Medical Acupuncture
Medical Acupuncture treatments stimulate the central nervous system to provide relief. Particularly effective for conditions stemming from muscle tension.
What is medical acupuncture?
During a Medical Acupuncture treatment, your physiotherapist or practitioner carefully applies thin, stainless-steel acupuncture needles to specific points on the body. This type of acupuncture is more broadly called “dry needling”.
Does medical acupuncture hurt?
No, Medical Acupuncture treatments are painless. The needles we use have the same diameter as a strand of hair, and our patients often report that the treatment itself is relaxing!
Are acupuncture needles reused?
No. The stainless-steel needles used during your Medical Acupuncture treatment at Pinpoint Physiotherapy are single-use and sterile.
Will I experience needling at my first visit?
If acupuncture is determined to be a good fit for you, your physiotherapist or ND may offer a trial of two or four needles during your first visit. During your subsequent appointments the amount of needling will be progressed gradually and comfortably.
Do physiotherapists take special acupuncture training?
Yes. All of our physical therapists and doctors are trained and certified by Acupuncture Canada (or an equivalent organization) to obtain their ACC designation (or equivalent).
What benefits does medical acupuncture provide?
Medical Acupuncture can help change muscle tension, reduce pain levels, improve mood, and increase energy levels.
Current evidence suggests that the benefits provided by Medical Acupuncture treatments come from:
- The body’s release of endogenous opiates, including endorphins that relieve and control pain; and
- The effect of mechanotransduction, where the cells convert the mechanical stimulus of the needles into electrochemical activity
It is believed that the effect these needles have is due to their physiological effect on the neuromuscular system, and not due to energy movement as claimed by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
What is medical acupuncture commonly used for?
Research has shown that Medical Acupuncture is an effective method of pain management, and helps treat sports injuries, migraines, arthritis, and other conditions.
Medical Acupuncture is particularly useful for relieving conditions stemming from muscle tension. Common conditions that are a good fit for Medical Acupuncture include:
- Muscle strain
- Tennis elbow
- Tension headaches
- Back pain caused by a motor vehicle accident
- Pain associated with arthritis and fibromyalgia
Is medical acupuncture the same as Traditional Chinese Medicine?
No. Although some of the acupuncture needle insertion points used are the same, practitioners of Medical Acupuncture direct treatment anatomically rather than using the traditional approach of balancing the body’s energies.
Methodology
Medical Acupuncture practitioners combine evidence-based medicine and research with a knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology to direct treatment.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners use acupuncture to relieve a theoretical imbalance of energy, known as Qi (pronounced “chi”), to help patients restore harmony and overcome ailments.
Insertion points
Medical Acupuncture practitioners choose treatment locations based on the anatomy of muscles, nerves, and tendinous insertions to activate nerve pathways and repair physiologic issues.
TCM acupuncturists choose treatment locations based on historically established yin and yang “meridian channels” believed to control the body’s balance.
Get Started with Medical Acupuncture
Have questions about Medical Acupuncture or any other treatments? Visit the FAQs page or get in touch for help.
