joint pain

Many people find acupuncture to be helpful in the management of joint pain and this is one of the most common reasons why people come to our clinic.

How Acupuncture helps joint pain:

Acupuncture is believed to stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and improve blood circulation. This can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with joint issues. In our clinic we use specific frequencies on our electroacupuncture devices to increase not just endorphin levels but keep them high for longer and longer. Doing this requires 2-3 times weekly treatment for a few weeks, but is very helpful in many cases.

Types of Joint Pain we can help:

Acupuncture is commonly used for various types of joint pain, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and musculoskeletal pain. It can also be used for pain resulting from injuries or overuse of joints. Tendinitis and muscle inflammation often accompanies joint pain, and at our clinic we use frequencies that target inflammation by increasing levels of a chemical called acth in the body. We are seeing very good results with this approach.

What other things can help joint pain:

Acupuncture is often used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medical treatments for joint pain, such as physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. We recommend that patients be evaluated by a physical therapist and integrate appropriate therapeutic movements into their lifestyle. Many people wish to avoid the side effects of pain medication and acupuncture is certainly a good substitute if used appropriately. Additionally, your acupuncturist can talk to you about other lifestyle changes such as weight loss and increasing exercise sensibly that can assist.

How well does acupuncture work for joint pain:

The effectiveness of acupuncture can vary from person to person. Some individuals experience significant pain relief, while others may not find it as beneficial. At Acupuncture of Iowa we know how to reduce the impact of several things that seem to make acupuncture work more slowly for some patients. When we evaluate you and make a treatment plan, we will talk to you about how we see those factors and what you can do about it to make acupuncture work well for yourself.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed acupuncturist using sterile, disposable needles. It is a non-invasive and low-risk treatment option for joint pain.

How many times will I need to come for treatment?

Acupuncture for chronic joint pain typically requires multiple sessions. In our clinic we have a systematic approach to knowing how many treatments might be helpful for a given person. We usually recommend that a new person begin with 10 visits and that will enable them to see the benefit. At that point we will re-evaluate and consider a plan for moving forward. Many patients see significant benefit or complete resolution of their problems in 10 sessions; others need more visits to reach their goals. Generally, everyone sees benefit from acupuncture and it varies quite a lot from one individual to another.