Mind-Body Practices for OA Pain

When you think of pain relief, you might imagine the typical go-to treatments –– hot pads, ice packs, or an over the counter NSAID like aspirin or ibuprofen.

While these options provide temporary pain relief, reliance on the same methods for chronic pain may over time lessen their effectiveness. For this reason, arthritis sufferers should be made aware of complementary and alternative treatment options for pain relief that they may not have considered. 

Beyond well-known non-pharmacological treatment methods like exercise and weight loss, there are also complementary and alternative mind-body practices that show promise in relieving symptoms caused by OA. Below are a few examples and descriptions of mind-body therapy techniques for osteoarthritis, and their potential benefits as indicated by the research: 

Acupuncture: inserting and manipulating fine needles to stimulate specific anatomic points to facilitate recovery of health 

• Arthritis Benefit: Reduced Pain 

Meditation: focus the mind in silence or with the aid of mantras 

• Arthritis Benefit: Reduced Knee Pain, Improved Mood

Tai Chi: a low-impact mind-body exercise comprised of meditative movement

• Arthritis Benefit: Reduced Stress, Anxiety, and Depression; Improved Quality of Live

Yoga: discipline comprised of breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures

• Arthritis Benefit: Reduced Pain, Reduced Stiffness, Relaxation 

As interest in non-pharmacological treatment options for osteoarthritis increases, more studies on the efficacy of mind-body therapies for OA are needed. Research the options and bring questions to chat with your doctor about at your next appointment. 

Have you tried Mind-Body Techniques for pain? Share your experience with Arthritis Together, an online community of those affected by osteoarthritis.