3 Alternative Medical Treatments For Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes the joints to become inflamed, causing pain and difficulty moving the affected area. There are a few types of arthritis, but regardless of the type you have, there are some alternative treatments you can try to get relief:

Acupuncture for Arthritis

The scientific explanation of acupuncture shows that the treatment can stimulate nerves in the skin and muscle tissues, triggering the body to release pain-relieving enzymes. 

While traditional acupuncture claims that the Qi needs to flow through the body freely and pain occurs when it doesn't, scientific evidence has shown that it's the release of endorphins and other enzymes that are the root cause of pain relief.

Acupuncture can help with various conditions, but it's most commonly used for:

  • Lower back pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Pain caused by tension

Fish Oil for Arthritis

Fish oil is another item that may help with arthritis. Fish oil has the potential to reduce inflammation and to ease pain for those struggling with arthritis. 

It's been claimed that fish-oil capsules may be as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. All patients need to do is to take four standard-sized fish oil capsules a day, and they could see a result. 

Massage for Arthritis

Another alternative therapy that can be beneficial to those with arthritis is massage. Massage works to relieve pain and inflammation for several reasons, but it's important to always discuss your pain tolerance with the therapist. If your joints are tender, lighter massage can be effective, and if you can handle a deeper massage, it can have an effect on more or the tissues in your body. 

How does massage help? Massage:

  • Helps you relax mentally. Always being in pain can put a great strain on your body, so relaxing, even for a short time, can be rejuvenating. 
  • Helps relieve muscle tension. While your joints may feel tight and inflamed, it's also possible that the muscles around the joint have been overworked or injured. Releasing the tension in these muscles can help you get the pain relief you're after. 
  • Reduces pain. The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine reports that massage can lead to a significant reduction in pain for those with arthritis. Just a 15-minute massage per day on wrist or hand arthritis was shown to reduce pain and anxiety.

Arthritis may not be curable, but with the right techniques, it can be easier to live with. Try these alternative therapies to see if one gives you the freedom from pain you've been looking for. 


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