Discover How Acupuncture Can Benefit You Today!
If you’ve never heard of acupuncture therapy, the thought of someone inserting needles into your skin might sound pretty terrifying! The truth is though, this kind of therapy isn’t meant to cause pain – it’s meant to relieve it.
If you’re suffering from chronic pain, acupuncture therapy could be a great solution to your problem. Acupuncture has been proven to stimulate the endorphin system which can result in reduced pain and inflammation.
Interested in learning more about acupuncture and how it could relieve your pain? Contact us today for more information. We’ll have you feeling better in no time.
What is acupuncture, and how does it work?
As stated by Choose PT, “Dry needling is a technique physical therapists use (where allowed by state law) for the treatment of pain and movement impairments. The technique uses a “dry” needle, one without medication or injection, inserted through the skin into areas of the muscle.
Other terms commonly used to describe dry needling, include trigger point dry needling, and intramuscular manual therapy.”
Although this might be your first time learning about it, acupuncture therapy is nothing new. According to Healthline, it’s been studied and practiced for over 2,500 years! Acupuncture has been proven to stimulate the endorphin system which can result in reduced pain and inflammation. It can also help a multitude of conditions, including arthritis, headaches, hypertension, insomnia, sprains, strokes, and chronic pain in many areas of the body.
Acupuncture is a method of treatment used to stimulate areas with many nerves, and relieve pain and symptoms of many different conditions by inserting small needles into “trigger points” on the skin. Trigger points are tight bands of skeletal muscles inside of a larger group of muscles.
Through acupuncture, many different organs, tissues, muscles, and functions of the body can be positively affected. Our physical therapists use this method of treatment to improve range of motion, relieve pain and inflammation, and release muscle tension.
What should I expect with acupuncture therapy?
Acupuncture works by focusing on specific trigger points to relieve tension. Choose PT defines a trigger point as “a taut band of skeletal muscle located within a larger muscle group. Trigger points can be tender to the touch, and touching a trigger point may cause pain to other parts of the body.” Fortunately, with acupuncture, these trigger points can be released so you can find relief from your pain.
Acupuncture is also commonly referred to as dry needling. Choose PT also states that, “Dry needling involves a thin filiform needle that penetrates the skin and stimulates underlying myofascial trigger points and muscular and connective tissues. The needle allows a physical therapist to target tissues that are not manually palpable.”
Most acupuncture sessions last around an hour to two hours. Everyone responds differently to treatment, however, at your initial consultation, your physical therapist will be able to do a conclusive assessment of your condition. He or she will then create a treatment plan for you, which will be tailored to your individual needs.
Typically, fine needles are inserted through the skin and left in position briefly, sometimes with manual or electrical stimulation. The number of needles varies but may be only two or three. It’s important to remember that everyone’s pain condition is different, and so their acupuncture treatment will be as well.
The response rate to acupuncture treatment is high, especially for patients with pain of musculoskeletal origin or headaches. The complication and side effect rate is extremely low. It’s certainly worth giving us a call today to discuss your options, and see acupuncture is the right choice for you.
Contact us today
Acupuncture could be the pain relief solution that you’ve been looking for. If you think you could benefit from acupuncture, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Physical therapists who incorporate acupuncture in their practice must complete postgraduate clinical education through institutions recognized by their regulatory body. Rest assured that you will be in great hands with us!
Contact our office today to set up an appointment with one of our trained physical therapists about acupuncture, and how it can relieve your pain symptoms.
Tags: pain relief, pain management, acupuncture, dry needling
