Arthritis

Did you know that arthritis doesn’t have to slow you down? Ting Wu, DACM, L.Ac, at NYC Acupuncture + Wellness in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, New York, helps her patients with arthritis overcome their challenges and start a path to a pain-free life. Learn more about Dr. Wu’s traditional medical techniques from China, Japan, and Korea combined with Western medicine that can provide the right treatment for you. Call the friendly staff during business hours or book online when you’re ready.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a common condition that causes inflammation and stiffness in your joints, leading to pain and decreased mobility. With over a hundred different types, the most prevalent are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones wears down over time, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks your joints.

What causes arthritis?

Various factors contribute to the development of arthritis, including genetics, age, joint injuries, infections, and lifestyle factors such as obesity and smoking. In addition, certain occupations or sports that involve repetitive joint movements can increase your risk.

Can arthritis be prevented?

While you can’t always prevent arthritis, you can take steps to reduce your risk and manage symptoms, such as:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stay physically active to strengthen muscles and joints
• Avoid excessive stress on your joints
• Follow a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods

Dr. Wu can provide specific guidance on how to avoid the development of arthritis.

How is arthritis treated?

At NYC Acupuncture + Wellness, Dr. Wu’s treatment for arthritis often involves a combination of Eastern and Western medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes restoring the balance of qi (energy flow) within your body through techniques such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, tai chi, and qigong.

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on your body to alleviate pain and promote healing, while herbal remedies like ginseng and turmeric offer anti-inflammatory properties.

In Japan, Kampo medicine, which originated from traditional Chinese medicine, is commonly used to treat arthritis. Dr. Wu prescribes herbal formulations tailored to your symptoms and condition. 

In addition, Japanese therapies like moxibustion, where dried mugwort is burned near your skin, and shiatsu massage, which targets acupressure points, can help alleviate pain and improve joint function.

Korean medicine similarly draws from traditional Chinese medicine principles, with treatments including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and cupping therapy. Dr. Wu may also recommend techniques like Korean physical therapy, which involves stretching and exercises to improve joint flexibility and strength.

Western medicine offers a range of treatments for arthritis, including medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and joint injections can also help manage symptoms and improve function.

Don’t let arthritis affect your quality of life. Call for an appointment or book online today.