Try acupuncture for arthritis?

Question

I have osteoarthritis in the left hip due to hip displaysia. I'm only 37. My dr says that I just need to basically manage the pain and put off hip replacement for as long as possible. I am very active. I work out (limited due to the arthritis), do yoga and am looking for relief other than the celebrex. Has acupuncture worked for anyone? I'm also looking into some supplements.

What is the bonus question?

Answer 1

It is certainly good that you are exercising. Regular exercise helps to increase the sinovial fluid within the joints (the fluid within the joint that lubricates the joint), and will offset some of the pain of osteoarthritis. Acupuncture should work for the pain. However, acupuncture would not cure the osteoarthrits, as there is a structural issue involved. The upshot is that you can manage your pain quite effectively with regular treatments (usually twice a week is sufficient).
Just make sure that your acupuncturist is well-trained, preferably with a master's degree in acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine. If you can find an acupuncturist who is also trained in herbology (which is becoming more common, and is standard for acupuncturists in California), you can also request an herbal formula to manage pain and lower inflammation. Just be sure to let the acupuncturist know about any drugs that you are currently taking.
Your doctor is right to suggest avoiding hip replacement as long as possible. Today's joint replacements only last about ten years. The longer you can keep your original hip joint, the more future operations you can avoid.
Good Luck!

Answer 2

I have been to a physiotherapist who also does acupuncture It did help a bit but not that much that I kept up with it as it was an avoidable expense. Best thing so far has been weight training. Started off with very light weights plastic type in lovely colors but am now lifting the real ones but only 7 kg in each hand. I train on my mat/bench so am really comfy (very important) and am only exercising about 10 minutes perhaps twice a day and the results have been incredible------carpal tunnel syndrome gone, tennis elbow not happening and best of all no arthritic pain. We are all different so try out different processes and one will help or they may all help good luck !

Answer 3

You are on the right track. I have undergone accupuncture treatments several times. I am a Yoga Instructor, and have arthritis in my neck/spine, and also hips. It works wonders for me. I also keep limber, move a lot and take glucosamine. Last time I went in for treatments was November, after a bad flare up with my neck-causing pain down my back, and actually had a numb right arm and hand. It worked after 2 sessions, and I did a total of 8. KNOCK WOOD, I have not needed to go back, but may now, just as a precaution, and it makes you feel totally rejuvinated, relaxed and in balance. Try it. Good Luck!!

Answer 4

Hi! I am 27 and I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, I take some great meds. but i need a little something else to knock off the pain in my elbows without take more meds.. I have just started looking into acupuncture.

My RA doc. told me about the move free pills that are over the counter and it should help some also. I still haven't tried those.

Best of luck!

Arthiritis Suck!

Answer 5

acupuncture arthritis

Answer 6

Not me-- but a friend who has since passed... had AWFUL rheumatoid arthritis since childhood. He got really good relief for a long time from acupuncture.

Answer 7

Check out www.about.com for a lot of information about arthritis and treatment options. Also try out Acupressure (safer than acupuncture) and Su Jok therapy (a sort of acupressure).