Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a therapeutic treatment used to encourage natural healing, relieve pain and inflammation, and improve function. It involves inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body. These points may be located close to the site of pain or quite far away from it. Acupuncture has been used in China for over 3000 years but only recently (the past couple of centuries) in the Western World. There is scientific research that supports the use of acupuncture for pain control. Physiotherapists who practice acupuncture study both traditional Chinese acupuncture as well as “Western” acupuncture.
Which conditions are helped by acupuncture treatment?
Acupuncture can help relieve acute or chronic pain caused by almost any physical condition that causes discomfort, especially if due to inflammation. Common conditions treated with acupuncture are:
and much more.
Which conditions are helped by acupuncture treatment?
Acupuncture can help relieve acute or chronic pain caused by almost any physical condition that causes discomfort, especially if due to inflammation. Common conditions treated with acupuncture are:
- Migraines and headaches
- Arthritis and swollen joints
- Fractures
- Sprains, Strains, Tendinitis
- Muscle Spasm
- Bursitis, Carpel Tunnel
- Disc Bulges or Prolapses, Sciatica
- Neurogenic Pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Increased tone or spasticity secondary to stroke or TBI
- Bell’s Palsy, Trigeminal Neuralgia
and much more.
How does acupuncture work?
In traditional Chinese acupuncture, it is believed that the body contains lines of energy called meridians. When there is pain or illness, it is believed that the energy (or “chi”) along the line has become either blocked or over stimulated and the needles are used to return normal energy flow along the meridian.
In the Western way of thinking, a scientific approach is used. We know that acupuncture stimulates the body to produce its own pain relieving chemicals called “endorphins”. Endorphins promote relaxation and help block pathways that relay pain messages from the body to the brain. The needles also stimulate nerve fibers that interfere with the transmission of pain signals to the brain. When inserted into tight muscle, the needles help to reduce muscle spasm and normalize tone. Acupuncture therefore stimulates the body’s natural healing abilities, reduces inflammation, and promotes physical and emotional well-being.
Does it hurt?
People can experience different sensations with acupuncture. Most patients feel only minimal discomfort while the needles are being inserted, while some feel no pain at all. There may be a sensation of deep aching and warmth, which usually fades quickly. Overall, the procedure should not be painful and most people find it relaxing.
Are there any adverse effects or risks to treatment?
One of the most striking aspects is the almost complete absence of adverse effects and complications. Occasionally some people may experience minor bruising, nausea, dizziness, or a temporary aggravation of symptoms. Only sterile disposable needles are used, reducing the risk of infection and preventing the transmission of AIDS or hepatitis. Please tell your physiotherapist if you suspect you may be pregnant. In very rare cases, there have been reports of lung puncture, damage to blood vessels, or the needle breaking.
How many treatments will be required?
The number of treatments will vary with each individual and the condition being treated. For complex longstanding problems several treatments may be required, however in some cases one treatment is sufficient. Treatment sessions usually last between 15 and 30 minutes. Relief may be immediate, occur within a few hours, or after a few days. Treatments are most effective when they are done in close succession, as the effects are cumulative. 80-90% of patients respond well to acupuncture with noticeable improvement, however some do not respond.
In traditional Chinese acupuncture, it is believed that the body contains lines of energy called meridians. When there is pain or illness, it is believed that the energy (or “chi”) along the line has become either blocked or over stimulated and the needles are used to return normal energy flow along the meridian.
In the Western way of thinking, a scientific approach is used. We know that acupuncture stimulates the body to produce its own pain relieving chemicals called “endorphins”. Endorphins promote relaxation and help block pathways that relay pain messages from the body to the brain. The needles also stimulate nerve fibers that interfere with the transmission of pain signals to the brain. When inserted into tight muscle, the needles help to reduce muscle spasm and normalize tone. Acupuncture therefore stimulates the body’s natural healing abilities, reduces inflammation, and promotes physical and emotional well-being.
Does it hurt?
People can experience different sensations with acupuncture. Most patients feel only minimal discomfort while the needles are being inserted, while some feel no pain at all. There may be a sensation of deep aching and warmth, which usually fades quickly. Overall, the procedure should not be painful and most people find it relaxing.
Are there any adverse effects or risks to treatment?
One of the most striking aspects is the almost complete absence of adverse effects and complications. Occasionally some people may experience minor bruising, nausea, dizziness, or a temporary aggravation of symptoms. Only sterile disposable needles are used, reducing the risk of infection and preventing the transmission of AIDS or hepatitis. Please tell your physiotherapist if you suspect you may be pregnant. In very rare cases, there have been reports of lung puncture, damage to blood vessels, or the needle breaking.
How many treatments will be required?
The number of treatments will vary with each individual and the condition being treated. For complex longstanding problems several treatments may be required, however in some cases one treatment is sufficient. Treatment sessions usually last between 15 and 30 minutes. Relief may be immediate, occur within a few hours, or after a few days. Treatments are most effective when they are done in close succession, as the effects are cumulative. 80-90% of patients respond well to acupuncture with noticeable improvement, however some do not respond.
What to do before an acupuncture treatment
1. Have a light meal.
2. Avoid alcohol and sedatives for four hours before treatment. Take pain and other medications as prescribed by your doctor.
3. Do not smoke or consume caffeine for one hour before treatment.
4. If possible, be well rested.
What to do after an acupuncture treatment
1. If possible, it is best to rest for two hours after you get home.
2. If treatment is for a painful condition, avoid strenuous activity for two days after treatment, even if you are pain-free.
3. Take pain pills or other medication as directed by your doctor; keep a record of amount taken.
4. Do not consume alcohol or caffeine for two hours after treatment and do not smoke for one hour after treatment.
Occasionally symptoms become worse before they improve, this usually only lasts 1-2 days.
Remember, some people obtain relief immediately, some notice improvement after a few hours, some after a few days. Some require several treatments before responding and some do not respond at all. The number of treatments required varies with each person and condition but you should notice a difference in pain, stiffness, and level of function within 5 to 10 sessions if acupuncture is going to work for you.
1. Have a light meal.
2. Avoid alcohol and sedatives for four hours before treatment. Take pain and other medications as prescribed by your doctor.
3. Do not smoke or consume caffeine for one hour before treatment.
4. If possible, be well rested.
What to do after an acupuncture treatment
1. If possible, it is best to rest for two hours after you get home.
2. If treatment is for a painful condition, avoid strenuous activity for two days after treatment, even if you are pain-free.
3. Take pain pills or other medication as directed by your doctor; keep a record of amount taken.
4. Do not consume alcohol or caffeine for two hours after treatment and do not smoke for one hour after treatment.
Occasionally symptoms become worse before they improve, this usually only lasts 1-2 days.
Remember, some people obtain relief immediately, some notice improvement after a few hours, some after a few days. Some require several treatments before responding and some do not respond at all. The number of treatments required varies with each person and condition but you should notice a difference in pain, stiffness, and level of function within 5 to 10 sessions if acupuncture is going to work for you.
