Anybody tried acupuncture?

[Deb 27]

Has anyone tried acupuncture for aches and pains? I finally got an MRI on my knee yesterday. Should have results soon. I hurt it somehow, I believe in PT.... !!! It's been three weeks and at times I've had a day or two when it wasn't too bad and I was hopeful but it's gone back to hurting a lot. I can't walk too easily. I suspect a cortisone shot is in my future so I am thinking I might try acupuncture instead. It's gonna be pricey, I'm afraid, but I just want it to work again. Of course, who knows what this is.
And, on top of this, the elevator at work keeps breaking and I work on the 2nd floor. It's so upsetting. I feel like the universe is trying to tell me to retire already.    While I am working on retirement, we have a house to put up for sale and I have a ton of work to do here. Might have to hire help. Thanks for letting me vent here!!!!

[Carebear]

Hi Deb.  Sorry to hear that you are in so much pain.  I can speak about my own experience with acupuncture, and this may help with your decision.

I've seen three acupuncturists, and the third has helped me with the muscle pain in my shoulder and neck.  But it isn't a quick fix unfortunately.  It takes several treatments as well as continuing with my physiotherapy, chiropractic treatments, general exercise, meditation and medications.  So it is a big financial and time commitment. 

In general acupuncture can assist in helping your body heal itself.  Finding a great acupuncturist is the key.  Mine studied in Japan for several years.  He uses a lot of other traditional Chinese medicine techniques too, as well as being a chiropractor.

I wouldn't be doing as well today without acupuncture being a part of my medical team.  I hope this helps in your decision making, Deb.

[SjoGirl]

I only tried it once without any affect. Now though I see that one treatment isn't enough. I don't know how I feel about having needles stuck in me, I am already tired out from PT and other treatments for my neck.

[Carebear]

SjoGirl, the only time I ever feel the acupuncture needle is when they enter either the top of my feet or on the top of my hands.  Even then, it isn't any more than a little sting.  In fact, sometimes I fall asleep during my treatments.

Aside from helping manage my pain, I experience an improvement in my depression and anxiety.  That needle goes right between the eyebrows, so it may be too much for you to start with.  I have always experienced a high sensitivity to the change in weather (the classic pain all over right before a storm) but thanks to acupuncture my body doesn't predict the weather any more!

[jazzlover]

It depends upon what is wrong with your knee (seems to me!).. but it does help with pain of any sort.

I found GREAT relief with a HUGE muscle spasm in my shoulder and arm. It had gone on for years, actually. Had physical therapy for 9 months and then found a great acupuncurist. After the 4th treatment, most of the pain was gone .. the spasm was released.

I am a believer .. but find a GOOD acupuncturist.

[Maria3667]

Yes, tried at least 12 sessions. Didn't do a hoot for me...

[Sharon]

Whenever I have tried it has increased my pain and fatigue unforunately.