Arthritis is something to be managed over time. Many people come to us looking for another way to keep their joints comfortable, or for help staying active while they wait for a joint replacement.
How Chinese medicine sees it
In Chinese medicine, arthritis is seen as a blockage of circulation in and around the joint. The diagnosis doesn't stop there, though. We want to understand the personality of your arthritis.
Is it worse in hot weather, or when it's cold and damp? Does the pain come and go, or is it always there? Is it worse when you're tired? Those answers point to the underlying pattern and how best to treat it. Acupuncture can't repair structural damage in a joint, but it aims to ease pain, calm inflammation and improve circulation.
How we treat it
- Acupuncture at points around the painful joints and elsewhere on the body.
- Heat therapy and moxibustion, especially for arthritis that is worse in cold, damp weather.
- Custom herbal formulas prescribed by Scott Paglia, L.Ac., matched to your pattern.
- Diet changes and lifestyle advice based on Chinese nutrition.
- Gentle acupressure, which can suit older patients working on mobility.
What to expect
- A relaxed consultation and a full health history. We'll ask about which joints hurt and how weather, activity and tiredness affect them, and about your sleep, digestion, energy and stress too.
- A traditional Chinese medicine exam, including your pulse and your tongue.
- A clear explanation of what we found and how Chinese medicine understands it.
- A treatment plan made for you, with time for all your questions.
- Arthritis care is usually a series of treatments rather than a single visit. We'll recommend a plan after your first appointment.
Keep working with your physician or rheumatologist; acupuncture can be part of your plan alongside their care.
Common questions
Does it matter what type of arthritis I have?
It helps us to know. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis behave differently, and we'll ask about any diagnosis you have. We also read your own pattern of symptoms.
Can acupuncture help while I wait for a joint replacement?
Many people use acupuncture to help manage pain and stay active until they're ready for surgery.
