Arthritis Treatment in Greenville, SC
Arthritis treatment in Greenville, SC. Dr. Hendry's acupuncture and functional medicine reduce joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness naturally. Call (864) 365-6156.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is an umbrella term for joint inflammation, with over 100 distinct types. Osteoarthritis — the 'wear and tear' form — is the most common, affecting cartilage breakdown in weight-bearing and commonly used joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joint lining. Both types respond well to integrative treatment that addresses the underlying inflammatory processes.
Common Symptoms
Root Causes: A Functional Medicine Perspective
Osteoarthritis was long considered simply a mechanical wear-and-tear process, but research now shows it is driven significantly by low-grade systemic inflammation. Adipose tissue, particularly visceral fat, produces inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, TNF-alpha) that directly degrade cartilage and inhibit chondrocyte (cartilage cell) repair. Diet, gut health, and metabolic status all influence the inflammatory environment in joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition with genetic and environmental triggers — gut dysbiosis, molecular mimicry (where gut bacteria trigger immune responses that cross-react with joint tissue), and hormonal factors all play roles in disease onset and flares. Functional medicine evaluates and addresses these underlying immune and inflammatory drivers, making it a powerful complement to conventional RA management.
How We Treat Arthritis at IHP
Acupuncture is well-studied for osteoarthritis — particularly of the knee and hip — with consistent evidence for meaningful pain reduction and functional improvement. For rheumatoid arthritis, acupuncture reduces joint inflammation, pain, and morning stiffness during flares and may help reduce the frequency and severity of flares over time.
Dr. Hendry's functional medicine approach for arthritis includes anti-inflammatory dietary protocols (Mediterranean diet, elimination of common inflammatory foods), targeted supplementation (fish oil, curcumin, boswellia, glucosamine/chondroitin), and gut microbiome support. These systemic interventions work synergistically with local acupuncture treatment to reduce joint inflammation from both inside and out.
Dr. Hendry's Approach
Dr. Hendry views arthritis as a systemic inflammatory condition with local joint manifestations, rather than a purely mechanical or structural problem. His treatment plans address the whole inflammatory picture — diet, gut health, hormonal balance, and metabolic function — while providing direct joint-level treatment through acupuncture to relieve current pain and improve mobility.