Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain with Acupuncture

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) doesn’t just cause pain—it changes the way you live your life. Stiff, aching joints turn everyday tasks into obstacles. Opening a jar, getting dressed, or even walking across the room can feel like a challenge. Some days, your body fights back harder than others, making it impossible to ignore the swelling, fatigue, and frustration that come with RA.

If you’ve tried medication, you know the routine. Some treatments work for a while, others come with side effects that feel just as frustrating as the pain itself. The search for lasting relief can feel endless, and when flare-ups take over, it’s easy to wonder if you’ll ever regain control of your body.

At Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness in Tualatin, OR, we specialize in combining the time-tested science of acupuncture with modern medical solutions to help RA patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and reclaim their quality of life.

For those seeking a safe, drug-free way to feel better, acupuncture is a proven option worth considering.

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms and Challenges

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the joints, leading to persistent inflammation, swelling, and pain. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear, RA is driven by an overactive immune response that leads to progressive joint damage.¹

Over time, RA doesn’t just affect the joints—it can impact the heart, lungs, and other organs, increasing the risk of serious health complications.¹ Despite advances in treatment, RA remains a leading cause of disability, significantly affecting daily life.²

Common Symptoms of RA

RA symptoms can vary from person to person, but they often include:

• Joint pain and swelling – Especially in the hands, wrists, and knees, often affecting both sides of the body symmetrically.²
• Morning stiffness – Lasting an hour or more, making movement difficult after rest.³
• Fatigue – A deep, persistent exhaustion that isn’t relieved by rest and interferes with daily tasks.⁴
• Joint deformities and loss of function – As inflammation damages cartilage and bone over time, leading to reduced mobility.²
• Systemic inflammation – Increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, lung issues, and osteoporosis.¹

The Daily Impact of RA

Living with RA means constantly adjusting to unpredictable pain, stiffness, and fatigue. Some days, even simple tasks—like turning a doorknob or getting out of bed—can feel overwhelming.

Studies show that within 10 years of diagnosis, at least 50% of RA patients experience significant functional limitations.⁴ This loss of mobility and independence can take a mental and emotional toll, leading to frustration, anxiety, and even depression.²

While medications can help manage symptoms, they often don’t provide complete relief. That’s why many RA patients look beyond conventional treatment for additional ways to improve mobility, reduce pain, and maintain their quality of life.

Conventional RA Treatments and Their Limitations

The primary goal of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment is to reduce inflammation, slow disease progression, and improve quality of life. Conventional treatments focus on medications that suppress the immune response and manage symptoms, but they don’t always work for everyone and often come with significant side effects.¹

Standard RA Treatments

• DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs) – Medications like methotrexate help slow joint damage, but they can take weeks or months to take effect.² Long-term use may also increase the risk of liver toxicity and immune suppression.²
• NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) – These help reduce pain and inflammation but don’t slow disease progression.³ Long-term use can lead to stomach ulcers, heart problems, and kidney issues.³
• Corticosteroids – Drugs like prednisone quickly reduce inflammation and pain, but their long-term use is linked to serious side effects, including osteoporosis, weight gain, and a higher risk of infections.⁴
• Biologic Therapies – These medications target specific immune pathways to reduce inflammation. While they can be effective, they require ongoing injections or infusions and may increase susceptibility to infections.¹

The Challenges of Conventional Treatment

Even with these medications, many RA patients still experience pain, stiffness, and fatigue.² Some don’t respond well to DMARDs or biologics, leaving them with limited options.² Others struggle with medication side effects, which can sometimes feel worse than the disease itself.³

Because of these challenges, many RA patients turn to complementary therapies like acupuncture to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. Research suggests that integrating acupuncture with standard treatment may help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve joint function.⁴

How Acupuncture Works for RA Pain and Inflammation

Acupuncture has been used for centuries to relieve pain, but modern research has helped us understand how it works for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). By stimulating specific points on the body with thin, sterile needles, acupuncture triggers biological responses that reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve mobility.³

Reducing Inflammation and Joint Swelling

RA pain is driven by chronic inflammation, which damages joints over time. Acupuncture helps regulate the immune system, reducing excessive inflammatory activity that contributes to swelling and stiffness.³ Many patients report that their joints feel less swollen and more flexible after treatment.

Easing Pain and Sensitivity

RA pain isn’t just about inflammation—it can also come from heightened nerve sensitivity, making even small movements painful.⁶ Acupuncture stimulates the body's natural painkillers, like endorphins and serotonin, helping to block pain signals and improve overall comfort.

Improving Blood Flow and Joint Function

Restricted blood flow in inflamed joints can contribute to stiffness and discomfort. Acupuncture increases circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues. This supports healing, reduces stiffness, and makes movement easier.⁵

Many RA patients use acupuncture because it offers relief without the side effects of medications. While it’s not a cure, it can make a meaningful difference in pain levels, mobility, and overall well-being.

Scientific Evidence: What Research Says About Acupuncture for RA

Many people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) turn to acupuncture to relieve pain and improve mobility, but what does the research say? Multiple clinical studies suggest that acupuncture can reduce RA symptoms, improve joint function, and lower inflammation levels.

