Alternative therapies

[FLS1]

I was diagnosed with RA last summer and have just been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Has anyone tried acupuncture or CBT as these have been suggested to me by the RA consultant but not sure how I find the appropriately qualified professionals locally for these services ? Thanks

[Deeb1764]

CBT is meant to be good for fibro as is acupuncture so worth looking for a good one. There is a register such BACC for both these treatments so I would go down that route then check reviews etc .

I am looking locally at acupuncture for fibro too as want to see if it does do anything for me. Some praise it for fibro others say no change but i am feeling it’s worth a try for me!

[FLS1 in reply to Deeb1764]

Thank you

[Rachmaninov2]

I was referred to our local mental health service by my GP, I had a phone assessment and based on this I was offered CBT. There was quite a long waiting list but I had my first appointment a few weeks ago and have so far found it very helpful. Not sure if you could go down this route. Wishing you all the best in finding the right support.

[FLS1 in reply to Rachmaninov2]

Thank you. I really appreciate the help

[Hidden]

Hi. I had a medical daith piercing about a year ago in Manchester. I do think it’s made a difference :vnsdaith.co.uk/

[FLS1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the advice

[Tkat10]

I have had acupuncture intermittently since being diagnosed over 20 years ago, I would definitely recommend it to help manage your arthritis.

[Brian1977]

I was offered cbt last year done a group thing and it never helped but then had 1 to 1 and it was brilliant really sorted my stressed head

[Biker52]

I referred myself for CBT through our area NHS and was seen within a couple of weeks. I had six sessions and found it very helpful.

NRAS advised me to look at the WREN Project and I about to have my second session with them.

I am willing to try anything…within reason!

[Whezziewhoozie]

hi, I have had both. Through the national hospital of integrated medicine.

I didn’t enjoy acupuncture and didn’t feel like it helped. However CBT has been great. It won’t make the pain any better but has given me coping methods of how cope in with it in my relationship/social situations/ work.

Your GP should be able to refer you though

Louise

[Nanainthegarden]

I have RA (34 years and counting) and in 2006, during a massive flare up, someone suggested I try acupuncture. It really has helped me. I use a Traditional Chinese Acupuncturist who treats my whole body not just the RA or the pain so my hay fever, dry eyes, menopause symptoms have all been helped over the years. I’m now going four times a year to keep me on an even keel. The downside is it’s not on the NHS.

[Kati66]

You may be able to get your gp to refer you to the pain clinic as up here, they can arrange acupuncture sessions. When I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2014 I had acupuncture but it wasn’t helpful for me. It does seem to help lots of people though

CBT or Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is a technique I use with some clients (I’m a counsellor) as it is good for challenging negative thoughts and finding new ways of dealing with issues.

Hope that helps

Xxx

[Leics]

I had 6 sessions of acupuncture at the hospital where I’m treated for my RA. unfortunately for me instead of switching off the pain signals it made matters 10 times worse. I realise that I’m unlucky to have experienced this but it does happen to some people. I do find a gentle back massage really helps though clears out the inflammation in my shoulders and somehow my breathing is much improved it also feels like such a treat especially if essential oils are used. Good luck in your quest though and I hope it really helps you.

[Durrell]

I haven’t got fibro, just RA. I’m reading a book in Red Light Therapy as keen to buy one, it’s seems it’s far more beneficial for Fibro, so may also be worth looking into. I try everything with a positive attitude, I’m going to try acupuncture again in the future but it’s finding a good qualified therapist is key!!

[Beviejon1]

I did acupuncture for 5 years twice a month.for me it did help. I now take gabapentin for my neck.

[smilelines]

I found that light exercise helped my fibromyalsia. CBT and acupuncture might help but I would not invest anymore money in either as they didn’t work well for me.

[Medical61]

I’ve had a few sessions of acupuncture which were suggested by the pain management clinic. I don’t believe they helped in any meaningful way but I know others have said it has helped give some temporary relief with their condition. I did find hydrotherapy of more benefit but sadly the NHS were only able to offer a short course of sessions. The only positive improvement has come about by sheer perseverance in pressing for an accurate diagnosis which has resulted in discovering that I was misdiagnosed with OA and fibromyalgia rather than active IA.

[FLS1 in reply to Medical61]

Thank you. I also had hydrotherapy through the NHS, and found it very beneficial. Such a shame they only provide 4 sessions. Following recommendations by the local NHS hydrotherapy team, I have now found a pool in a local retirement village that is well heated and can be used by non-residents, so I can continue with the hydrotherapy sessions this way.