Rheumatoid Arthritis Acupuncture Cairns

Acupuncture for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Cairns

Are you living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and looking for acupuncture in Cairns to help manage pain, stiffness and muscular tension?

At Cairns Acupuncture, we provide personalised acupuncture for people with rheumatoid arthritis who are looking for complementary support alongside their medical treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause ongoing joint pain, stiffness, swelling and fatigue and can affect many aspects of everyday life.

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Cairns Acupuncture provides individualised acupuncture as a complementary approach to managing pain and supporting wellbeing.

Cairns Acupuncture
Shop 3 / 31 McLeod Street
Cairns City QLD 4870
Phone: 0408 054 538

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects the joints.

Unlike osteoarthritis, which is largely associated with wear and structural changes within a joint, rheumatoid arthritis involves the immune system attacking tissues lining the joints.

This can result in:

• Joint pain
• Joint swelling
• Stiffness
• Reduced movement
• Fatigue
• Tenderness
• Difficulty using affected joints

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the hands, wrists, feet, knees, shoulders and other joints.

It can also affect other parts of the body.

Healthdirect recommends early treatment for rheumatoid arthritis because appropriate treatment can help reduce symptoms and prevent or slow joint damage.

Can Acupuncture Help Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Acupuncture can be considered as a complementary treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, particularly when pain and stiffness are affecting your quality of life.

Australian healthdirect information specifically lists acupuncture among treatments that may help reduce pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Acupuncture should, however, be used alongside—not instead of—appropriate medical treatment.

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, and medications prescribed by your rheumatologist or doctor may be important for controlling the underlying disease and preventing joint damage.

Acupuncture for Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

Pain can be one of the most frustrating aspects of rheumatoid arthritis.

Pain may occur in:

• Fingers
• Hands
• Wrists
• Elbows
• Shoulders
• Neck
• Hips
• Knees
• Ankles
• Feet

You may experience pain that changes from day to day or becomes worse during a flare.

Acupuncture may be used as part of a broader pain-management strategy.

Treatment can be individualised according to the areas causing you the most discomfort.

Acupuncture for Rheumatoid Arthritis Stiffness

Joint stiffness is another common symptom of RA.

You may notice stiffness:

• First thing in the morning
• After sitting still
• After driving
• After working at a desk
• After sleeping
• During a flare-up

Acupuncture may be used as complementary support for pain and muscular tension associated with stiffness.

Gentle movement and appropriate exercise are also important components of managing rheumatoid arthritis. Healthdirect recommends regular exercise to help maintain function and overall health.

Acupuncture for Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare-Ups

A rheumatoid arthritis flare can cause a noticeable increase in pain, stiffness, swelling and fatigue.

If you are experiencing an active flare, tell your acupuncture practitioner.

Treatment can be modified according to how you are feeling on the day.

If your symptoms are significantly worse than usual, you should also contact your doctor or rheumatology team, particularly if you are concerned that your RA is not adequately controlled.

Acupuncture should not be used as a substitute for medical management of an RA flare.

Acupuncture for Rheumatoid Arthritis & Chronic Pain

Living with chronic pain can affect more than your joints.

Persistent pain can interfere with:

• Sleep
• Exercise
• Work
• Relationships
• Mood
• Energy
• Daily activities

Acupuncture is commonly used as a complementary approach to pain management.

Healthdirect notes that acupuncture can be helpful for chronic pain and a range of musculoskeletal conditions.

Acupuncture for RA Hands & Wrists

Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects the small joints of the hands and wrists.

You may experience:

• Finger pain
• Swelling
• Wrist pain
• Reduced grip strength
• Morning stiffness
• Difficulty opening jars
• Difficulty typing
• Difficulty performing everyday tasks

If the hands or wrists are particularly sensitive or inflamed, treatment can be adapted to your individual circumstances.

Acupuncture for RA Knees

Knee pain can make walking, stairs and exercise difficult.

If your rheumatoid arthritis affects your knees, acupuncture may be considered as part of your overall pain-management approach.

Treatment may focus on the affected area and other relevant acupuncture points depending on your individual presentation.

Acupuncture for RA Shoulders

Shoulder pain and stiffness can make everyday activities difficult.

You may have trouble:

• Reaching overhead
• Getting dressed
• Sleeping comfortably
• Reaching behind your back
• Lifting objects

Acupuncture may be used as complementary support for shoulder pain and muscular tension.

If you have sudden severe shoulder pain, significant swelling or loss of movement, medical assessment may be appropriate.

Acupuncture & Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue

Fatigue is common in people living with rheumatoid arthritis.

You may feel exhausted even after sleeping.

Fatigue can be influenced by pain, inflammation, poor sleep, medications, stress and other factors.

If you have persistent or significant fatigue, it is important to discuss it with your doctor or rheumatologist.

Acupuncture can be incorporated into a broader wellbeing and pain-management approach but should not be considered a treatment for the underlying autoimmune disease.

Acupuncture Alongside Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication

If you are taking medication for rheumatoid arthritis, you can discuss acupuncture with your doctor and acupuncture practitioner.

RA medications can include disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic medicines and other treatments.

DMARDs are particularly important because they can help control rheumatoid arthritis and reduce joint damage.

Do not stop or reduce your rheumatoid arthritis medication because you are having acupuncture.

Acupuncture should complement your medical treatment.

Acupuncture & Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Management

Managing RA pain can involve several different strategies.

