Acupuncture

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Comments

I have concluded that every time I have had an invasive treatment done, my RSD has spread. By invasive I mean ANYTHING to do with needles. I don't know why it took me so long to connect these two things together, but I am certain now that it was the needles (injections and tests done with the use of needles) that caused the spread of my RSD. Cheryl - Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Acupunture needles are very tiny and don't go in a long way but I am now going to ask some questions. Has anyone had it with any success? Sallie A - UK

I have had acupuncture but I it didn't work for me,. I had one kind that uses a tiny ball bearings on my ear and another involving needles all over my body. It didn't seem to help me, but hang in there because it works differently for different people! Lynda - (a member of RSD UK Group)

The little balls all around the ears did not work for me either, but I do know some non-RSD sufferers that it has helped. Derek - Wales

I have had two lots of acupuncture, both given by different physiotherapists. The only benefit I had to start with was a more relaxed feeling around where the RSD was, and they were hoping that the relaxed feeling might reduce muscle tension and spasms in that area, but it didn't. The first course was stopped because I was discharged from the Pain Clinic, the second course stopped because inserting the needles began causing unbearable 'shots' of pain, one causing me to faint straight away. The physiotherapist also said it was an 'expensive way' to relax and that the benefits did not warrant the cost. I am pleased I did try it, but am very doubtful I would let anyone near me with the needles again. Catherine - Huddersfield, UK

I have not had acupuncture for RSD but I have had it in the past to release a problem with a 'stuck' neck, it was painful when I went to A&E, but no more thanks to those tiny needles. Acupuncture is available at my local hospital in A&E, it works really well, releases my neck and completely stops the pain. I have never even thought about it for RSD, would love to know how you get on, I would even try it myself, I will make enquiries! Anyway, acupuncture does work and the needles are so tiny that you do not feel them going in at all. Pebbles (a member of RSD UK Group)

I've had two lots of acupuncture. The first was from my physio and made me hop around the bed like a demented rabbit from the pain & sent me to sleep afterwards (no way would I fall asleep during!). The second was with my GP who does acupuncture at the pain clinic. She said there was no point in causing pain. so did it really slow and gradual - one needle extra each week. In the first few weeks it did make my knee feel loose and less stiff, but as the sessions went on it helped less and started to hurt. We decided we had given it a good try and stopped at that point. Even though it didn't work for me, I think it was well worth the try. Kim - UK

I have been for my first "dose" of acupuncture today. I asked the physio all sorts of questions about whether he would be going near any nerves. He assured me that he wasn't so I went ahead. I had seven needles inserted for ten minutes. I felt very relaxed but as yet no difference to my foot. Sallie A - UK

I have had acupuncture for about six weeks which helped me quite a lot. I went in rather sceptical but it helped with the swelling and the burning sensation. I did find that some weeks were good and other times it felt like it had gone into reverse and the pain returned. I wouldn't call it a pleasant experience but it was better than the pain I had originally. Tanya UK

Acupuncture (in combination with micro current treatment) has been the one treatment that I have been able to count on to help with all aspects of my RSD. The pain, restlessness and discoloration of my left arm and hand, plus my general feeling of despair, are relieved with each session. Although the treatments are not a long term cure the short term relief is what I look forward to every other week.
Acupuncture, if done by a competent doctor, should not create pain. Pain, as all RSD patients know, is a relative feeling. A few seconds of discomfort should not discourage one from seeking some potentially very beneficial treatment.
Perhaps I am very lucky to have an MD that is trained in acupuncture and has what seems to be a gift in treating RSD. Pal - Jax, Florida

I am currently receiving acupuncture treatment. I have had success with the treatment; not always but 90% of the time I become relaxed. It will settle down the RSD and other complaints I may have at a particular time. The relief for the RSD is not long lasting but it certainly helps. The most relief is when I have a major flare. My doctor is wonderful; she takes a complete history and is very honest about how the treatment will take effect. I do go into a deep sleep that is very relaxing. The longer I have the treatments the more relaxed I become. She states that is because of my ying and yang coming in contact and connecting to my body and knowing what it is able to achieve.
I surprisingly got the RSD from an intra-muscular steroid injection. Not being afraid of needles and basically believing in acupuncture has lead me to relief and confidence and a true trust relationship betweeen doctor and patient. One never knows how it will work unless one tries. I will say that it can hurt and is rather a discomforting feeling when the body needs to be still in certain positions but I have overcome that with good communication between the doctor and myself. Good luck to all in your search for relief. Acupuncture is just one modality I use for a little bit of sanity. Eileen Kuzma - USA