Arthritis Pain Management with Acupuncture: How Does it Work & Expectations

Arthritis pain management with acupuncture involves inserting thin stainless steel needles into specific areas, such as the shoulder, elbow, and wrists.

It is challenging to study the effects of acupuncture for arthritis pain management because there is a limited number of studies. However, all the studies found that acupuncture is effective for arthritis.

We reviewed these studies and described how acupuncture helps with arthritis pain management in the comprehensive guide below.

How Acupuncture Helps Arthritis

The effects of acupuncture vary person to person. That is why conducting clinical trials becomes challenging.

A 2018 review found that acupuncture can reduce rheumatoid arthritis (RA) significantly when combined with other treatments or alone. Also, acupuncture improves the quality of your life by reducing arthritis.

Another recent study done in 2022 inspected the effectiveness of acupuncture. The study used acupuncture as a complementary treatment, and the results were as follows,

• Traditional Acupuncture: Acupuncturists insert the needles into the muscles or skin at the key acupuncture points.

• Electro Acupuncture: The process uses electric current to stimulate the acupuncture needles to improve the effects of the acupuncture.

Patients who undergo Western medicine combined with acupuncture have the following benefits,

• Inflammatory markers in the blood

• Pains

• Tender joints

• Self-reported pain

Both studies concluded that acupuncture is an effective solution for arthritis.

However, larger sample sizes are necessary to confirm the results.

What are the Needle Points of Acupuncture for Arthritis Pain Management?

Acupuncture for arthritis uses specific points on the body to help manage joint pain and inflammation.

Practitioners select points near the affected joint, along with distal points located farther away on related energy pathways called meridians. The treatment approach depends on the joint affected and the patient's symptoms.

The table below explores the Common acupuncture points for arthritis by affected joint region.

What are the Benefits of Acupuncture for Arthritis?

100s of patients who took acupuncture treatment for arthritis experienced significant reduction and improved quality of their lives.

The Acupuncture Foundation found that acupuncture increases the release of oxytocin and endorphins, which aids pain relief.

A study done in 2019 investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture for pain relief in arthritis. Each patient received the following,

• TCM method is used in acupuncture

• Sham acupuncture is provided in random areas of the body.

• No additional treatment is received once the study is done.

The participants experienced the following benefits,

• Less pain

• Improved quality of life

• Better sleep

• Increased strength in the hand and arm

• Enhanced better health

What are the Risks and Side Effects of Arthritis Pain Management with Acupuncture?

According to the supporters, acupuncture is one of the gentle ways to heal the body. They consulted with professional acupuncturists, which helps them complete the process without risks and side effects.

However, a few patients experienced the following problems,

• Bruising

• Bleeding

• Pain in the needle insertion areas

• Dizziness or fainting

• Nausea

You can minimize the chance of these side effects if you consult an acupuncturist from Balance Houston.

Patients must talk with a professional acupuncturist because incorrectly placed needles can increase the risks of severe effects, which include:

• Infections in the needle insertion areas

• Damaged organs

• Collapsed lungs

• Injury to the central nervous system

What are the Questions to Ask an Acupuncturist before Arthritis Treatment?

Before getting acupuncture treatment for arthritis, ask the questions below to the acupuncturist,

• How many sessions will I need? Ask the acupuncturist an estimated timeline and how soon you will see an expected result.

• What will a typical acupuncture session look like? Learn how long the needle-retention session will take. Also, ask whether complementary therapies like electrical stimulation or moxibustion will be used.

• How much does each session cost? Understand the pre-session fees, package deals, and other extended health benefits.

• Are their needles sterilized and single-use? Ensure the needles used in acupuncture sessions are sterilized and single-use to avoid the risk of infections.

FAQ

Is acupuncture worth trying for arthritis pain?

Acupuncture may help reduce arthritis pain and improve movement for some people. Results vary, and evidence is mixed. It works best as a complementary treatment alongside prescribed medication, exercise, and physical therapy.

When to stop acupuncture arthritis treatment?

Stop acupuncture if pain worsens, symptoms persist, or you experience unusual bleeding, infection, dizziness, or severe discomfort. Consult your healthcare provider if treatment brings no meaningful improvement after several sessions.

How Much Does Arthritis Pain Management with Acupuncture Cost?

Acupuncture for arthritis typically costs $50–$150 per session in the United States. Initial consultations may cost more. Total expenses depend on location, practitioner experience, session frequency, insurance coverage, and treatment duration.

If You Want Acupuncture Treatment

Balance Houston specializes in using acupuncture for arthritis pain management and other difficult conditions like migraines, headaches, pain-related emotions, etc. Our professional acupuncturists are experienced enough for arthritis pain management with acupuncture. Contact us to schedule an appointment.