Depending on your individual circumstances, your healthcare team may recommend:

• Medication
• Exercise
• Physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy
• Lifestyle changes
• Pain-management strategies
• Acupuncture
• TENS
• Psychological support

Healthdirect specifically lists acupuncture, TENS and CBT among approaches that may help with RA-related pain.

A combination of approaches can sometimes provide better overall support than relying on one treatment alone.

What Happens During an Acupuncture Appointment for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Your appointment begins with a discussion about your rheumatoid arthritis and your current symptoms.

You may be asked about:

• When you were diagnosed
• Which joints are affected
• Your current pain
• Morning stiffness
• Swelling
• Recent flare-ups
• Medications
• Previous treatments
• Sleep
• Stress
• Energy
• Exercise
• Other health conditions

Your acupuncture treatment is then tailored to your individual presentation.

If your joints are particularly tender or inflamed, this will be taken into consideration when planning treatment.

Can I Have Acupuncture During an RA Flare?

Sometimes acupuncture may still be appropriate during a flare, but this depends on the severity of your symptoms and your individual circumstances.

If an area is very swollen, hot or acutely inflamed, treatment may need to be modified.

If you are experiencing a significant flare, it is important to communicate with your rheumatologist or doctor as well.

Is Acupuncture Safe for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by an appropriately qualified practitioner, although side effects can include temporary soreness, bruising or minor bleeding.

Tell your acupuncturist about:

• Your rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis
• All medications you take
• Blood-thinning medication
• Any immune-suppressing medication
• Any bleeding problems
• Any infections
• Any recent surgery

Healthdirect recommends discussing acupuncture with your doctor and making sure both your doctor and acupuncturist know about the treatments you are receiving.

Acupuncture Does Not Replace Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

It is important to understand the difference between managing symptoms and treating the underlying autoimmune disease.

Acupuncture may help as part of a pain-management approach, but it should not be promoted as a cure for rheumatoid arthritis.

Early and appropriate medical treatment is important because uncontrolled RA can cause permanent joint damage.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, continue to work with your GP and rheumatologist.

Why Choose Cairns Acupuncture for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

At Cairns Acupuncture, treatment is personalised according to your symptoms and individual presentation.

Whether your main problem is:

• Joint pain
• Morning stiffness
• Muscle tension
• Hand and wrist pain
• Knee pain
• Shoulder pain
• Chronic pain
• Difficulty sleeping because of pain
• General discomfort associated with RA

your treatment can be tailored around your individual needs.

Our aim is to provide complementary support alongside your existing medical care.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Acupuncture Cairns – Location

Cairns Acupuncture

Shop 3 / 31 McLeod Street
Cairns City QLD 4870

Phone: 0408 054 538

Conveniently located in Cairns City for people looking for acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain and chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can acupuncture help rheumatoid arthritis?

Acupuncture may help with pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and can be used as complementary support alongside conventional treatment. Healthdirect specifically lists acupuncture as one treatment that may help reduce RA pain.

Can acupuncture cure rheumatoid arthritis?

No. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition and acupuncture should not be promoted as a cure or replacement for disease-modifying medical treatment.

Can acupuncture help RA pain?

Acupuncture may help with pain management for some people with rheumatoid arthritis. It can be incorporated into a broader approach to managing chronic pain.

Can I have acupuncture while taking methotrexate?

You should tell your acupuncturist about all medications you take, including methotrexate. Your doctor and acupuncture practitioner can advise whether acupuncture is appropriate for your individual circumstances.

Can I have acupuncture while taking biologic medication?

Tell your acupuncturist about your biologic medication and any immune-related issues. Acupuncture should be coordinated with your medical care.

Can acupuncture help rheumatoid arthritis stiffness?

Acupuncture may be used as complementary support for pain and muscular tension associated with stiffness. Appropriate exercise and medical management remain important parts of RA care.

Can acupuncture help during an RA flare?

It may be appropriate for some people, but treatment needs to be adapted according to the severity of the flare. Significant or worsening symptoms should also be discussed with your doctor or rheumatologist.

How often should I have acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis?

There is no single treatment schedule that suits everyone. Frequency can depend on your symptoms, response to treatment and overall health.

Do I need a referral?

You generally do not need a GP referral to have acupuncture. However, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, it is advisable to keep your doctor or rheumatologist informed about complementary treatments you are using.

Book Rheumatoid Arthritis Acupuncture in Cairns

If you’re looking for rheumatoid arthritis acupuncture in Cairns, acupuncture for RA pain, or complementary support for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, Cairns Acupuncture provides personalised acupuncture alongside your existing medical care.

Acupuncture is not a cure for rheumatoid arthritis and should not replace medication or treatment prescribed by your rheumatologist.

Our focus is on providing individualised support for pain, stiffness and overall wellbeing.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Acupuncture Cairns

Cairns Acupuncture
Shop 3 / 31 McLeod Street
Cairns City QLD 4870
0408 054 538

Book your acupuncture appointment for rheumatoid arthritis today.

How to Book an Appointment

Please follow the Book online button to book a time or check availability.  Alternatively please text Tanya Galvin 0408 054 538.

The Clinic is located at Shop 3 / 31 Mcleod Street Cairns City.

There is an intake form to fill in in the foyer.

Please note there is a 24 hour change or appointment or cancellation or no show policy.

The full Fee applies. $99.00 Kind Regards Tanya Galvin (Acupuncturist).