A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is used to treat acute and chronic pain and help injuries heal. Embraced by many holistic and alternative medicine practices, it involves the manual stimulation of specific acupuncture points throughout the body using thin needles. Used to treat a variety of conditions, it is an important aspect of many physiotherapy practices.
Acupuncture is the insertion of thin, metal needles to stimulate specific point of the body that reach meridians. These stimulation points are called acupuncture points or acupoints. Traditional Chinese Medicine holds that there are 365 commonly used acupuncture points on 20 meridians on the human body. This safe, effective treatment is typically performed over the course of several sessions at a rate of twice per week for anywhere between 6 and 12 weeks, although some patients find best success with ongoing treatments. During the treatment, patients are asked to lie still while the acupuncturist sterilizes the skin and inserts 4-12 needles, depending on the condition and area being treated. These needles are single use to prevent contamination and are typically made of stainless steel.
A variety of lengths and widths are available for use in different treatment areas with the shorter ones used near the face and longer ones used for fleshier areas. The needles are left in place for approximately 20-30 minutes and may be gently manipulated by the practitioner who will spin, flick, and move the needles in and out of the skin (alternatively the needles may be manipulated if necessary by electrical stimulation called electroacupuncture). By doing so it regulates the qi throughout the body and helps restore health to the mind and body thus balancing yin and yang.
While it is not known for sure exactly how acupuncture works to relieve pain, many experts believe that it causes a release of endorphins in the body. This stimulates the nerves, muscles, and connective tissues and increases blood flow, boosting the body’s natural painkillers.
For more information on how acupuncture can alleviate chronic and injury-related pain symptoms, talk to the experts at Dynamic Physiotherapy’s clinic in Mississauga today!
Acupuncture can be used safely to treat patients of all ages, although some medical conditions may not be a good match for this procedure. If you suffer from blood disorders or mental health issues, you should discuss acupuncture with your physician to see if it is right for you. We offer a wide range of pain management and rehabilitation treatments at our Mississauga clinic that extend beyond the usual scope of any ordinary physiotherapy clinic, allowing our staff of expert health professionals to create the perfect treatment program for your needs.
Leaders in the field of acupuncture in Ontario, we have been trusted to treat and heal individuals and families since 1996 because:
For more information on how acupuncture can alleviate chronic and injury-related pain symptoms, talk to the experts at Dynamic Physiotherapy in Mississauga today!
Our other specialties include:
For more information on our acupuncture services, please contact the experts at Dynamic Physiotherapy at 905-273-5433.