If you live with arthritis you may already know that winter can be one of the most challenging times of year. The colder months have a way of making joint pain feel more intense and everyday movement more of a struggle than it needs to be.
For many Australians living with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, the search for natural, complementary approaches to managing winter pain is an ongoing one. Acupuncture is increasingly recognised as a supportive option.
At AcuHealth Therapies in Templestowe Lower, we see a noticeable increase in patients from across Melbourne’s north-east, including Templestowe, Doncaster, Heidelberg, Bulleen and Balwyn North seeking acupuncture support for arthritis as the temperatures drop. Here are five ways acupuncture may help.
Pain relief is the most common reason people with arthritis explore acupuncture and it is the area with the strongest supporting evidence. A 2024 study summarised that “acupuncture appears to contribute to cartilage protection and pain management in osteoarthritis, thus, advocating for a holistic approach towards the scientific validation of traditional medicine.”
Inflammation is a key driver of arthritis pain and managing it is central to improving comfort and joint function. Research into acupuncture for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis has explored its potential to support the body’s natural anti-inflammatory responses.
Research from 2021 concluded that “acupuncture is an effective therapy that is used worldwide for the treatment of multiple inflammatory diseases.” It also stated that “the evidence of acupuncture-mediated anti-inflammatory actions and underlying mechanisms summarized in this study forms a map that optimizes stimulation parameters that can potentially enhance both safety and efficacy of acupuncture intervention.”
Living with chronic pain is not just a physical experience, it can take an emotional toll too. Persistent arthritis pain can feed into anxiety and low mood, which in turn can make the experience of pain feel more intense. It is a cycle that many arthritis sufferers know all too well.
Acupuncture is well recognised for its calming effect on the nervous system. Regular treatments can help reduce stress, ease anxiety and promote a greater sense of overall wellbeing. Acupuncture can support not just the physical symptoms of arthritis, but the mental and emotional load that comes with managing a chronic condition.
Pain and stiffness are not the only challenges arthritis presents. Reduced joint function and limited mobility can significantly impact daily life, particularly for those managing moderate to severe symptoms.
For patients who find that stiffness and reduced range of motion are at their worst in winter, regular acupuncture sessions may help support greater ease of movement as part of a broader management plan.
A 2008 study concluded that “Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee seemed to experience clinical improvements in six-minute walking distance, pain relief and mobility when their standard care was supplemented with acupuncture.”
One of the most appealing aspects of acupuncture for arthritis sufferers is that it is designed to complement western medical treatments. Whether you are managing your arthritis with medication, physiotherapy, exercise or a combination of approaches, acupuncture can be integrated into your existing plan as a supportive, natural therapy.
While much of the research into acupuncture and arthritis has focused on osteoarthritis, there is also growing interest in acupuncture as a complementary support for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A study from 2018 “concluded that acupuncture alone or combined with other treatment modalities is beneficial to the clinical conditions of RA without adverse effects reported and can improve function and quality of life and is worth trying.”
Some studies suggest acupuncture may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with RA when used alongside conventional disease-modifying treatments. If you have rheumatoid arthritis and are considering acupuncture, it is important to discuss this with your rheumatologist before beginning any acupuncture therapy.
At AcuHealth Therapies, Dr Sharlane Aldover brings over 15 years of experience to every consultation. She provides professional, compassionate and personalised care in a welcoming and relaxed clinical environment at the Templestowe Health Hub.
Conveniently located for residents across Melbourne’s north-east, including Templestowe, Doncaster, Heidelberg, Bulleen, Donvale, Balwyn North and Viewbank.
To find out more about Sports Acupuncture call us at the clinic on 0403 524 893
