Acupuncture
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.
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?" for more information.
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.
