Although it’s best to have your arthritis medically treated, natural means of treating it can also help you feel better. Here are six therapies that you can do to ease joint pains from arthritis.
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture stimulates the body, improves circulation, and activates natural painkillers. This therapy is best for osteoarthritis, low back, neck, shoulder pains, fibromyalgia, bursitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
2. Massage
Massage can reduce joint pain and stiffness in the body. It can also improve the motion range. However, it isn’t best for inflamed or sensitive joints and works to treat low back pains, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia.
3. Tai Chi & Yoga
Tai Chi employs gentle flowing movements, meditation, and deep breathing while yoga uses meditation, body poses, and deep breathing to decrease joint pains and stiffness. Both techniques improve function and motion range and gives some feelings of well-being. They are best for low back pains, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia.
4. Physical therapy (PT) & Weight Management
PT is all about taking counseling sessions and manual therapy to improve proper positioning and body movement. PT machines and methods relieve joint stress and improve body movements.
Managing one’s weight also helps relieve pressure on painful or swollen joints. PT is best for all types of joint pain while weight loss aids in combatting osteoarthritis.
5. Topical ointments and gels
Topical gels and ointments are sensory stimulators that help reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. However, they’re better used only for osteoarthritis.
6. Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulations (TENS)
This therapy uses electrical stimulation to relieve pain through small electrodes attached to affected areas. It’s an excellent natural therapy for osteoarthritis.