Acupuncture for Arthritis & Joint Pain
Arthritis and rheumatic joint pain cause pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced movement in one or more joints. At AcuPro Clinic in Abu Dhabi we see osteoarthritis most often, alongside rheumatoid arthritis, other rheumatic conditions and general joint pain in the knees, hips, hands, shoulders and lower back.
About Arthritis & Joint Pain
Overview
Arthritis affects the lining of cartilage within the joint, normally resulting and showing degeneration of cartilage. This makes movement more difficult, leading to pain and stiffness, which will progressively get worse over time if untreated, which are symptoms we commonly see.
Causes
Arthritis is a common condition characterized by inflammation and stiffness in one or more joints, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion. There are several types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis (the most common form), rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis, each with its own causes and symptoms. Arthritis can affect people of all ages and lifestyles, impacting daily activities and quality of life.
Risk factors
While acupuncture is generally safe, it's essential to inform your acupuncturist about any pre-existing medical conditions or medications you're taking, especially if you're experiencing arthritis. Your acupuncturist will tailor the treatment plan to ensure your safety and optimize the benefits of acupuncture for arthritis relief.
How we can help
How acupuncture & TCM can help
Acupuncture offers a holistic approach to relieving arthritis symptoms by reducing inflammation, improving circulation, promoting tissue healing, and alleviating pain. At AcuPro Clinic in Abu Dhabi, our acupuncture treatments aim to address the underlying causes of arthritis and provide relief from symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. With personalized care and gentle techniques, we help individuals manage their arthritis symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Our treatment process
Your first visit starts with a full assessment of your joints, symptoms, medical history and lifestyle. Fine needles are then placed at points around the affected joints and at distal points to ease pain, reduce stiffness and support circulation. Depending on your case we may add electro-acupuncture, moxibustion (gentle warming, often helpful for joint pain that is worse in cold and damp weather) or cupping, and tailor a plan to your type of arthritis.
Treatment & herbal prescription
When cartilage has been worn away, it can be difficult to improve these conditions as cartilage does not repair easily, however, we can help reduce the pain and prevent it from getting worse. We use herbal medicine alongside acupuncture or electric-acupuncture to treat the symptoms of arthritis
Results you can expect
Many patients notice less pain and stiffness within 2–3 treatments. Long-standing or inflammatory joint conditions usually need a longer course, followed by occasional maintenance sessions.
Aftercare & self-care
Aftercare advice
After each acupuncture session, prioritize rest, hydration, and gentle movement to support your body's response to treatment and enhance the effectiveness of acupuncture for arthritis relief. Follow any recommendations provided by your acupuncturist, such as applying heat or ice therapy, performing gentle stretching exercises, or using supportive devices such as splints or braces, to optimize pain relief and joint function. Additionally, maintain open communication with your acupuncturist to track your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Prevention tips
In addition to acupuncture treatment, adopting healthy lifestyle habits and self-care practices can help prevent and manage arthritis. These include maintaining a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids, engaging in regular exercise to strengthen muscles and improve joint flexibility, practicing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga, maintaining a healthy weight to reduce strain on the joints, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which can exacerbate arthritis symptoms.
Lifestyle recommendations
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods and nutrients to support joint health and reduce inflammation.
- Engage in regular exercise, such as swimming, walking, or low-impact activities, to improve joint flexibility, strengthen muscles, and maintain a healthy weight.
- Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or acupuncture to manage stress levels and reduce the impact of arthritis on your overall well-being.
Arthritis & Joint Pain
Joint conditions we commonly treat
- Osteoarthritis – wear-and-tear of the cartilage, typically in knees, hips, hands and spine
- Rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune, inflammatory arthritis, usually affecting small joints on both sides of the body
- Other rheumatic conditions – such as psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and polymyalgia rheumatica
- General joint pain & stiffness – including age-related stiffness, old injuries and joint pain that is worse in cold or damp weather
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are used alongside, not instead of, the care from your GP or rheumatologist. Please keep taking any prescribed medication and let us know what you are on.
What our patients say on Google
Related conditions we treat
Struggling with Arthritis & Joint Pain?
Book an initial assessment with our experienced TCM practitioners — online in under two minutes, or message us on WhatsApp.