Arthritis
Arthritis is a painful condition that can afflict the joints of our body. Acupuncture helps to reduce pain and inflammation by increasing blood flow, relaxing the muscles that go to the joints, increase range of motion of the joint, and reducing future degeneration.
Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes swelling and pain in the joint as a result of the breakdown of cartilage (the protective coating within the joint). As the amount of cartilage which cushions the bone on bone interaction reduces the bones come into greater contact with each other causing pain, inflammation, swelling, muscle tightness, and reduced mobility. Acupuncture helps to improve blood flow to the joint, reduce muscle tightness, decrease inflammation, and improve mobility. Acupuncture can also be effective as an adjunct pre and post surgery. If your arthritis is advanced and requires joint replacement acupuncture is excellent to help ensure a smooth and easier recovery. It is important to have at least five sessions before the surgery to help relax muscle tightness and improve blood flow to the joint. This will help significantly increase healing time and speed recovery. After the surgery follow up treatments are important to help regain full, integrated mobility of the joint.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the joints. This causes pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced mobility of the joint. Acupuncture helps to moderate the body’s immune system response and help to prevent it from attacking the joints. Acupuncture also helps to reduce the pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints and relax the muscles and improve mobility.
Arthritis is a degenerative condition that requires continued follow up and maintenance. The sooner you begin treatment the faster you will begin to feel less pain and increase the quality of your life.