Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive joint condition that affects millions of people worldwide, often leading to chronic pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and a decreased quality of life. It most commonly impacts the knees, hips, spine, and hands. At Holland Landing Health Centre, we serve East Gwillimbury and Newmarket chiropractor and acupuncture services. We are committed to offering evidence-informed, patient-centered treatments to help manage OA. One effective therapy in our integrated approach is Contemporary Medical Acupuncture.
What Is Contemporary Medical Acupuncture?
Contemporary Medical Acupuncture is a modern adaptation of traditional acupuncture grounded in neuroanatomy and medical science.
Thin, sterile needles are inserted into specific anatomical locations—often near muscles, joints, or nerves. In many cases, these needles are connected to a mild electrical current (electroacupuncture), which enhances the therapeutic effects. This method stimulates the nervous system, improves blood flow, modulates pain perception, and promotes tissue healing.
How Acupuncture Helps with Osteoarthritis
Research from the last decade has supported the use of medical acupuncture in reducing pain and improving function in people with OA.
A 2025 randomized controlled trial published in Pain and Therapy compared manual acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and standard medication (celecoxib) in patients with knee OA. Results showed that electroacupuncture provided significantly greater pain relief and improved joint function compared to medication alone (Sun et al., 2025).
Similarly, a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Medicine (Baltimore) evaluated 20 clinical trials involving electroacupuncture for knee OA. The authors concluded that electroacupuncture was effective in reducing pain, stiffness, and improving physical function, with consistent results across patient populations and treatment protocols (Shi et al., 2023).
Mechanistically, acupuncture works by activating peripheral nerves, which send signals to the brain and spinal cord to regulate pain perception. It also stimulates the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin. Additionally, acupuncture may downregulate pro-inflammatory markers in the joint environment, further helping to manage symptoms (Vickers et al., 2018).
Integrating Acupuncture into OA Care
At Holland Landing Health Centre, Contemporary Medical Acupuncture is not used in isolation. It is part of a comprehensive care plan that may include therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and education. Acupuncture sessions can make it easier for patients to participate in strengthening and mobility exercises by first reducing pain and improving joint range of motion.
This integration supports a multimodal approach to OA management, which is widely endorsed by current clinical guidelines for musculoskeletal care.
Why Choose Us
Our chiropractors, Dr. Patrick Perta and Dr. Kyla Nelson are certified in Contemporary Medical Acupuncture and bring years of experience in treating musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoarthritis. We tailor each treatment plan to the individual, considering their goals, functional level, and overall health.
If you're looking for a safe, effective way to manage osteoarthritis and improve joint function, Contemporary Medical Acupuncture may be a valuable addition to your care.
Holland Landing Health Centre proudly serves East Gwillimbury and Newmarket chiropractor services (as well as surrounding communities).
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References
1. Sun J, et al. (2025). Comparative Efficacy of Electroacupuncture and Medication for Knee Osteoarthritis. Pain and Therapy. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40122-025-00713-x
2. Shi X, et al. (2023). Efficacy of Electroacupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore), 102(4). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36808899
3. Vickers AJ, et al. (2018). Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. J Pain, 19(5), 455–474. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29198932
