Around 10 million people in the UK are thought to have arthritis. Osteoarthritis, ‘wear and tear’ is a degenerative condition and is the most common type of arthritis in the UK. This is followed by Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is an inflammatory arthritic condition. Both types of arthritis are more commonly seen in women. Although the underlying causes may be quite different for these two conditions, both are chronic long-term conditions. Acupuncture for arthritis is a common practice in traditional Chinese medicine. It often provides relief for the pain and reduction of the swelling of joints. Several recently published reports are showing the beneficial effects of acupuncture for osteoarthritis.
Using acupuncture to help people with arthritis, is based on a personal working experience as a TCM practitioner.
Working at Walnut Grove Clinic over the last twenty-five years. I have seen many people with arthritis respond well to acupuncture. As each patient’s arthritis can be very individual, depending on their conditions, and the different stages of their arthritis, acupuncture has been used to reduce the pain and swelling of joints; reduce or stop the progression of inflammation; help the recovery process after surgical operation of joint replacement; reduce tiredness and Improve general well being, which often happens to the people with arthritis. Most osteoarthritis and rheumatoid types showed a positive response to acupuncture. Other types of inflammatory joint conditions also respond well to the treatment.
As the cause(s) of most arthritis are not clear trying to find out potential risk factors is important in the prevention of further damage to the joints. Working together with patients to identify potential risk factors, an acupuncturist often discusses with patients about their lifestyle, diet, exercise, living habits, and how to use their body appropriately to take care of their bones and joints. Acupuncture is often used as an integrative part of an approach that involves both therapist and patients, to treat arthritis and manage the condition. Looking at the big picture, an integrative approach also involves other specialist health professionals.
Teamwork at Walnut Grove
As a community-based large private healthcare clinic, Walnut Grove has a strong multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. The clinic offers a good range of therapies for people with arthritis, like osteopaths, Physiotherapy, Chinese medicine, homoeopathy, reflexology and exercise therapies. We often work alongside each other where appropriate and necessary to aid the patient’s recovery and rehabilitation, for example alongside acupuncture a patient may benefit from Physiotherapy for exercises to strengthen the area.
Living with arthritis? Call Walnut Grove Clinic on 01275818303 where you can speak to someone who can advise and guide you to the most appropriate way forward to help you live a better, pain-free life.
