What Conditions can Acupuncture Help With
Conditions people commonly seek acupuncture for include:
What is Medical Acupuncture
Medical Acupuncture (and Functional Integrated Needling) uses a variety of dry needling techniques during a single session. Unlike traditional acupuncture which traditionally selects points along a meridian, medical acupuncture targets neuro anatomical structures that are the underlying cause of musculoskeletal conditions. A focused assessment will determine the structures – whether it be muscles, ligaments, joints or nerves – that are the root cause of the problem. Before any treatment is provided, each patient will have an opportunity to discuss their findings and determine if acupuncture is the right fit for their condition.
A Typical Medical Acupuncture Visit
During a typical treatment, between 6 and 20 thin needles are inserted into various targets that have been determined to be the root cause of the painful condition. They are left in for several seconds to 20 minutes. Different strategies for acute and chronic injuries are used for each patient, making this approach an effective treatment modality for muscle, tendon and ligament injuries. On occasion, gentle electric current can be applied through the needles. Like a TENS machine, this can further help to release pain-relieving hormones from the brain, reduce tightness and improve healing time. Needling sessions are usually followed by hands-on chiropractic treatment to further improve healing and relieve painful symptoms. Hands-on treatment options include: Deep Tissue Therapy, Specialized Therapies, joint adjustments and corrective exercises.
How does it work and Why is it so effective?
The insertion of needles into the tissues causes the release of natural pain relieving substances. These chemicals improve blood flow to the area of tightness and decreases sensitivity by neuromodulating the nervous system – like taking an Advil or Tylenol. These effects help control pain, improve function and help accelerate healing. By targeting powerful nervous system points, Medical Acupuncture can decrease heightened nervous system activity and stress. Typically, most patients report a better night’s sleep following a session. Most patients will require 6-7 sessions to really see clinically effective results.