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Acupuncture for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, especially in the knees and hips. Because there is no cure, the focus is on symptom relief, supporting joint function, and improving quality of life.


Alongside exercise, education, and other non-drug strategies, many people use acupuncture as part of their care.


What Research Says

Recent studies have shown that acupuncture can provide meaningful improvements in pain and mobility for people with osteoarthritis. Many trials report reduced pain scores and better physical function for several months after treatment. Some evidence suggests that different styles of acupuncture — such as electroacupuncture or combining acupuncture with warming techniques like moxibustion — may provide additional benefits. Overall, acupuncture offers a safe and supportive therapy that may help people manage day-to-day symptoms and stay active.


How Acupuncture May Help Osteoarthritis

  • Encourages the release of the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals

  • Supports circulation and reduces local inflammation around joints

  • Relieves muscle tension, helping improve movement and flexibility

  • Works well as part of a broader care plan with exercise, physiotherapy, and lifestyle measures


    knee assessment / manipulation
    knee assessment / manipulation

Safety

When performed by qualified practitioners using sterile, single-use needles, acupuncture is generally very safe. Side effects are usually mild and short-lived, such as slight bruising or tenderness at the needle site.


The Cost & Surgical Recovery Burden

The scale of osteoarthritis in Australia is significant:

  • Arthritis (including OA) costs the Australian economy around AU$23 billion each year, through healthcare, lost productivity, and welfare costs.

  • Surgery is often needed when symptoms progress. Recovery from joint replacement can take several months to a year, involving rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and time away from work or usual activities.


Ideally, acupuncture can help reduce pain and improve mobility enough to delay or even prevent the need for surgery. But when surgery does become necessary, acupuncture can also play a role in recovery.


Acupuncture and Post-Surgery Recovery

Joint replacement is highly effective for many people, but the recovery period can be long and challenging.


Research suggests acupuncture may support recovery in several ways:

  • Pain management – Acupuncture has been shown to reduce post-operative pain, which can lower the need for strong pain medications.

  • Improved circulation and healing – By supporting blood flow around the surgical site, acupuncture may aid tissue repair and reduce swelling.

  • Mobility and rehabilitation – Less pain and stiffness can make it easier for patients to participate fully in physiotherapy, accelerating their return to daily activities.

  • Wellbeing and sleep – Some patients report better sleep and reduced stress during recovery, which are both important for healing.


Acupuncture can be a helpful adjunct therapy that supports patients through what can be a demanding recovery journey.


Conclusion

Osteoarthritis places a heavy burden on individuals and the healthcare system. Acupuncture provides a safe, drug-free option that can help reduce pain, improve movement, and support overall wellbeing. While not a cure, it can be a valuable part of a comprehensive management plan — potentially helping people avoid surgery, or aiding recovery when surgery is required.


References

Chang, Y.-C., Wang, Y.-A., Chang, Z.-Y., & Liao, J.-A. (2025). Effectiveness of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 80, 103223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103223

Lee, S., Kim, J. H., & Park, J. (2023). Comparative effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion for osteoarthritis: A network meta-analysis. Integrative Medicine Research, 12(4), 100982. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imr.2023.100982

Berman, B. M., Lao, L., Greene, M., Anderson, R. W., Wong, R. H., Langenberg, P., & Hochberg, M. C. (2008). Efficacy of acupuncture for osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized trial. Family & Community Health, 31(3), 198–204. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.FCH.0000324482.78577.0f

Manheimer, E., Cheng, K., Linde, K., Lao, L., Yoo, J., Wieland, S., van der Windt, D. A., Berman, B. M., & Bouter, L. M. (2010). Acupuncture for peripheral joint osteoarthritis. Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine, 3(3), 153–162. https://doi.org/10.1111/jebm.12526

Arthritis & Osteoporosis WA. (2024, February 28). Arthritis projections 2040. https://www.arthritiswa.org.au/2024/02/28/arthritis-projections-2040/

Healthline. (2022, September 8). Total knee replacement surgery: Rehabilitation timeline. https://www.healthline.com/health/total-knee-replacement-surgery/rehabilitation-timeline

WebMD. (2023, October 12). Hip replacement recovery timeline. https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/ss/slideshow-hip-surgery-recovery-timeline

University of Sydney. (2018, November 28). How to cut the $23 billion bill for osteoarthritis. https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2018/11/28/how-to-cut-the--23-billion-bill-for-osteoarthritis.html

 
 
 

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