Acupuncture Treatment for Joint Pain

Acupuncture is a non-operative treatment for joint pain that involves stimulating the nerves, muscles, and connective tissues in specific areas of the body. Based on the cause and location of the pain being treated, an acupuncturist places a series of thin needles at strategic acupressure points. The goal is to promote the production and release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving hormones.

If you’re interested in trying acupuncture for joint pain, an experienced practitioner at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute (AOSMI) in Freehold or Monroe Township, New Jersey, can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. To determine which type of acupuncture may benefit you the most, your acupuncturist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. He or she will then explain the treatment process and your targeted acupressure points, some of which may actually be far removed from the painful area of your body.

What Happens During a Treatment Session?

In general, an acupuncture session involves:

• Needle insertion – Your acupuncturist will precisely place the acupuncture needles at predetermined sites on your body. Usually, the insertion process causes minimal discomfort, and many people don’t feel it at all. Between five and 20 needles are typically used during a treatment session.
• Needle manipulation – After carefully placing the needles, the practitioner may apply heat or mild electrical pulses, or gently move or rotate the needles.
• Needle removal – The acupuncture needles may be left in place for approximately 10 to 20 minutes. During that time, you’ll be asked to relax and lie still on a padded table. The removal process should cause you no discomfort.

Not everyone responds to acupuncture in the same way, and the benefits can be difficult to measure. After a treatment session, some people feel relaxed, while others feel energized. If your joint pain does not begin to improve within a few weeks, you may want to explore other treatment options.

For more information about acupuncture, contact the specialists at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute. You can schedule an appointment at our office in Freehold or Monroe Township, NJ, where you can consult with a practitioner who is trained in pain management, acupuncture, and homeopathic medicine.