When you are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, you start thinking that the pain you experience is there for life. However, apart from incorporating the conventional treatment options, you can try various other medical care that can reduce stiffness and pain because of rheumatoid arthritis.
If you want to try various other natural and home remedies, you can ask your doctor about the same. Integrative specialists or naturopaths will design a therapy for you that will help you manage this condition better or, in some cases, even reverse it. Take a look at some of the therapies that you can try.
Acupuncture
This traditional form of Chinese medicine is one of the best and the oldest natural pain remedies around. It incorporates the usage of super-fine needles as it stimulates the energy along the meridians or pathways. This treatment corrects the imbalances of energy, or qi (pronounced as ‘chee’).
While there is not a lot of evidence on the benefits of Acupuncture for RA, although there are studies that show that it lowers the levels of chemicals in your body that cause inflammation. It is also a great treatment option to treat chronic pain, especially back pain. It may be a good treatment option for osteoarthritis too.
However, you may need to get the treatment done by a qualified professional. Acupuncture needles need to be clean and it needs to placed properly.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is another treatment option that needs to control technique helps you learn to keep a check on the automatic responses of the body such as the heart rate and blood pressure. You may need sensors on your body, which send information to a monitor. A therapist in this case may understand and evaluate your response to stresses.
Massage
Massage is the underrated gem that has been there for ages but it is only now that we are realizing the benefits of the same. Modern Science says that massage can actually help you feel better and has some stellar therapeutic value.
However, you need to find out which is the best massage therapy out there to treat your specific condition. You can talk to your doctor to find out which is the right kind for you.
It is always recommended to look for a massage therapist who has treated RA patients in the past. Work with a specialist and discuss it out so that you can tell them your sore spots to avoid any pain. You can also discuss with him/her whether your skin reacts to certain creams or lotions.
Topical Creams, Gels, and Patches
While you may think the application of a certain oil or cream on your body may not help get rid of the incessant pain you experience in RA, you may miss the mark by a long mile.
That’s right as some of these creams contain the pain-numbing compound called capsaicin, you know the compound that gives the chili peppers its hot characteristic. There have been more than a few studies that show that capsaicin has been able to numb the pain in more cases than one.
Exercise
Most RA patients experience so much pain that they are unable to move properly. Movements are particularly useful to lower the joint swellings and ease off the pain. However, it is important to include daily movements.
Select the exercise option that works best in your condition. Yoga is particularly therapeutic, so talk to your doctor before selecting any specific program for you. For some others, exercises such as swimming, walking, and strength training can work wonders. Exercise improves your balance and prevents falls and stumbles.
Heat and Cold
Why should you incorporate cold treatments to treat RA? Well, cold compresses may help to reduce swelling and inflammation. The application of an ice pack can help curb a pain-flare-up. Alternatively, you can then resort to heat treatment, which can relax your muscles and aids in blood flow. Don’t go too hot or too cold as you may burn your skin in cases of heat therapy. The alternative heat and cold treatments have been greatly effective in reducing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
Try these alternative treatment options to treat RA holistically. It may offer you solace, especially when you are not able to get relief from conventional treatments.