Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, traditionally known as “wear and tear” arthritis, is an age-related condition so common that it appears universal. It usually affects the large joints, such as the hips or knees, and features a loss of cartilage and the development of bone spurs within the joints. Arthritis pain, symptoms such as stiffness and loss of mobility, and an overall feeling of getting too old to do the things you love are the result.
In conventional medicine, your arthritis doctor will provide pain relief, including eventually destructive corticosteroid injections, and is likely to write your name on the list for joint replacement surgery once it gets too severe.
Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, does not stop at relieving pain. Osteoarthritis is a form of “Bi” syndrome, or painful obstruction syndrome, together with “Wei” syndrome, where there is muscle weakness and tissue loss. Arthritis treatment therefore focuses on clearing the obstruction and building strength, through nurturing the organs and supporting healthy meridian channel function.
Does it work? A large clinical trial found that people receiving either traditional or electro-acupuncture were more likely to report significant relief from the symptoms of osteoarthritis compared to the placebo group. As a treatment protocol of three sessions a week for eight weeks, it also shows the importance of personalizing your plan to fit you.
Acupuncture is also effective for rheumatoid arthritis where there is a correct traditional diagnosis. In a trial of people with Turning Point Syndrome, an underlying trigger for the disease, pain and the number of swollen or tender joints fell while strength increased. Arm and handgrip strength almost doubled, and average pain fell from 6/10 to 1/10. Their average number of swollen joints fell from 2 to 0.5, meaning more had no swelling, while tender joints fell from an average of 2 to 1.
Here at Life Balance Clinic, Dr Dekhtyar and his team use in-depth consultation and examination to find the underlying cause of your condition, including osteoarthritis. Even energy flow through the meridian channels can be measured to detect blockages, excess, and deficiency. Life Balance Clinic also practices a wide range of therapies from laser acupuncture to Chinese massage, so you are better able to find the right treatment plan.
To learn more, contact us today at 847-724-1777.
