How to Use Acupuncture to Treat Joint Pain
We can experience joint pain for a number of reasons: arthritis, tendonitis and simple overuse are a few. Over-the-counter and prescription anti-inflammatory medications can provide some degree of relief for most people. People who want to avoid taking medications or who feel that medicine is just not reducing the pain enough can use acupuncture to treat their joint pain.
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Things You'll Need
- Written history of joint pain
- Licensed acupuncturist
- Loose clothing
- Ice packs or heating pad
- Splint
Instructions
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Write a brief history of your joint pain that you can bring with you to your first acupuncture appointment. Points to consider are whether the pain gets worse when you are moving the joint or resting it, if the weather plays a role in the intensity of the pain and whether your pain worsens at night or during the day. Also write down the ways in which you have tried to treat your joint pain so far.
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Locate a licensed acupuncturist in your area. Acufinder has an extensive online directory of acupuncture providers on its website (see Resources below). Choose a professional by an area of expertise that relates to your specific joint pain, such as rheumatology, fibromyalgia or sports medicine.
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Rest your injured joint as much as you can, but especially in the 2 to 3 hours before your acupuncture appointment. Acupuncture will treat pain more effectively when your body is in a relaxed state than when it is overworked or tense.
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Avoid tight, fitted clothing that cannot be easily rolled up or moved aside. Most of the acupoints used to treat joint pain will be near the affected joint. The acupuncturist may also insert needles in your hands, feet or face.
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Attend acupuncture sessions twice a week for about 4 weeks before making a decision whether to continue treatment in this manner. Some people may experience a reduction in pain before the 4 weeks are over.
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Follow the acupuncturist's directions regarding self-care. This could include using an ice pack or heating pad on the affected area between appointments. He may also instruct you to use a splint at night to restrict movement and give your injury time to heal.
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Consider switching to another form of acupuncture if you find the needles uncomfortable but would like to continue an alternative treatment for your joint pain. Acupressure is the art of manipulating acupoints with the hands and can be effective for pain relief. Laser acupuncture is a newer form of acupuncture in which laser beams put pressure on acupoints throughout the body.
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Tips & Warnings
Use pre- and post-acupuncture physical assessments to determine if the sessions are improving your joint pain and mobility. Your doctor will ask you to perform some basic functions with your affected limb and will note your responses to produce a baseline from which to start. After your initial round of acupuncture, repeat the same functions. Increased use of the injured joint may show that the acupuncture has been successful and should continue.
