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Physio

Acupuncture

Acupuncture stimulates the balance and flow of Qi energy that in Traditional Chinese Medicine is considered essential to health. When the body is healthy, Qi (pronounced chee), flows smoothly through the meridians that make up a conceptual network of pathways throughout the entire body.  Acupuncture treats both the symptoms and the root causes of the patient’s illness (1).

Signs + Symptoms

  • whiplash associated disorder/neck pain

  • severe acute pain

  • low back pain

  • sciatica

  • arthritis

  • muscle pain/myofsacial pain

  • joint soreness or ache

  • headaches/migraines

  • generalized fatigue

Acupuncture is the insertion of a fine needle is a technique trained physical therapists use to treat myofascial pain. The technique uses a “dry” needle, one without medication or injection, inserted through the skin, targeting energy flow within the body.

Other terms commonly used to describe dry needling, include trigger point dry needling, and intramuscular stimulation (IMS).
Dry needling is not acupuncture, a practice based on traditional Chinese medicine and performed by acupuncturists. Dry needling is a part of modern Western medicine principles, and supported by research (1​).

Sciatica Relief, how does it work?

Acupuncture is an ancient, safe and effective alternative to medication and, in some cases, surgery. It stimulates the release of endorphins – the body’s natural pain-relieving neurohormones – through the insertion of needles into specific anatomical points (acupuncture points) to encourage natural healing, for example sciatica relief. Acupuncture needles are  sharp but rounded at the tip so that they slide smoothly through tissue and are unlikely to cause bleeding or trauma to the tissue they contact. Needles are left in place for 15 to 30 minutes during which time the practitioner may manipulate the needles in order to strengthen or reduce the flow of Qi (healing energy).
Physical therapists are trained in all aspects of safety and disposal (ie. wearing gloves, following standard precautions and contraindications and infection prevention for outpatient settings.)

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Why Acupuncture?

Therapeutic effects include:

  • Pain relief

  • Increased energy

  • Improved mood

  • Improved body function

  • sciatica relief

  • shoulder pain management

Physical therapists who perform acupuncture must obtaining specific postgraduate education and training and comply with rigorous provincial licensing requirements. Our Physiotherapist Beth Bates completed her training in Canada and has been using various needling techniques for years. She is trained in Medical Acupuncture and Dry Needling.

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REFERENCE

1. Acupuncture Canada 

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