Acupuncture: Giving your Wellbeing a Traditional Medicine Boost
When we have joint pain, doctors often order x-rays or MRIs. We might be told we have “bone on bone” arthritis, and we need to take anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. In some cases, you may receive a recommendation for joint replacement surgery. This is a “big miss” in current medical trends. Why? Because attention is only being given to bones or discs. We are missing an important cause of pain, the muscles!
Muscles are one of the most neglected organs in our body. It has been shown that most joint pain starts from the muscles. In 25% of the cases with joint pain, limited movement and dysfunction are rooted in over-contracting, stiff muscles. These over-contracting muscles pull the ligaments that are attached on the bone near the joints. This can cause inflammation and tearing in the joint, causing pain. X-ray images may show a narrowed gap between bones or discs. As we age, our muscles have a harder time relaxing and often get stiff. That is why arthritis pain is more common in older people.
Acupuncture is an effective treatment for joint pain because it can help relax the over-contracting stiff muscle and relieve the joint pain. With the same mechanism, acupuncture can help with:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Frozen shoulder (limited range of motion with pain)
- Tennis/golf elbow
- Temporomandibular disorders
- Hip pain
- Upper and lower back pain
Acupuncture is a safe way to address joint and muscle pain and may help to reduce the use of pain medications. Acupuncture and acupressure are also great ways to help your body get back to doing the activities you enjoy.
Make an appointment with Dr. Frank today at ViaroTherapeutics.
Dr. Frank Fusheng Lan
Acupuncturist
ViaroTherapeutics
Licensed Acupuncturist Since 1998
