There is no cure for arthritis; however, holistic therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, Tai Chi and Reiki may help relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation.
Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements may help ease arthritis pain, stiffness and swelling; however, further research needs to be completed before making this a part of your daily regimen. Always check with your healthcare provider first if considering trying them as a remedy.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an alternative therapy that may provide relief for arthritis pain. It is grounded in traditional Chinese medicine, with practitioners believing it can rebalance energy flows and promote overall wellness, while Western medicine suggests it stimulates physiological mechanisms to lower pain threshold.
Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of acupuncture for relieving pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Acupuncture should be included as one component of an overall arthritis management strategy that encompasses physical therapy, prescription medications, diet changes, lifestyle modifications and diet modification as well as acupuncture treatments to control disease progression and avoid flare-ups.
Acupuncturists use fine needles to stimulate specific “acupoints,” usually around where arthritis symptoms reside on a patient’s body, stimulating nerves which send signals back to the spinal cord and brain that stimulate natural painkillers known as endorphins to release. Furthermore, acupuncture increases blood circulation which may help soothe inflammation and muscle tension.
Research demonstrates the efficacy of regular acupuncture treatment as part of a treatment plan, especially early on in a treatment plan. Some patients report immediate relief while others take several weeks. For chronic pain management, booster sessions may provide further benefit and should always be performed by licensed practitioners who specialize in treating rheumatic conditions.
Acupuncture may not be a cure for rheumatoid arthritis and other joint ailments, but it can be an invaluable addition to traditional treatment regimens, providing pain relief and other advantages. Furthermore, it’s an ideal treatment option for those who prefer not taking prescription drugs due to side effects like gastrointestinal issues and liver strain.
Massage
Massage has become an increasingly popular service, whether at a high-end day spa or physical therapy clinic. Studies show it to have many health advantages such as pain relief and improved sleep quality.
Massage has long been used as a home remedy for muscle cramps, spasms and injuries, though massage may also prevent future episodes by warming up and moving blood through muscles and joints, increasing flexibility, mobility and decreasing inflammation.
Massage may provide many therapeutic advantages for arthritis sufferers. For instance, those living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can use massage therapy to increase healthy circulation through affected joints and decrease swelling; conversely those suffering with osteoarthritis can use massage to build strength and flexibility while relieving tension and stress.
Pressure used during massage sessions is of vital importance. While clients and therapists might be tempted to opt for light touch massage techniques, studies have revealed that moderate pressure works better at stimulating pressure receptors that send pain-reducing signals directly to the brain. It’s essential that when selecting a style of massage therapy session that you inform the therapist if you have arthritis so they can avoid overworking inflamed joints and provide effective therapy.
Although massage may cause soreness, it may still be worth giving it a try if you are struggling with chronic pain or stiffness. Before booking your first session, consult a rheumatologist or primary-care physician to make sure it is safe for you; avoid massaging bony prominences to minimize further aggravating arthritis symptoms; drink plenty of water prior to and following each massage session for best results; also, ensure there are enough breaks during and post session so as to prevent dehydration.
Tai chi
Tai chi is a low-impact exercise designed to improve flexibility and balance. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy at decreasing arthritis pain by increasing joint movement. Furthermore, it increases circulation to joints by providing blood and fluids from within your body directly into them and thus relieving stiffness; eventually tai chi may even help decrease falls by as much as 70% (reference 7).
Tai chi is an ancient martial art that can be practiced solo or with others, and provides physical and mental benefits. Tai chi helps manage depression and chronic pain while encouraging deep breathing to decrease stress levels and encourage deep breathers. Tai chi offers an effective alternative to medications used for pain management; safe for most individuals including those with mobility issues or wheelchair users.
Many people with arthritis find it challenging to stick with an exercise routine, making finding something you enjoy a key element for success. Tai chi can be an enjoyable form of exercise; some call it “meditation in motion”, as its practice requires focused attention and deep breathing patterns.
There are various causes of arthritis. Western medicine outlines its physical causes in depth; Traditional Chinese Medicine and Qi Gong suggest an energetic cause as well. According to these traditions, arthritis occurs when your energy (Qi) becomes stagnant within your body, leading to inflammation and stiffness; Tai chi can help by moving Qi through your system more freely to keep it from stagnating and eventually leading to arthritis.
Tai chi can be an invaluable way to improve overall health, particularly for those suffering from arthritis. Tai chi helps increase flexibility while simultaneously increasing circulation to your joints, strengthening your muscles and tendons and increasing cardiovascular and respiratory endurance – making it an effective arthritis treatment.
Reiki
Reiki, or Rei-ki, is an alternative practice of placing one or both hands on various parts of the body to induce relaxation and balance, alleviate pain, reduce inflammation and promote healing. Though not a cure for arthritis, Reiki provides comfort while supporting its natural healing processes, complementing conventional medical treatment in providing comfort.
Studies have demonstrated the positive benefits of Reiki on mood, stress relief and pain reduction for those living with chronic health conditions. Furthermore, large trials involving multiple participants must take place before these results can be confirmed definitively; any alternative therapies must first be discussed with your healthcare provider prior to embarking on them.
Arthritis and other health challenges can create tremendous emotional strain, but Reiki can provide much-needed relief by relieving this tension, which contributes to joint pain. Furthermore, Reiki provides relief from fatigue while improving quality of life for those living with arthritis.
Ancient energy therapy techniques like Reiki can be an invaluable way to release negative emotions that contribute to knee pain and restore energy and wellbeing. They may be combined with visualization or affirmations exercises for added effect.
Reiki is a complementary therapy that should not be seen as a replacement for conventional medical treatments, yet can reduce stress and anxiety while encouraging healing. Reiki may also be utilized alongside conventional medication in managing rheumatic conditions – according to one randomized controlled study published in Explore, researchers discovered that both Reiki and hand massage significantly reduced pain and fatigue among 105 participants enrolled for six sessions either of Reiki or hand massage treatment.
PRP injections
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a highly concentrated solution containing multiple growth factors and proteins to speed the healing process in your body. PRP is made by extracting blood plasma and used to promote healing where needed most, making this treatment ideal for arthritis pain relief and stiffness as well as cartilage deterioration that may otherwise lead to more serious issues and require surgery in later years.
PRP therapy is also beneficial in treating musculoskeletal injuries, including ligament and tendon issues like tennis elbow. Furthermore, it can be used to speed post-surgery healing.
Your doctor will collect a small blood sample, place it in a centrifuge to separate out its platelets and plasma components, and inject these components directly into areas affected by injury or arthritis for healing purposes. The treatment should be very safe with no risk of rejection or allergy since your own blood will be used.
PRP treatment is noninvasive and usually lasts 30-60 minutes. Patients may experience some minor soreness or swelling at the injection site for one or two days post injection, though this should soon subside. When using PRP it’s best to refrain from using anti-inflammatory medicines as these could hinder its natural healing properties and may reduce efficacy over time.
Studies demonstrate the efficacy of multiple PRP injections over single PRP or hyaluronic acid injections as treatments for knee osteoarthritis. The injections increase platelet count within joints, increasing lubrication while decreasing friction coefficient of cartilage, stimulating cell migration proliferation differentiation of progenitor/stem cells thereby improving tissue conditions underlying them.
