Arthritis causes much pain and discomfort in life. It can make it very difficult to complete daily tasks, affecting what you can accomplish at home and work.
Acupuncture for arthritis is growing in popularity among patients who want an alternative to medication to treat symptoms.
What is acupuncture? It is an ancient form of Chinese medicine. It is a technique where fine needles are placed in certain areas to help reduce pain and swelling.
There have been studies that support that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for arthritis.
How Does Acupuncture Help Arthritis?
It is still unclear exactly why acupuncture is effective for arthritis, but it is likely tied to anti-inflammatory effects. Acupuncture may decrease inflammation, improve blood flow, and help to relax muscles in the area treated.
Some also believe that the placement of needles produces a signal to the brain that releases neurotransmitters. These can include endorphins and enkephalins, which are known to reduce pain.
Though there is growing support for acupuncture as a treatment for arthritis, there have been few scientific studies, so some clinicians are skeptical about its effectiveness. However, as more and more patients find symptom relief, there is growing support in the medical community.
What are the Benefits of Having Acupuncture Treatments?
The exciting thing about acupuncture is the number of patients who are finding relief from their arthritic symptoms. The benefits can be across many areas, including:
- Stress relief due to the release of endorphins
- Pain relief as acupuncture may stimulate nerves that will block pain
- Improved sleep due to pain reduction and reduced inflammation
- Enhanced sense of self due to the release of serotonin
Your acupuncturist will develop a plan specific to your symptoms, so you receive the greatest benefit possible from your treatment.
Are There any Side Effects of Acupuncture?
Generally, there are very few side effects to acupuncture. Some people are reluctant due to fear of pain from the needles; however, pain is rarely felt during the technique.
In very rare cases, there can be some mild side effects which may include:
- Bleeding or bruising in the area where needles were placed
- Nausea which may be due to nerves before the procedure
- Feeling faint or dizzy. This is more likely if you have a history of feeling faint around needles
- Drowsiness due to relaxation during the technique
Also, some patients do not find relief from acupuncture immediately. It is not uncommon to need multiple treatments before symptom relief is noted.
Contact us at Guan Physical Therapy and Acupuncture
Are you interested in Chinese medicine in Gainesville, Fl?
There are many treatments we offer at Guan Physical Therapy and Acupuncture. If you need an acupuncturist in Gainesville, Fl, contact us to book a free 20-minute discovery visit to check us out and ask questions. There is no obligation to proceed with treatment. We want you to feel that we are a good fit first.
We are a unique clinic, with a legacy of five generations of continuous acupuncture practices for more than 130 years. Our world-class acupuncture has eased aches and pains, promoted nerve recovery, re-balanced hormones, and helped menopausal women improve their quality of life. That is one of the reasons that set us apart from all other clinics.
We offer:
- Acupuncture for back pain
- Acupuncture for neck pain
- Acupuncture for knee pain
- Acupuncture for constipation
- Physical therapy combined with acupuncture
- And much more!
To find out if we are a good fit, Contact us today!
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
