Natural Ways to Reduce Pain and Inflammation Without NSAIDs

Pain shows up in many forms - an old injury that never fully healed, joint stiffness from arthritis, tendon pain from overuse, or trauma that continues to flare long after it “should” be better.

For many people, the first solution offered is medication. NSAIDs and steroid injections are often presented as the default path forward. While they can reduce symptoms, they don’t always support long-term healing - and for some people, they simply don’t feel like the right answer.

In my practice, I work with people who are looking for natural ways to reduce pain, support recovery, and calm inflammation without suppressing the body’s healing process.

Pain, Injury, and Arthritis

Whether pain comes from trauma, arthritis, or repetitive strain, there is usually an underlying inflammatory pattern involved.

Inflammation is part of how the body repairs damaged tissue. But when healing is incomplete, inflammation can linger - contributing to ongoing pain, stiffness, swelling, or limited movement.

This pattern is especially common with old injuries that never fully resolved, arthritis and joint degeneration, tendon or ligament irritation, repetitive strain, and recovery that feels slow or stalled.

In these situations, the goal isn’t to shut inflammation down completely. It’s to help the body move out of irritation and back into repair.

A Natural Alternative to NSAIDs

Many people begin looking for alternatives when pain medications offer only temporary relief or come with side effects they’d rather avoid.

In integrative medicine, pain and inflammation are approached differently. Rather than blocking the process entirely, the focus is on supporting balance and resolution, allowing healing to continue.

One of the therapies I use for this purpose is Traumeel, a European-based injectable and topical therapy that has been used for decades to support pain relief and recovery.

If you’d like to learn more specifically about Traumeel - including what it is, how it works, and why it’s such a valued option - I’ve written a more detailed article here: Traumeel: Natural Relief from Pain and Inflammation https://www.rootsandbranchesllc.com/post/traumeel-natural-relief-from-pain-and-inflammation

Why Some People Look for Alternatives to Steroid Injections

Steroid injections can be helpful in certain situations, especially for short-term symptom relief. However, many people come into my practice because they’re looking for options that feel less aggressive and more supportive of long-term healing, especially when injections are repeated.

With repeated use, steroid injections may weaken tendons and connective tissue, slow tissue repair, and suppress the body’s natural inflammatory and immune responses. Some people also experience blood sugar fluctuations or notice that symptoms return once the medication wears off.

Because inflammation plays an important role in tissue repair, completely shutting it down can sometimes slow recovery - particularly in joints, tendons, and ligaments.

Acupuncture Point Injections

Sometimes acupuncture or topical care alone isn’t enough, especially when pain or inflammation is localized or recovery feels stuck.

This is where acupuncture point injection therapy becomes especially helpful.

Using small amounts of natural injectable therapies such as Traumeel, I place injections into specific acupuncture points or areas of restriction. This approach combines the therapeutic signal of acupuncture with targeted support for inflammation and tissue recovery, encouraging the body to respond more efficiently.

Why This Therapy Is Rare - and Highly Valuable

Injectable natural therapies like Traumeel have long been used in European medicine, where they are widely respected. In the United States, access is more limited.

Acupuncture point injection therapy requires advanced training, proper certification, and a deep understanding of both acupuncture and injection techniques. Not many practitioners have both skill sets, which is why this therapy can be difficult to find - even for people actively searching for natural alternatives.

When This Approach May Be Helpful

I often use this approach for joint and tendon inflammation, sports and overuse injuries, neck and back pain, post-procedure soreness, arthritis-related stiffness, and situations where recovery feels incomplete.

Care is always individualized and often combined with acupuncture, manual therapy, cupping, or movement-based support.

A More Supportive Way to Heal

Many people appreciate that this approach feels gentle yet effective, supports healing rather than masking symptoms, and fits naturally into a holistic care plan.

Healing doesn’t need to be aggressive to be effective.

An Invitation

If you’re exploring natural ways to reduce pain and inflammation without NSAIDs, and you’re curious about acupuncture-based therapies that support recovery rather than suppression, this may be worth exploring.

I’m always happy to talk through options and help you decide what makes the most sense for your body and your goals.

About Dr. Elena Nott, DAcHM, LAc

Dr. Elena Nott is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, and the founder and practitioner of Roots and Branches Healing Center, where she provides individualized holistic therapies. She is passionate about preventative care as the foundation of health and well-being.

Dr. Nott has completed advanced training and is certified in Acupuncture Point Injection Therapy (APIT) in Arizona.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.