Managing Polyarthritis with an Integrated Approach of Acupuncture and Naturopathy

Abstract

Background:

Polyarthritis presents significant clinical challenges in pain and joint management. This case report examines the effectiveness of an integrated naturopathy and acupuncture treatment protocol in a 65-year-old female with polyarthritis.

Methods:

The participant underwent a 16-day intensive treatment regime, followed by a 20-week follow-up in an outpatient setting. Evaluations included laboratory investigations for C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) factor, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), alongside the WHOQOL BREF questionnaire assessing quality of life1.

Results:

Posttreatment results indicated notable improvements: pain visual analogue scale (VAS) decreased from 6 to 3, swelling VAS from 6 to 2, ESR from 48 to 35 mm/h, CRP levels from 29.39 mg/L to 0.8 mg/L, and RA factor from 11.45 IU/mL to 5 IU/mL. Quality of life improvements were documented in the physical and psychological domains (both from 50 to 69). By the 20-week follow-up, all measured parameters were within normal ranges, reflecting an enhanced sense of wellness and improved functional health.

Conclusion:

This case supports existing literature on the benefits of acupuncture in pain management and suggests that integrating specific naturopathic and acupuncture interventions can be beneficial in managing polyarthritis. Lifestyle modifications as part of the treatment protocol contributed to significant improvements in clinical outcomes and quality of life.