What is Medical Acupuncture, and How can it help?

By Dr Sonya Hamilton, Chiropractor

Acupuncture is an ancient component of Chinese Medicine (TCM) which has gained immense popularity in North America during the past decade due to it's efficacy in relieving pain, and improving quality of movement. 

Medical acupuncture is an effective treatment approach aimed at reducing and/or relieving pain and improving muscle function and activity of affected areas of the body.  A thin, disposable needle is inserted into the skin and tissue in specific areas of the body (as mapped out by TCM Meridians), through the use of western biomechanical principles.

Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce its own pain relieving neurochemicals, and it can encourage natural healing through the reduction of inflammation. The use of acupuncture is safe and very effective (as the building body of research literature indicates). The improved energy and biomechanical balance produced by acupuncture stimulates the body's natural healing abilities, and patients often feel better within 5-8 treatments.

Acupuncture is very effective in treating a variety of painful disorders such as:

Low back pain, Osteoarthritis, Headaches (Migraine/Tension), Neck pain, Rotator cuff tendinitis, IT Band Syndrome, Muscle tightness, Shin splints, Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), Knee pain, Jaw pain, Plantar fasciitis 

Commonly Asked Questions:

What is a treatment like?
Contemporary medical acupuncture is generally used by our chiropractor in combination with other manual therapy treatment techniques such as joint mobilization, soft tissue techniques, and rehabilitation exercises. Dr Hamilton will first complete a comprehensive clinical exam and discuss with you her diagnosis, and clinical options to effectively treat your specific diagnosis.

How long might my treatment last?
The length depends on the goal of the treatment and individual response. For many local uncomplicated injuries the needles can be inserted for up to 15 to 20 minutes to produce an appropriate effect. Research shows that long lasting results take effect from 5-8 visits.

Is it painful?
In general, most people report that they barely feel an acupuncture needle being inserted with no pain reported. A short and minor feeling of sharpness occasionally happens when a needle is inserted but it is nothing to worry about. Acupuncture is generally a comfortable experience for most.

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