Arthritis & Joint Pain

Helping you Move More Comfortably with Acupuncture

Joint pain can make even the simplest everyday activities feel challenging. Whether it’s stiffness when you wake up, discomfort climbing the stairs, or aching joints that stop you enjoying hobbies, arthritis and joint pain can have a significant impact on your quality of life.

At Duncan Ford Acupuncture, I understand that every person’s experience of joint pain is unique. Rather than focusing solely on the painful joint, I take a whole-person approach, considering your symptoms, lifestyle, medical history and overall wellbeing to create an individual treatment plan.

Whether you have recently developed joint pain or have been living with arthritis for many years, acupuncture may form part of a personalised approach to managing your symptoms.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a general term used to describe conditions that affect the joints. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but the two most common are:

Osteoarthritis – often associated with changes to the cartilage and surrounding joint structures over time.
Rheumatoid Arthritis – an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, leading to inflammation.

Although arthritis becomes more common with age, it can affect adults of any age and, in some cases, children.

Common Symptoms of Arthritis

Symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis but commonly include:

Joint pain
Stiffness, particularly in the morning
Swelling around the joint
Reduced movement
Warmth or tenderness
Muscle weakness around the affected joint
Fatigue, particularly with inflammatory arthritis

Some people experience symptoms that fluctuate, with periods of improvement followed by flare-ups.

What Causes Joint Pain?

Not all joint pain is caused by arthritis.

Pain may also result from:

Previous injuries
Tendon or ligament problems
Muscle tension
Overuse
Bursitis
Reduced joint mobility
Inflammation
Changes within the nervous system

This is why an accurate assessment is so important before deciding on the most appropriate treatment approach.

Understanding Pain and Arthritis

Many people assume that more damage automatically means more pain.

However, research has shown that the relationship between joint changes seen on scans and the amount of pain someone experiences is often more complex.

Some people have significant arthritis on an X-ray but very little pain, while others experience considerable discomfort despite relatively minor changes.

Pain is influenced by many factors, including:

Inflammation
Muscle strength
Sleep quality
Stress
Physical activity
Overall health
Nervous system sensitivity

Understanding this broader picture allows treatment to focus on supporting the whole person rather than simply the affected joint.

How Can Acupuncture Help?

Acupuncture has been used for centuries to help people experiencing musculoskeletal pain and is now supported by a growing body of scientific research.

Studies suggest acupuncture may help by:

Supporting the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms
Helping regulate the nervous system
Reducing muscle tension
Encouraging healthy circulation
Supporting mobility
Promoting relaxation
Helping improve sleep and general wellbeing

Many people choose acupuncture alongside conventional medical care, exercise programmes or physiotherapy as part of an integrated approach to managing arthritis.

Conditions I Commonly Treat

This page provides an overview of arthritis and joint pain. You can also explore more detailed information on specific conditions:

Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Knee Pain
Hip Pain
Shoulder Pain
Frozen Shoulder
Neck Pain
Lower Back Pain

Each page explains the condition in greater detail and how acupuncture may form part of your care.

My Approach to Arthritis & Joint Pain

No two people experience arthritis in exactly the same way.

During your initial consultation, we will discuss:

Which joints are affected
How symptoms have changed over time
Your medical history
Current medication
Lifestyle
Sleep
Physical activity
Your goals for treatment

Treatment is then tailored specifically to your individual circumstances.

Alongside acupuncture, you may receive guidance on movement, pacing, exercise, posture and lifestyle where appropriate.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Your first consultation lasts approximately one hour.

During your appointment we will:

Discuss your symptoms and medical history
Assess the affected joints where appropriate
Explain the possible factors contributing to your pain
Develop an individual treatment plan
Begin acupuncture treatment if appropriate

Many patients find treatment relaxing and appreciate having the opportunity to discuss their concerns in detail.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Acupuncture is generally considered very safe when performed by a properly qualified practitioner using sterile, single-use needles.

Most people experience very little discomfort during treatment, and serious side effects are rare.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis or are taking medication that affects your immune system or blood clotting, this will be discussed during your consultation to ensure treatment is appropriate for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can acupuncture cure arthritis?

There is currently no cure for arthritis. However, many people use acupuncture to help manage pain, stiffness and improve their quality of life as part of their overall care.

Which type of arthritis can acupuncture help with?

People seek acupuncture for many forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other causes of joint pain. Treatment is always tailored to the individual.

Can I continue taking my medication?

Yes. Acupuncture is commonly used alongside conventional medical treatment. You should continue taking prescribed medication unless advised otherwise by your healthcare professional.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most patients find acupuncture surprisingly comfortable. The needles are much finer than those used for injections, and many people describe treatment as relaxing.

How many treatments will I need?

This varies depending on your condition, how long you’ve had symptoms and your response to treatment. A personalised recommendation will be made following your assessment.

Why Choose Duncan Ford Acupuncture?

My practice focuses on providing personalised care for people living with chronic pain, arthritis and autoimmune conditions.

Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual, combining the principles of Classical Chinese Medicine with a modern understanding of pain science and evidence-informed practice.

My aim is to help you move more comfortably, improve your confidence in daily activities and support your overall wellbeing.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If joint pain or arthritis is affecting your daily life, I’d be pleased to discuss whether acupuncture may be appropriate for you.

Book your initial consultation today and begin your journey towards moving with greater comfort and confidence.

Explore Related Conditions

To learn more about specific conditions, visit my Blog.