What are musculoskeletal disorders?
Musculoskeletal disorders are conditions affecting any of the tissues within your musculoskeletal system, which include bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and joints. Some disorders are present from birth, while others develop later in life. They’re quite common, and your risk increases as you age.
Some of the most common musculoskeletal disorders are:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoporosis and fractures
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Sarcopenia
These conditions may or may not have identifiable causes, such as overuse, family history, obesity, and lifestyle factors. In some cases, musculoskeletal disorders arise as the result of an initial acute injury you may have experienced while playing sports or on the job.
What are some common symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders?
While musculoskeletal disorders are diverse in how and where they affect your body, they share many common symptoms, including:
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Bone pain
- Trigger points
- Stiffness
- Range-of-motion limitations
- Swelling
Some musculoskeletal disorders are more localized than others. Conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis may affect multiple joints in your body, whereas a condition stemming from an initial injury or overuse may affect just one joint or body part. At Elemental Acupuncture, Dr. Leddy customizes your treatment plan to address your specific symptoms and pain.
How do acupuncture and Chinese medicine treat musculoskeletal disorders?
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can reduce symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders or pick up where conventional medicine leaves off. Following an initial evaluation, Dr. Leddy makes individualized recommendations for acupuncture and other Chinese medicine treatments.
Acupuncture is based on the concept of energy flowing through your body along specific pathways called meridians. By placing fine needles at certain points along these meridians, Dr. Leddy can redirect and regulate energy to reduce inflammation, support healing, and alleviate pain. She selects acupuncture points after palpating individual points and measuring their effect on your pulse to give you the best possible results.
Your musculoskeletal disorder might also improve with Chinese herbal medicine. Dr. Leddy customizes your formula based on your symptoms and needs using quality herbs in nonpharmaceutical medicines.
To explore acupuncture and Chinese medicine for musculoskeletal disorders further, call Elemental Acupuncture or book a treatment consultation online today.
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