Acupuncture

From ProFysio

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting thin needles into specific points on the skin to restore the balance or flow of energy (referred to as ‘chi’ or ‘qi’). Each point is linked together in a network of meridians or channels that run throughout the body and carry the flow of chi. It is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for thousands of years. However, it has only begun to earn recognition by Western medicine within the past few decades. Acupuncture has been found to be a safe and effective alternative method of treating many conditions, and is often used in conjunction with other therapies.

A common reason one may seek the help of an acupuncturist is for pain. Many people are starting to turn away from traditional pharmacological intervention to control pain and inflammation due to the potential risk for opioid addiction and negative side effects. Acupuncture has been shown to be a safe alternative to medication with very few potential adverse effects. The most common negative effects include needle site bleeding and needle site pain, with even fewer instances of tiredness and possible fainting/dizziness. Make sure to provide your acupuncturist with a complete medical history so he or she is aware of any potential risk factors associated with the treatment. This may include a history of hemophilia, advanced liver disease, diabetes, patients taking blood thinners or those with compromised immune systems. Treatment may still be indicated; however, response to treatment will be carefully assessed.

While research is still being done to determine the exact reason why acupuncture works, it is widely believed that success is attributed to physiological effects (analgesia, blood flow changes) as well as psychological effects. These include patient’s perceptions, beliefs, and expectations of the treatment. Progressively more evidence is emerging in favor of the benefit of acupuncture on musculoskeletal disorders including chronic neck pain, shoulder pain, chronic low back pain, and osteoarthritis. The benefits can be seen not just in pain relief but also in disability reduction. Other conditions that acupuncture may help (but further research is required) include infertility, acute spine pain, TMJ dysfunction, tobacco/alcohol dependence, cancer pain, and many more. Nearly two-thirds of Americans experience low back pain, not to mention the millions that are affected by the other musculoskeletal conditions. Standard treatment for those suffering from pain usually includes prescription medication, injections, physical therapy and sometimes surgery. As new evidence continues to develop, we may start to see an increase in the prescription of acupuncture.

While acupuncture may help with pain relief from musculoskeletal conditions, it is still important to consult with a physical therapist to determine if you may also benefit from skilled physical therapy care. This may be important to help strengthen muscles that have become weak from pain or injury, or improve mobility and flexibility to joints and muscles that have become tight. A physical therapist can help create an individualized plan of care based on a clinical examination and evaluation. Acupuncture and physical therapy in conjunction may help shorten rehabilitation time and improve pain and function.

Dr. Candice Ho earned her Doctorate of Acupuncture from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM) and is a NCCAOM Board Certified Acupuncturist. She also holds a Bachelors of Science Specializing in Exercise Science from Concordia University, a Certification in Athletic Therapy from Mount Royal University, and is a NSCA Certified Personal Trainer.