Although acupuncture therapy is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, this treatment is also used in modern medicine. Physiotherapists recommend acupuncture as a complementary treatment for several conditions, including stress and pain relief.
However, you may wonder if acupuncture therapy is really effective. This article explores acupuncture therapy, including its benefits and side effects. We also discuss the effectiveness of the treatment and the conditions it is suitable for.
What Is Acupuncture Therapy?
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Acupuncture is a therapeutic physiotherapy technique that involves the insertion of needles into specific points in the body to promote healing. This technique has deep roots in traditional Chinese medicine and aims to restore body balance. During acupuncture, fine needles are inserted along the meridians, also known as lines of energy within the body, to treat mental and physical conditions.
Okotoks acupuncture therapy is used in modern-day medicine as a complementary treatment for several conditions. Physiotherapists often use this technique for pain management, stress relief, and allergy relief.
What Are The Benefits Of Acupuncture Therapy?
Physiotherapists recommend acupuncture therapy due to its numerous benefits. The benefits of this treatment include improved physical and mental well-being, pain management, and stress reduction.
Pain Management
The primary benefit of acupuncture is pain relief. During treatment, your physiotherapist will insert needles into acupuncture points in your body to relieve tension and alleviate pain. In addition, this therapy is a drug-free way to reduce inflammation and swelling in affected areas.
Stress Reduction
Okotoks Physical Therapy uses acupuncture to restore energy balance within the body and lower stress. The therapy regulates stress hormones by targeting specific points in the body to improve sleep quality and physical and mental well-being.
Blood Pressure Control
Acupuncture can be used as a complementary treatment with other medical treatments to control blood pressure levels. In addition, the therapy supports heart function and improves circulation.
Allergy Relief
The therapy can strengthen the immune system because acupuncture targets specific points in the body to balance energy flow. A strong immune system response reduces the symptoms of allergies on exposure to allergens.
Faster Healing
Acupuncture is used in patients who have had surgery or cancer treatment. The therapy can help reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting. It also boosts the immune system, triggering the body’s natural healing for a faster recovery.
Does Acupuncture Therapy Have Side Effects?
Yes, the side effects of acupuncture therapy include soreness and bruising or minor bleeding at the insertion site. However, the risks of this therapy are low if your physiotherapist in Okotoks uses sterile needles. Usually, the needles used for this therapy are single-use and disposable to minimize the risk of infection.
It is important to note that although acupuncture has several benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. If you intend to get acupuncture therapy, inform your physiotherapist if you have a bleeding disorder, a pacemaker, or are pregnant.
If you have a bleeding disorder or use blood thinners, you have an increased risk of bleeding or bruising if you undergo acupuncture. Also, the treatment may interfere with a pacemaker’s operation, especially if mild electrical pulses are applied to the needles during treatment.
Some acupuncture points may also stimulate labor, leading to premature delivery.
What Does Acupuncture Therapy Feel Like?
During acupuncture therapy, your physiotherapist will use single-use, hair-thin needles. Before inserting the needles, your physiotherapist will tell you the area for the planned treatment and if you must remove your clothing. You should receive a towel, gown, or sheet for the treatment.
Upon insertion of the needles, you shouldn’t feel pain. However, you may feel a mild aching when the needle reaches the proper depth. Your physiotherapist may use between 5 and 20 needles for the treatment.
Your physiotherapist may also twirl the needles gently or apply heat or mild electric current. The needles may remain in place for 10 to 15 minutes depending on what your physiotherapist is treating. You shouldn’t feel discomfort when the needles are removed.
After the treatment, you should feel relaxed and energized. However, not everyone responds to acupuncture. In addition, the therapy may not suit you if your symptoms do not improve after a few treatment sessions.
How Effective Is Acupuncture?
The effectiveness of acupuncture has been subject to extensive research. Although the therapy may not suit everyone, studies show it alleviates chronic pain conditions, including back and neck pain, knee pain, and postoperative pain.
Before getting this therapy, it is best to visit your physiotherapist to determine if this treatment is for you. Acupuncture therapy is generally safe and effective when performed by a qualified and licensed physiotherapist at Dynamic Physiotherapy.
What Conditions Does Acupuncture Therapy Treat?
Acupuncture is used to relieve pain from several conditions, including
- Dental pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Menstrual cramps
- Headaches
- Knee pain
- Tendinopathy
- Nausea
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
Conclusion
Acupuncture therapy is safe and effective in many people, especially when administered by a qualified and licensed physiotherapist. You can visit Dynamic Physiotherapy for a consultation with our experienced physiotherapists to determine if this treatment is an excellent option for you.
