Natural Relief: Acupuncture for Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, often affecting the knees, hips, hands, and spine. It occurs when the protective cartilage between joints gradually wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, inflammation, and reduced mobility.
Many patients simply refer to osteoarthritis as “knee arthritis” or “hip arthritis.” If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoarthritis or are experiencing chronic joint pain, acupuncture may be a supportive option to include in your care plan.
Common Symptoms of Osteoarthritis May Include:
- – Joint pain or aching, especially with movement
- – Morning stiffness or stiffness after rest
- – Reduced range of motion
- – Swelling or inflammation around joints
- – Mild crackling sensation in joints (crepitus)
- – Symptoms that worsen with overuse
- – Symptoms that worsen with damp or cold weather
- – (For example, many patients tell us they can predict when it’s going to rain)
Osteoarthritis often develops gradually over time and can impact daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, getting up from a chair, or opening jars.
How Acupuncture May Reduce Osteoarthritis Symptoms:
Acupuncture is often used as part of a pain management approach for osteoarthritis. From a biomedical perspective, acupuncture may:
- – Support circulation to affected joints
- – Influence pain signaling pathways to reduce pain
- – Help reduce muscle tension around irritated joints
- – Support the body’s anti-inflammatory response
- – Trigger the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters that reduce pain
While experiences vary, many patients report improvements in comfort, mobility, and overall function with acupuncture.
Which Joints Are Commonly Affected by Osteoarthritis?
- – Knees (very common)
- – Hips
- – Hands
- – Thumb joints
- – Low back
- – Neck
Because knee osteoarthritis is so common, we also offer a dedicated page for knee arthritis specifically. Click here to learn more.
What to Expect During Acupuncture Treatment for Osteoarthritis:
Your first visit is typically 90 minutes and includes:
- – A discussion of your symptoms, goals, how the pain is impacting your daily life, and health history
- – Treatment plan tailored to your needs
- – Acupuncture treatment with time to relax quietly
Follow-up treatments are usually 60 minutes.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Treatment frequency depends on the severity, duration, and location of your osteoarthritis symptoms.
General guidelines:
- – For new patients, one treatment per week for 8 weeks is recommended
- – After this, we will try spacing out your treatments to see if you can go 2 or 3 weeks and still feel good
- – Many osteoarthritis patients end up on a monthly maintenance schedule
It’s always easier to maintain your good results than it is to stop treatment and have to start over months later during a flare up.
Many maintenance patients also choose to come a bit more frequently if they know a season is approaching that makes their symptoms worse, such as just before the bitter cold of winter, or the rainy season of spring.
Your acupuncturist will make personalized recommendations at your first appointment.
Working in Conjunction Other Healthcare Providers:
Osteoarthritis often benefits from a multi-disciplinary approach. Acupuncture works well with most other types of medical care and can be a valuable addition to your treatment plan along with your:
- – Primary care provider
- – Orthopedist
- – Rheumatologist
- – Physical therapist
- – Chiropractor
You’re welcome to bring imaging reports or notes if you have them and we will add them to your chart.
Is Acupuncture Right for My Osteoarthritis?
Acupuncture is a great fit if you:
- – Want to explore non-pharmaceutical pain options
- – Want to reduce the amount of pain medications you are taking (with your doctor’s guidance)
- – Are looking for a complementary approach
- – Experience stiffness or reduced mobility
- – Have chronic or recurring joint pain
- – Want to support daily comfort and function
Many patients find acupuncture fits well into their long-term pain management plan.
Insurance & Billing:
Seneca Falls Acupuncture is a private-pay clinic. We do not accept insurance and are out-of-network with all insurance companies.
If you have out-of-network acupuncture benefits, we are happy to provide a superbill so the insurance company can reimburse you. Read more about superbills and what to ask your insurance company here.
Why Patients Choose Seneca Falls Acupuncture:
- – Personalized care: Treatment plans are tailored to your symptoms, medical history, and goals.
- – Experienced clinicians: With over 30 years of combined experience, we regularly work with long-standing joint pain and osteoarthritis.
- – Calm, very comfortable environment: Treatments take place in a relaxed setting – most patients fall asleep during treatment.
- – Education & expectations: We take time to explain what to expect, how often to come, and how acupuncture fits into the bigger picture.
- – ⭐ Over 100 five-star Google reviews
- – Awarded “Best Acupuncture Clinic” in the FLX Finest Competition three years in a row (2023-2025)
Have Questions About Osteoarthritis and Acupuncture? Ready to Get Started?
If you’re unsure whether acupuncture is a good fit for your osteoarthritis symptoms, we’re happy to answer questions by phone, text, or email. Our contact info is below.
If you’re ready to book your first appointment, click here.
We would love to help you feel your best and get back to doing the things you love again.
Call or Text: (607) 216-8112
Email: info@senecafallsacupuncture.com
Address: 12 N. Park St., Seneca Falls, NY 13148
Get Directions: View in Google Maps
Want to learn about other symptoms we may be able to help with? Visit our Conditions We Treat page.