular weekly acupuncture sessions over over eight to twelve weeks is associated with greater reduction in pain and long-term benefit. As with all treatments to relieve pain, breaking the ‘pain cycle’ sometimes gives permanent relief. The degree of pain relief will depend on the type of arthritis, where it is and how long you have had it. Once pain relief is achieved, patients have ‘top up’ sessions to manage the condition.