Arthritis

Patients are increasingly turning to acupuncture for effective pain relief of arthritis.

Richard takes referrals from ‘The Pain Clinic’ at Southmead Hospital – A nationally recognised centre of excellence for pain management

To talk to Richard about how acupuncture might help you personally and to see his clinic locations, click here for contact and location information.

A 90 year old woman had become housebound from her arthritis and was only able to move slowly around her home with real difficulty and the help of a walking stick.

She had home visit appointments as she was so incapacitated – later for convenience. She received acupuncture on her knee and was advised that because of her age and the severity of the arthritis she should not expect immediate relief. In spite of this, by her 2nd appointment, she was up and about and with great delight walking around the house without her stick.
She decided at her second appointment that she wanted the rest of her treatment to focus on other complaints as her knee was now so improved.

This was a delightful but unusually good response time. We recommend people allow themselves a few treatments before expecting real improvement. The change in pain and mobility can take several weeks of treatment before real progress is clear.

Who recommends acupuncture & why?

Acupuncture is recommended by GP’s & NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for the treatment of chronic pain instead of painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications.
This advise came in 2022 but sadly was missed by most in the middle of all the Covid crisis news.

NICE is the clinical advice body that advises GP’s about evidence-based treatments for specific health conditions.

Did you know? As far back as 1979 the World Health Organisation listed 40 major diseases that could find relief by acupuncture including the pain of arthritis.

A course of acupuncture treatment for the joint pain and restriction of arthritis can be effective in all areas. We most frequently treat knees, hips, neck, shoulders or back.

Anti-inflammatory drugs can have side effects; surgery is not always possible and may not be desired.

From an acupuncturist’s perspective (just as in western medicine) there are numerous types of arthritis.
See the sections on  Osteoarthritis and  Rheumatoid Arthritis for more details.

What will the Acupuncture treatment be like?

For Arthritis, the acupuncture points used are usually around the site of the arthritis and further down the affected limb or further down the body. Other parts of the body such as the upper back, neck, and so on may also be used.

The needles are incredibly fine and most people are not put off – in fact they are usually pleasantly surprised by how they enjoy the treatment.

The sensation of ‘needling’ is like pulling a hair out of your arm. Try it!

How many Acupuncture treatments?

The number of acupuncture treatments required will depend on a number of factors: how long someone has had the symptoms, the intensity of the symptoms at the time of starting treatment, how heavy the use for that joint is, and your overall health.

Why people choose Acupuncture :

• Very Low risk: Acupuncture is very safe when performed by a trained professional.
• Naturally calming: Many people feel deeply relaxed during or after treatment (often falling asleep during treatment).
• Drug-free: It helps the body heal without medication or potentially side effects.
• Minimal discomfort: Needles are hair-thin and usually painless.
  
• Mild effects only: Rare side effects include slight redness or brief bruising