5 Alternative Treatments for Osteoarthritis

If you have osteoarthritis, you may want to consider trying complementary and alternative treatments. Many of these treatments can be done at home and may help you decrease joint pain, increase mobility, and improve your day-to-day living.

The 5 treatments described below are considered generally safe for most people with osteoarthritis. While they do not require a prescription, it is a good idea to consult a health professional first. A professional can consider a patient’s unique circumstances and provide advice to help maximize the benefits and minimize the potential risks of treatments.

1. Take a turmeric (curcumin) supplement

Research suggests turmeric—particularly one of its chemical components, called curcumin—may help alleviate arthritis inflammation and pain. ¹ Yang W, Fu J, Yu M, Wang D, Rong Y, Yao P, Nüssler AK, Yan H, Liu L. Effects of three kinds of curcuminoids on anti-oxidative system and membrane deformation of human peripheral blood erythrocytes in high glucose levels. Cell Physiol Biochem. 2015;35(2):789-802. doi: 10.1159/000369738. Epub 2015 Jan 30. PubMed PMID: 25634758. ^{, 2} Funk JL, Oyarzo JN, Frye JB, Chen G, Lantz RC, Jolad SD, Sólyom AM, Timmermann BN. Turmeric extracts containing curcuminoids prevent experimental rheumatoid arthritis. J Nat Prod. 2006 Mar;69(3):351-5. PubMed PMID: 16562833; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC2533857. ^{, 3} Nakagawa Y, Mukai S, Yamada S, Matsuoka M, Tarumi E, Hashimoto T, Tamura C, Imaizumi A, Nishihira J, Nakamura T. Short-term effects of highly-bioavailable curcumin for treating knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled prospective study. J Orthop Sci. 2014 Nov;19(6):933-9. doi: 10.1007/s00776-014-0633-0. Epub 2014 Oct 13. PubMed PMID: 25308211; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4244558. ^{, 4} Huang G, Xu Z, Huang Y, Duan X, Gong W, Zhang Y et al. Curcumin protects against collagen-induced arthritis via suppression of BAFF production. J. Clin. Immunol., 33 (3) (2013), pp. 550–557

Derived from a plant in the ginger family, turmeric is a powdered spice and an essential ingredient in curry dishes. It may be difficult to eat enough turmeric spice to experience its benefits. Supplements that contain concentrated levels of curcumin are available in most grocery, pharmacy, and health food stores.

While these supplements are considered safe for most people, they are typically not recommended for women who are pregnant. ⁵ National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health. Turmeric. Last updated May 2020. Accessed October 22, 2020. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric (Foods flavored with turmeric and curries are safe to eat during pregnancy.)

See Turmeric and Curcumin for Arthritis

2. Try acupuncture

The ancient practice of acupuncture is based on the belief that the body has patterns of energy flow, referred to as qi. When there is an ailment obstructing the normal energy flow, pain will result. By inserting thin needles in specific points, the practitioner aims to re-open the pathways and restore the normal flow of qi.

While the theory of qi has not been proven, research does suggest acupuncture may ease pain caused by osteoarthritis, particularly knee osteoarthritis. ⁶ Kim EJ, Lim CY, Lee EY, Lee SD, Kim KS: Comparing the effects of individualized, standard, sham and no acupuncture in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Trials 2013, 14:129. ^{, 7} Sherman KJ, Coeytaux RR. Acupuncture for Improving Chronic Back Pain, Osteoarthritis and Headache. J Clin Outcomes Manag. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2010 May 4. Published in final edited form as: J Clin Outcomes Manag. 2009 May 1; 16(5): 224–230. PMCID: PMC2863344 ^{, 8} Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. J Pain. 2018;19(5):455‐474. doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2017.11.005 ^{, 9} Chou R, Deyo R, Friedly J, et al. Nonpharmacologic Therapies for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review for an American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline. Ann Intern Med. 2017;166(7):493-505. doi: 10.7326/M16-2459 This treatment is generally safe and may even be covered by insurance.

The numerous studies that support using acupuncture to treat osteoarthritis tend to be small or not well designed, ¹⁰ Paley CA, Johnson MI. Acupuncture for the Relief of Chronic Pain: A Synthesis of Systematic Reviews. Medicina (Kaunas). 2019;56(1):6. Published 2019 Dec 24. DOI: 10.3390/medicina56010006 so more research is needed to understand its true benefit. Like almost any nonsurgical treatment, you can try it and see if it works for you. A few sessions should be enough to decide.

It is generally advisable to work with a licensed acupuncturist (LAc) who is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

See Acupuncture and Reiki Healing for Arthritis

3. Get a massage

Limited research evidence suggests that massage therapy helps treat joint pain associated with osteoarthritis ¹¹ Ali A, Rosenberger L, Weiss TR, Milak C, Perlman AI. Massage Therapy and Quality of Life in Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Qualitative Study. Pain Med. 2017 Jun 1;18(6):1168-1175. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnw217. PMID: 27590465; PMCID: PMC6279287. ^{, 12} Nelson NL, Churilla JR. Massage Therapy for Pain and Function in Patients With Arthritis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2017 Sep;96(9):665-672. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000000712 as well as other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis ¹³ Field T, Diego M, Delgado J, Garcia D, Funk CG. Rheumatoid arthritis in upper limbs benefits from moderate pressure massage therapy. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2013 May;19(2):101-3. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.12.001 ^{, 14} Gok Metin Z, Ozdemir L. The Effects of Aromatherapy Massage and Reflexology on Pain and Fatigue in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Pain Manag Nurs. 2016 Apr;17(2):140-9. doi: 10.1016/j.pmn.2016.01.004 and fibromyalgia. ¹⁵ Yuan SL, Matsutani LA, Marques AP. Effectiveness of different styles of massage therapy in fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Man Ther. 2015 Apr;20(2):257-64. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2014.09.003. Epub 2014 Oct 5. PMID: 25457196. DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnw217

