How does Acupuncture work? Is it a treatment option for you? Originating in Ancient China, many specially trained health professionals around the world now use acupuncture to treat a variety of problems.
Acupuncture is recognized as part of the scope of practice by the physiotherapy regulatory body in Ontario, The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. Research has demonstrated the value and effectiveness of acupuncture as part of usual physiotherapy practice for conditions such as knee osteoarthritis, headache, acute low back pain, and sports injuries, among others.
Fine, sterile, stainless steel needles are inserted in specific areas of the body relating to the problem being treated. The insertion and stimulation of the body with acupuncture needles is known to act on the nervous system via several mechanisms to normalize dysfunction. These needles stimulate the general release of naturally occurring pain relieving opioids, known as endorphins, which have a significant pain modulating effect within the body. It also stimulates the local release of chemical signaling molecules, which increases local blood flow, nourishing irritable and injured tissue. Finally, Acupuncture has a balancing influence on the body through its effects on temperature regulation, digestion and cardiovascular system functions.
Acupuncture is a gentle treatment with most patients finding that the treatment to be relaxing, causing minimal discomfort. It is usually a comfortable treatment and although everyone’s experience differs, most feel no or very minimal pain as the needles are inserted. It is normal to experience a mild aching sensation or warmth around the needle site.
The physiotherapists at Best Health Physio are trained through Acupuncture Canada to integrate the best practices into their assessment and treatment to achieve optimal results in your physiotherapy care. Our physiotherapists use Acupuncture on it’s own or with other physiotherapy treatment techniques to improve their effectiveness.