A systematic review published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine analyzed multiple clinical trials and found that acupuncture significantly reduced pain scores in RA patients by an average of 40% compared to control groups.³

Another double-blind controlled study reported that patients who received electroacupuncture had 20–30% less joint tenderness and improved mobility compared to those receiving standard care alone.⁵ This suggests that acupuncture does more than provide temporary relief—it actively improves how the joints feel and function.

Beyond pain relief, acupuncture also has an impact at the biological level. A meta-analysis found that RA patients who underwent acupuncture experienced a notable drop in inflammatory markers, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukins, which are directly linked to joint damage and disease progression.⁴

These findings confirm that acupuncture is not just about short-term symptom relief—it has measurable effects on pain, inflammation, and mobility. While it may not replace conventional RA treatments, adding acupuncture to a treatment plan can help patients regain control of their daily lives, reducing discomfort and improving function without the side effects of medication.

Complementary Therapies: The Role of Yoga in RA Management

For many people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the pain, stiffness, and fatigue can make movement feel impossible. But avoiding movement often makes symptoms worse. That’s why gentle, low-impact exercises like yoga can be a powerful tool in RA management.

How Yoga Helps People with RA

Yoga combines gentle stretching, controlled breathing, and mindfulness, all of which can help:

• Improve joint flexibility – Certain yoga poses help keep the joints mobile, reducing stiffness.
• Reduce inflammation – A 2023 meta-analysis found that RA patients who practiced yoga regularly had significantly lower levels of inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).⁴
• Decrease pain – Studies show that yoga can help reduce pain intensity and improve overall function, making daily activities easier.⁴
• Support mental well-being – Mindfulness-based practices like yoga help lower stress levels, which can reduce RA flare-ups triggered by emotional distress.

What the Research Says

A study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that RA patients who participated in an 8-week yoga program experienced a 30% improvement in physical function and significantly less morning stiffness compared to those who did not practice yoga.⁴

Another clinical trial found that yoga improved grip strength and reduced joint tenderness, suggesting that it may help preserve hand function in people with RA.⁴

Integrating Yoga into RA Treatment

Unlike high-impact exercises, yoga can be modified to accommodate different mobility levels. If you’re new to yoga, start with:

• Chair yoga – Provides support for those with limited mobility.
• Restorative yoga – Focuses on gentle stretching and relaxation.
• Breathwork and meditation – Helps manage stress and reduce pain sensitivity.

Many RA patients find that combining acupuncture and yoga creates a synergistic effect, addressing both the physical and mental challenges of RA.

Find Lasting RA Relief at Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness

Rheumatoid arthritis can make even the simplest movements feel like a struggle—but relief is possible. At Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness in Tualatin, OR, we specialize in combining the time-tested science of acupuncture with modern medical solutions to help RA patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life.

How We Take RA Treatment Further

Our personalized treatment plans go beyond acupuncture to target inflammation, pain, and joint function at multiple levels:

✔️ Acupuncture – Supports joint health, relieves pain, and helps regulate the immune system.
✔️ ATP Resonance BioTherapy® – A cutting-edge, non-invasive therapy that promotes cellular healing and pain relief.
✔️ O3 ReBoot Therapy® – A specialized ozone therapy that improves oxygen utilization and reduces chronic inflammation.

By integrating these advanced therapies, we help RA patients in the Greater Portland Area improve mobility, reduce pain, and achieve long-term relief. While acupuncture is backed by extensive research, our combination approach—including ATP Resonance BioTherapy® and O3 ReBoot Therapy®—has yielded remarkable results for our patients.

What to Expect from Your Consultation

The first step is a consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Savage, LAc, DACM at our Tualatin, OR clinic. During this visit, we will:

1️⃣ Assess your condition – We take the time to understand your RA symptoms, lifestyle, and wellness goals.
2️⃣ Review your medical history – RA is complex, so we evaluate your current treatments and how our therapies can complement them.
3️⃣ Create a customized treatment plan – If you’re a good candidate, we’ll design a plan that integrates one or many of our services to help you feel your best.

If RA is holding you back, don’t wait any longer to take control of your health. Schedule your consultation today and start your journey toward lasting relief with Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness in the Greater Portland Area.

📞 Call us at +1 (503) 336-4747 or see our New Patient Offer to take the first step!

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References:

1. Shmerling R. Rheumatoid arthritis. Harvard Health Publishing. Accessed February 26, 2025. https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/rheumatoid-arthritis.
2. McInnes IB, Schett G. The pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. N Engl J Med. 2011;365(23):2205-2219. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1004965.
3. Chou PC, Chu HY. Clinical efficacy of acupuncture on rheumatoid arthritis and associated mechanisms: A systematic review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018;2018:8596918. doi:10.1155/2018/8596918.
4. Cortés-Ladino CA, Arias-Ortiz WA, Porras-Ramírez A. Effectiveness of yoga and acupuncture in rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2023;2023:9098442. doi:10.1155/2023/9098442.
5. Tam LS, Leung PC, Li TK, Zhang L, Li EK. Acupuncture in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: A double-blind controlled pilot study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2007;7:35. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-7-35.
6. Sarzi-Puttini P, Pellegrino G, Giorgi V, et al. Inflammatory or non-inflammatory pain in inflammatory arthritis - How to differentiate it? Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2024;38(1):101970. doi:10.1016/j.berh.2024.101970.