Using Acupuncture for Hand Pain Treatment

Living with pain makes it difficult to complete daily tasks and enjoy life to the fullest. This is especially true when that pain is in your hands, which you use constantly for work, household chores, and to engage in your favorite hobbies. You don’t have to resign yourself to accepting the pain or give up your favorite pastimes. Acupuncture for hand pain is a promising treatment that delivers real relief to many.

What Is Acupuncture for Hand Pain?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique that has been practiced for centuries and is one of the most popular and recognized therapies of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The success of acupuncture in Eastern medicine has sparked new interest in Western cultures. This treatment method involves inserting tiny needles into the body at key points called meridians. The needles help to release energy, or “chi,” as they release tension, unblock energy meridians, and restore balance to the body.

The Chinese believe that blockages are the source of pain and illness. Once energy can flow freely, the body can tap into its natural healing abilities and the pain dissipates. Acupuncture improves the circulation of energy and blood, and it stimulates pain-relieving hormones. As the body comes back into balance, it starts to more effectively deliver nutrients and flush out toxins.

The continued use of acupuncture is due to the overwhelming evidence of its effectiveness. One of the main uses of acupuncture is to treat pain and inflammation. It’s a wonderful option for arthritis and nerve pain. Not only does acupuncture target pain, but it also provides relief from anxiety, which many sufferers of chronic pain experience. This makes it a favorite treatment for hand and wrist pain.

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

Acupuncture uses small, thin needles. Most patients feel little to no sensation when the needles get inserted. Sometimes, the needles are either heated or receive a mild electric current. Acupuncture may cause a slight ache or pressure but should not be painful. Pain is a sign of improper needle placement. Most people feel relaxed or energized after getting acupuncture.

Causes of Hand Pain

There are several major causes of hand pain. Two of the most prevalent show promising results after acupuncture treatment.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel is a common cause of hand pain. This condition refers to inflammation of the tendons and ligaments that causes the median nerve to become compressed around the location of the wrist. This condition is often triggered or exacerbated by engaging in repetitive tasks like typing. Though it’s found in the wrist, pain often travels down the hand and fingers.

Arthritis Pain

While carpal tunnel is a disorder of the median nerve, arthritis affects the joints. The hands are unfortunately a prime spot for arthritis to develop. Luckily, there is evidence that acupuncture can ease the symptoms of arthritis. Stimulating acupuncture points with needles helps to correct the flow of vital energy, which works to relieve pain. Studies also show that these needles increase cortisol production to lower inflammation.

Other causes of pain, swelling, and inflammation can benefit from acupuncture. It’s believed that acupuncture works on both physical pain and to release and heal emotional pain. The combination of relief makes it a powerful tool for many on their journey to wellness.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Brain imaging has proven that acupuncture has a neurological effect. It also stimulates nerve communication, has an anti-inflammatory effect, and triggers the release of feel-good chemicals, like endorphins and serotonin.

Constant hand pain has a huge negative impact on your life. It can interfere with your ability to drive, use your phone or computer, and even dress. Along with the struggle of dealing with the pain comes an increased risk of developing anxiety and depression. Chronic pain causes difficult emotions, separation from activities you once enjoyed, and other big changes to your life.

One of the biggest advantages of acupuncture for hand pain is that it releases endorphins, which provide pain relief and boost your feeling of overall well-being to ward off anxiety and depression. It also works fairly quickly. You should start to experience relief from your symptoms within six to eight visits. This gives you a good frame of reference to determine if acupuncture is right for you.

Many patients that find relief with acupuncture are able to get back to doing the things they loved once the pain reduces. They also end up saving money by avoiding unnecessary medical treatments. Ultimately, acupuncture for hand pain provides short-term relief while working toward lasting results and improved well-being.

Potential Risks of Acupuncture

When administered by a qualified professional, acupuncture for hand pain is both safe and effective. There is a low rate of complications. Practitioners today are held to high-quality standards, such as using sealed, single-use needle packages that essentially eliminate the potential of contracting an infection.

How Often To Get Acupuncture

The exact treatment schedule you require to address your pain and other concerns depends on the root cause and severity of your symptoms. Your acupuncturist will conduct a thorough intake exam and consultation to learn your medical history, complaints, and desired outcomes.

Acupuncture is a wonderful complement to many medical treatments. If you are using acupuncture to treat a medically diagnosed condition, it’s best to work with someone who can coordinate your care with your primary care physician and other providers. Good communication amongst your team of caregivers helps them work together to reach the correct diagnosis and implement complementary treatments that deliver the most effective relief.

It’s possible to get acupuncture for a single session or as an ongoing treatment. You may require twice-weekly appointments at first to begin feeling relief, but once you start to feel a difference, the time between treatments can extend to once a week or longer.

How To Get Started Using Acupuncture for Hand Pain

At Precision Healing & Wellness, we believe that a holistic approach to wellness has a hugely positive impact on your quality of life. We provide a safe and professional environment that emphasizes your comfort as we work together with your other providers to deliver lasting relief. We offer acupuncture for hand pain, other types of chronic pain, migraine headaches, anxiety, and fertility concerns. Contact us to find out more, or schedule your appointment online.