Arthritis isn’t one condition—it’s a family. The most common is osteoarthritis (OA), where joints get stiff and sore over time. Others, like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), are inflammatory and need medical oversight. Chinese medicine offers supportive options to manage pain, stiffness and function—especially for OA—alongside your mainstream care.
What the evidence says
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Guidelines: The 2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation guideline conditionally recommends acupuncture for knee OA symptom relief as part of multimodal care. ACR JournalsEurope PMC
UK guidance: NICE reviewed acupuncture for OA; their 2022 guideline focuses on exercise, education and weight management, with acupuncture not routinely recommended in primary pathways—but their evidence review summarises potential benefits and uncertainties. NICE+1
Meta-analyses: Across chronic musculoskeletal pain (including OA), high-quality pooled data show acupuncture provides small-to-moderate improvements in pain and function versus sham and usual care, with effects maintained over time. Europe PMCJpain
Inflammatory arthritis (e.g., RA)
For RA, medications from your rheumatology team are central. Early studies suggest acupuncture may help with pain and morning stiffness as an adjunct, but evidence is limited and not guideline-endorsed as a core RA treatment. We position acupuncture/herbs as supportive only, and coordinate with your specialists. BioMed Central
How acupuncture and Chinese medicine may help
Pain & stiffness: Modulates pain pathways and local blood flow; patients often report easier movement after sessions. Europe PMC
Function: When combined with exercise and weight management, improvements in walking tolerance and daily tasks are more likely. AAFP
Whole-person care: Sleep, stress and digestion can amplify joint pain; Chinese medicine addresses these amplifiers alongside the joint itself.
Our approach at Centre of Health Ivanhoe
Assessment first: We clarify your arthritis type, stage and red flags. If you don’t have a diagnosis, we’ll recommend seeing your GP and/or imaging as appropriate.
A practical plan:
Acupuncture: Typically weekly for 4–6 weeks, then space out.
Targeted herbal formulas: To address swelling, stiffness or pain patterns; we check for interactions and keep dosing conservative and time-limited.
Movement & physio: Simple, joint-friendly exercises, pacing strategies and heat/cold advice you can actually stick to.
Measurable goals: e.g., “walk 10 more minutes with less next-day soreness,” “sleep through the 3 am pain wake-up,” “cut naproxen use by X% (with your GP).”
Live near Ivanhoe? Book a consult and we’ll tailor a plan that blends acupuncture, herbs and movement—designed around your joints and your life.