Rheumatism and acupuncture

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Posted on 16/04/2025 in Current Affairs
Rheumatic conditions are common in the Netherlands. Treatment usually consists of a combination of pain medication, anti-inflammatories, and sometimes joint replacement surgery. What can acupuncture additionally mean? We would love to tell you more.

Daily impact
People with a rheumatic condition often experience limitations in their daily lives, simply because many actions are painful or impossible. Ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) are examples of chronic rheumatic conditions. In all cases, the symptoms mainly consist of swelling, pain, and stiffness. This makes movement difficult and painful.

Possible causes
Rheumatic complaints can arise from various factors. In some cases, inflammation plays a role, such as in acute rheumatism. Chronic forms are often related to disturbances in the immune system. Hereditary predisposition, overloading of the body, overweight, and prolonged emotional stress can exacerbate existing complaints.

What can acupuncture mean?
Acupuncture has been used for years to alleviate complaints such as pain and stiffness. The treatments focus on stimulating the body's self-healing ability, improving circulation, and reducing tension. Although acupuncture does not repair damaged joints, many people report feeling more flexible and experiencing less pain after a number of treatments. It can thus contribute to a better quality of life and greater freedom of movement.

Research
There is a growing global interest in the use of acupuncture for chronic pain conditions, including rheumatism. A systematic review from 2024 shows that acupuncture can provide clinically relevant improvements in reducing pain and improving physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis [1].

Broader research on chronic pain also shows positive results. According to a large international meta-analysis published in The Journal of Pain, acupuncture is a well-founded treatment option that can be used alongside conventional care [2].

MAPPHS research
In the Netherlands, the MAPPHS research was conducted by NVA acupuncturist Madelèn Vernooij. In this study, pain patients reported a 44.5% reduction in the use of pain medication after four weeks of acupuncture treatments. Additionally, they indicated that their physical functioning had improved by 33.2%. In many cases, the progress continued even after sixteen weeks [3].

Acupuncture as complementary care 
For rheumatic complaints, acupuncture can be a valuable addition to regular treatment. It supports the body in dealing with pain and stress, and many people experience improvement in their daily functioning. We do recommend discussing acupuncture with your treating physician and choosing a qualified practitioner.

Curious about what acupuncture can mean for you? Find a NVA acupuncturist near you.

Source [1] Systematic review 2024 Pubmed - reducing pain with acupuncture in knee osteoarthritis

Source [2] Journal of Pain - Meta-analysis treatment of chronic pain with acupuncture 

Source [3], MAPPHS study (Measuring patient reported outcomes of acupuncture treatment on pain patients' health status), attachment