Acupuncture for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Can acupuncture treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Our Brisbane acupuncture clinics can help with rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Research has indicated that Acupuncture is an effective treatment for the symptoms of autoimmune disorders and musculoskeletal complaints (1-4) including rheumatoid arthritis (5). 

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that mainly affects the smaller joints of the hands and feet.  

Disclaimer – Each individual’s treatment and/or results may vary from patient to patient based upon the circumstances of the patient’s specific situation.  TLC Acupuncture does not promise or guarantee a result from the act of receiving a treatment.

What causes rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder meaning the body’s immune system is mistakenly attacking the bodies own tissues.  The cause of autoimmune disorders is unknown however it is suspected that genetic factors play a part in their development.  This attack on the body’s tissues affects the synovium which is the membranous sac that contains the joint.  This causes swelling and inflammation leading to pain, destruction of cartilage and bone and eventually fusion of the bones causing immobility and deformity of the joint.  This autoimmune disorder can also have more widespread symptoms and damage affecting the skin, eye, lungs, heart and blood vessels.

How can acupuncture help?

Acupuncture treatments are based on slowing down the progression of the disease both internally at the immune system level and locally in the joints, removing the pain and inflammation and bringing back as much function as is possible (6).  We combine acupuncture with Chinese herbal medicine and diet changes to achieve optimal results.

Locally the joints are treated to relax the surrounding muscles of the joint, allowing the joint to maneuver in the way it was intended as opposed to being pulled to one side. This helps takes the pressure off the joint and slows down degeneration. 

Secondly, acupuncture will decrease inflammation and help remove the inflammatory mediators causing destruction to the joint (6).  Acupuncture also increases cellular growth and repair (5) as well as decreasing the pain and discomfort (1).  Long term regular acupuncture helps to slow down and in some cases stop further progression of the disease (7) by correcting the function of the immune system and putting the disease in a state of remission.

When should I see an acupuncturist?

Because this is a degenerative condition the sooner you receive treatment, the sooner acupuncture can help relieve your symptoms and help you enjoy a better quality of life.  We recommend regular acupuncture treatment for this type of condition. Most patients come for treatment until the pain and swelling are gone and then return for treatment when the swelling and discomfort start to come back or try and return before it usually comes back.  The length of time between sessions varies according to how much damage has been done to the joint.  The majority of patients return monthly to keep the joint in an optimal state.

Clinical research trials for acupuncture as an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis

Many studies (including those listed below) have shown that acupuncture helps relieve symptoms
such as inflammation, pain, and stiffness.

1. Acupuncture for pain relief in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review by Chenchen
   Wang1, Paola de Pablo1, Xiaoyan Chen2, Christopher Schmid1,Timothy McAlindon1 published in
   2008 found the following results:
   Eight studies met eligibility criteria with a total of 536 subjects. There were 4 placebo-controlled trials
   and 4 active-controlled trials. Average study duration was 11 weeks. Average duration of needle
   insertion was 24 minutes. Six studies reported a decrease in pain for acupuncture versus controls. In
   addition, 4 studies reported a significant reduction in morning stiffness. With regard to inflammatory
   markers, 5 studies observed a reduction in ESR and 3 observed a CRP level reduction and 1 study
   showed a significant difference for both ESR and CRP.
   DOI: 10.1002/art.24009
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323401968000607
3. http://eprints.ugd.edu.mk/15680/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16934402
5. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2018/8596918/abs/
6. https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S0192415X18500520
7. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/lsm.22487