Medical Acupuncture treatments stimulate the central nervous system to provide relief. Particularly effective for conditions stemming from muscle tension.
During a Medical Acupuncture treatment, your physiotherapist or practitioner carefully applies thin, stainless-steel acupuncture needles to specific points on the body. This type of acupuncture is more broadly called “dry needling”.
No, Medical Acupuncture treatments are painless. The needles we use have the same diameter as a strand of hair, and our patients often report that the treatment itself is relaxing!
No. The stainless-steel needles used during your Medical Acupuncture treatment at Pinpoint Physiotherapy are single-use and sterile.
If acupuncture is determined to be a good fit for you, your physiotherapist or ND may offer a trial of two or four needles during your first visit. During your subsequent appointments the amount of needling will be progressed gradually and comfortably.
Yes. All of our physical therapists and doctors are trained and certified by Acupuncture Canada (or an equivalent organization) to obtain their ACC designation (or equivalent).
Medical Acupuncture can help change muscle tension, reduce pain levels, improve mood, and increase energy levels.
Current evidence suggests that the benefits provided by Medical Acupuncture treatments come from:
It is believed that the effect these needles have is due to their physiological effect on the neuromuscular system, and not due to energy movement as claimed by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Research has shown that Medical Acupuncture is an effective method of pain management, and helps treat sports injuries, migraines, arthritis, and other conditions.
Medical Acupuncture is particularly useful for relieving conditions stemming from muscle tension. Common conditions that are a good fit for Medical Acupuncture include:
No. Although some of the acupuncture needle insertion points used are the same, practitioners of Medical Acupuncture direct treatment anatomically rather than using the traditional approach of balancing the body’s energies.
Medical Acupuncture practitioners combine evidence-based medicine and research with a knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology to direct treatment.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners use acupuncture to relieve a theoretical imbalance of energy, known as Qi (pronounced “chi”), to help patients restore harmony and overcome ailments.
Medical Acupuncture practitioners choose treatment locations based on the anatomy of muscles, nerves, and tendinous insertions to activate nerve pathways and repair physiologic issues.
TCM acupuncturists choose treatment locations based on historically established yin and yang “meridian channels” believed to control the body’s balance.
Have questions about Medical Acupuncture or any other treatments? Visit the FAQs page or get in touch for help.