Osteoarthritis (adjunctive care)
Also known as: osteoarthritis, OA, knee osteoarthritis, hip osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, wear and tear arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint condition in Australia. Exercise, weight management and education are first-line care; acupuncture is a reasonable adjunct for pain, and Chinese medicine treats it as Bì (obstruction) with Cold-Damp, Blood stasis and Liver-Kidney deficiency patterns.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •Exercise is the most effective treatment — aim for strength and aerobic work most days.
- •Even 5–10% weight loss reduces knee load and pain.
- •Pace activity rather than avoiding it.
- •Supportive footwear and a walking aid can help on flare days.
Cautions & Contraindications
- •Septic or inflammatory arthritis must be excluded before treating as osteoarthritis.[,]
- •Avoid needling into a joint capsule; never needle a prosthetic joint area deeply.[]
When to reassess or seek care again
Track pain (0–10), walking distance and function every 4–6 weeks. Refer if function keeps declining.
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- Healthdirect Australia · 2024
- RACGP · 2018
- NICE · 2022
- JAMA Internal Medicine · 2012
- AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.