Acupuncture has been used for centuries for various conditions, including osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. As we age, our disc material can degenerate, calcification can occur on certain joints, and acupuncture with electric stimulation is a fantastic adjunct therapy.
Acupuncture is so widely used for pain because of its mechanism to stimulate the release of endorphins (natural pain-relieving chemicals) and promote blood circulation to the affected areas. It also has anti-inflammatory effects.
Several studies have examined the effectiveness of acupuncture for osteoarthritis, particularly in the knee. A meta-analysis published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2012 reviewed 29 high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and concluded that acupuncture provided a significant improvement in pain and function for patients with chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis.
It's important to note that acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a trained and Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) I’ve treated numerous patients with Osteoarthritis with great success. With acupuncture and Chinese medicine, I have been able to delay or eliminate the need for knee surgery and helped before and after knee replacements that were needed.