Acupuncture involves applying very thin flexible needles into well mapped points of the body’s musculoskeletal system. It's based on an ancient practice that stimulates the body's release of neural hormones (serotonin, endorphins) to facilitate relaxation, relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Acupuncture is relatively painless, and has virtually no side effects. It can be effective in treating bone, joint and muscle conditions, as well as neurological conditions. It works especially well when combined with physical therapies like exercise, heat and hands-on ("manual") therapy. Sometimes, acupuncture treatment is enhanced by attaching small electrodes to the needles.
Watch this video to see acupuncture needles up-close:
Our physiotherapists are trained and certified in "neuro-anatomical" acupuncture by Acupuncture Canada. Neuro-anatomical acupuncture is the biomedical adaptation of traditional Chinese acuncture. It is based on neurophysiology (how the nervous system functions), neuroanatomy (how the nervous system is structured), and pathophysiology (how pain and disease work).
Acupuncture is different from dry needling, although they both use similar types of needles. Read our blog post, "Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling - What's the difference?" to learn more:
Can acupuncture help you? Call us for a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if this type of physical therapy is appropriate for your symptoms.
FAQs About Acupuncture
Here are the most common questions we get about acupuncture. We hope our answers help you learn more about how acupuncture works in physiotherapy and what to expect during your appointment.
Acupuncture in physiotherapy involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to reduce pain, promote healing, and improve mobility. It’s commonly used as part of a physiotherapy treatment plan for conditions like back pain, neck pain, tennis elbow and joint stiffness.
Acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and release endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers. It may also improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and restore balance in the body, making it an effective treatment for many musculoskeletal conditions.
Acupuncture used by a physiotherapist can help treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Low back pain
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Osteoarthritis
- Sciatica
- Muscle tension or trigger points
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicodylitis)
- Sports injuries
Yes. When performed by a licensed and certified physiotherapist, acupuncture is very safe.
At our clinic, all our physiotherapists who do acupuncture are licensed and certified. Our needles are single-use and sterile. We disinfect the skin before inserting the needles.
Any side effects are rare and typically mild, such as slight soreness or bruising at the needle site. Some patients report feeling tired after acupuncture, so consider doing your high intensity activities before your acupuncture appointment, rather than afterwards (but this is not mandatory).
If you're seeing a physiotherapist at any clinic in Manitoba, you can verify whether they are licensed and certified in acupuncture by looking them up on the College of Physiotherapists of Manitoba's website, here.
While both use similar needles, dry needling targets muscle trigger points to release tension, and acupuncture targets specific points along nerve or energy pathways. Your physiotherapist may recommend one or both techniques depending on your symptoms and goals.
Read our blog post for more about the difference between dry needling and acupuncture:
Most people feel little to no pain with acupuncture. You may feel a brief pinch as the needle is inserted, followed by a dull ache or tingling sensation. Many patients find the treatment relaxing and even fall asleep during their session.
Remember acupuncture needles are very different than the type of needles you get at the doctor, or at a vaccination clinic. Acupuncture needles are much thinner - like the width of a hair. And they don't have anything inside them (i.e. no lumen) like needles used for injections.
An acupuncture session with a physiotherapist typically lasts between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on your condition and treatment plan. The needles are usually left in for 15 to 30 minutes while you rest comfortably.
The number of sessions depends on your condition, how long you’ve had symptoms, and how your body responds to treatment. Some people experience relief after just one or two sessions, while others may need a series of treatments over a few weeks.
In many cases, yes. If your health plan covers physiotherapy, it may also cover acupuncture provided by a registered physiotherapist. We recommend checking with your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm your coverage - you're responsible for knowing your own insurance plan.
Read more insurance tips here.
Absolutely. Acupuncture is often used alongside other physiotherapy treatments such as manual therapy, exercise, dry needling, and education. Combining therapies usually helps you recover more quickly and manage pain more effectively.
