Acupuncture anyone?
Has anyone used acupuncture for pain treatment for RA? Did anything strange happen? I don't want to shape your answers, just looking to see if anybody had any adverse reactions?
I have been twice, two weeks apart. Similar reaction both times. Wasn't really expecting much of anything from it. I only tried it because my Physical Therapist believes in it and I didn't want to appear non-compliant.
Now I am starting to wonder if maybe it DOES do something.
KT
If you suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis, there is a very good chance that acupuncture can help you find relief from the pain and swelling associated with arthritis. My uncle suffered from Rheumatoid Arthritis and our therapist told us to try acupuncture treatment for the best results. It takes some time to show its effect. Since pain is the primary complaint of people suffering from arthritis, acupuncture is recognized as an effective form of pain control. Acupuncture is useful for treating other symptoms caused by arthritis and as a way to restore balance and health. By making healthy lifestyle changes and getting competent treatments by a trained arthritis clinic Fairfax VA acupuncturist, you can manage this and live a relatively pain free and mobile existence.
Hi ktinflorida! If you had a negative reaction, I would definitely consider pausing further acupuncture sessions until you check in with your physician. If you had a positive reaction, then it is entirely up to you as to whether or not you choose to continue. Like any RA treatment, what works for one person may not work for another. I believe some of our members have tried acupuncture and some have found it helpful; others, not so much. As the person living with RA, you are fully within your rights to refuse or request treatments as you see fit. Now, a physician can also choose not to treat patients, but a PT should have no problem with you declining a treatment that you don't find helpful. You can read a little bit more about RA and acupuncture here -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/alternatives-therapies/acupuncture-and-homeopathy/. Should this be a viable treatment option for you, it is absolutely critical that you use a reputable, licensed acupuncturist. I believe most states have a licensing requirement. Since I am in Indiana, I am just linking to my state's information -- http://www.in.gov/pla/2345.htm. You should be able to find yours by typing in your state's initials, followed by .gov. I hope this helps and please feel free to elaborate, should you feel comfortable doing so. Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.
