Arthritis has a way of shaping the whole day. The stairs you used to take two at a time. The first stiff hour of the morning. The jar you hand to someone else to open.
Acupuncture is a safe and highly effective therapy for arthritis. It can relieve joint pain, reduce stiffness, decrease inflammation, and improve physical function by restoring mobility, so the ordinary parts of your day start to feel easier again.
How it works
I have practiced acupuncture for over 22 years, and when it comes to managing arthritis pain, whether that is osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, I can honestly say acupuncture deserves consideration as a first option rather than a last resort. It works alongside everything else you are doing, including care from your physician or rheumatologist, and the risk of side effects is very low. The American College of Rheumatology includes acupuncture among its recommended options for hand, hip, and knee osteoarthritis.
In Chinese medicine, pain is caused by a blockage of chi and blood. Whether the pain sits in the hip, shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, or ankle, acupuncture promotes circulation by bringing chi and blood to the affected area and breaking up that stagnation, which removes the pain and discomfort. Most people notice a shift within the first few sessions.
The role of collagen
Collagen is what your cartilage, tendons, and ligaments are built from. It is the cushioning between the bones and the connective tissue that holds a joint together, and the body produces less of it as we age. Supporting collagen supports the whole structure, not just the sore spot.
Most of us know bone mineral density in the context of osteoporosis, but it matters just as much for the joints. The same work that builds density also strengthens the muscles and structures surrounding the joint, which reduces pain and improves stability. This is especially important with inflammatory types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, which can actually cause bone loss, making bone protection essential for preventing fractures.
I now carry a collagen supplement here in the office. It is there to support cartilage and joint function, and it works well alongside what we do on the table. Ask me at your next visit whether it is a good fit for you.
Where to start
If arthritis is limiting what you can do, acupuncture is a low risk place to begin. You can see treatment options and book a visit at luminate-millvalley.com/services-fees.
Luminate Mill Valley