Massage is generally believed to improve circulation and reduce muscle tension. Evidence suggests massage may also reduce blood pressure ¹⁶ Liao IC, Chen SL, Wang MY, Tsai PS. Effects of Massage on Blood Pressure in Patients With Hypertension and Prehypertension: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2016 Jan-Feb;31(1):73-83. doi: 10.1097/JCN.0000000000000217. PMID: 25419947. ^{, 17} Givi M, Sadeghi M, Garakyaraghi M, Eshghinezhad A, Moeini M, Ghasempour Z. Long-term effect of massage therapy on blood pressure in prehypertensive women. J Educ Health Promot. 2018 Apr 3;7:54. doi: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_88_16. PMID: 29693035; PMCID: PMC5903169. and release endorphins that potentially elevate mood and ease pain sensation. ¹⁸ Kaada B, Torsteinbø O. Increase of plasma beta-endorphins in connective tissue massage. Gen Pharmacol. 1989;20(4):487-9. doi: 10.1016/0306-3623(89)90200-0. PMID: 2526775. ^{, 19} Morhenn V, Beavin LE, Zak PJ. Massage increases oxytocin and reduces adrenocorticotropin hormone in humans. Altern Ther Health Med. 2012 Nov-Dec;18(6):11-8. PMID: 23251939.

Therapeutic massage is offered by a variety of practitioners, including massage therapists and other licensed health professionals, such as physiotherapists, physical therapists, and chiropractors. When selecting a massage therapist, be sure to find one who is licensed to practice in your state. You can also look for therapists who are board certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

Arthritic joints can be sensitive, so it’s best to work with someone familiar with osteoarthritis.

4. Use cannabidiol (CBD)

Products containing cannabidiol (CBD) may help reduce inflammation, pain, and anxiety associated with arthritis and other chronic pain conditions. ²⁰ Russo EB. Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2008;4(1):245-259. doi: 10.2147/tcrm.s1928 ^{, 21} Crippa, J. A. S., Derenusson, G. N., Ferrari, T. B., Wichert-Ana, L., Duran, F. L., Martin-Santos, R., ... & Filho, A. S. (2011). Neural basis of anxiolytic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in generalized social anxiety disorder: a preliminary report. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 25(1), 121-130. doi: 10.1177/0269881110379283 ^{, 22} Burstein S. Cannabidiol (CBD) and its analogs: a review of their effects on inflammation. Bioorg Med Chem. 2015 Apr 1;23(7):1377-85. doi: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.01.059. Epub 2015 Feb 7. PMID: 25703248. CBD does not produce the “high” or psychogenic effects of marijuana.

CBD products include oils, tinctures, and edibles made for consumption. Topical creams and gels can be applied directly to painful joints for localized effects. You may need to use trial and error to find your preferred product and dose.

CBD products are not well regulated, so be discerning while shopping. Look for products that are clearly labeled and undergo regular third-party testing. Also, contact your doctor or pharmacist regarding potential drug interactions.

5. Practice tai chi

Like physical therapy, tai chi has been shown to decrease joint pain and stiffness and improve function in people who have knee arthritis. ²³ National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health. Osteoarthritis: In Depth. Last updated September 2016. Accessed October 22, 2020. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/osteoarthritis-in-depth ^{, 24} Lee AC, Harvey WF, Price LL, Han X, Driban JB, Iversen MD, Desai SA, Knopp HE, Wang C. Dose-Response Effects of Tai Chi and Physical Therapy Exercise Interventions in Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis. PM R. 2018 Jul;10(7):712-723. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2018.01.003. Epub 2018 Jan 31. PMID: 29407226; PMCID: PMC6134181. This mind-body practice has Chinese origins and involves:

• Using slow, deliberate movements to transition between specific poses
• Breathing that is coordinated with movement
• Engaging mental focus and relaxation techniques

Evidence suggests tai chi also improves balance, an important benefit for people who have arthritis and are at risk for falls. Tai chi is considered safe for nearly everyone—it can even be adapted to do while sitting.

Another mind-body practice of Chinese origin, Qi gong, has not been as well studied as Tai chi but may offer similar relief from osteoarthritis symptoms. ²³ National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health. Osteoarthritis: In Depth. Last updated September 2016. Accessed October 22, 2020. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/osteoarthritis-in-depth

See Tai Chi and Yoga for Arthritis

Successful treatment of chronic osteoarthritis pain often requires a mixture of traditional and complementary and alternative (CAM) treatment strategies. Learn more about CAM treatments for arthritis at Integrative Medicine for Arthritis Pain Relief

Learn more:

Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment

Supplements for Hip Osteoarthritis Video

How Yoga Helps the Back on Spine-health.com