Acupuncture is one method of treatment that a Registered Physiotherapist with post-graduate training can provide in order to manage pain and inflammation. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine, filiform needles into the tissues and skin at specific points in the body. The treatment itself causes minimal discomfort, and encourages the body to heal naturally and offers pain relief by stimulating the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, brain and spinal cord. The chemicals released either change the experience of pain (known as creating an analgesic effect) or trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones that influence the body’s internal regulating system.
Classical Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), an ancient system of medicine developed in China over 2000 years ago. TCM diagnoses and treats pain from a holistic perspective with the goal of re-balancing blood and energy in the body. Energy is referred to as Qi (pronounced chee) and is classified as being either a calming Yin Energy or a vigorous, stimulating Yang energy. Following a thorough assessment, TCM Health Practitioners will stimulate certain acupuncture points in order to restore the balance between Yin and Yang that may become disturbed with illness.
Western or Anatomical Acupuncture is a recently developed method of acupuncture that is based on the basic sciences of anatomy, physiology and pathology. It involves inserting needles into traditional acupuncture points to induce a desired mechanical or physiological response to the affected tissue area.
Conditions it can treat
The following are some of the conditions that can be treated with acupuncture and physiotherapy:
- Musculoskeletal and sports injuries
- Acute and chronic whiplash
- Acute and chronic neck and back pain
- Vertigo and dizziness
- Fibromyalgia and neuralgia
- Osteoarthritis
- Cancer pain
- Rotator Cuff Syndromes
- Sciatica
- Frozen shoulder
- Tennis Elbow/Golfer’s elbow
At PhysioExcellence, Acupuncture is used as an adjunct to traditional physiotherapy. It can be used to relax tight muscles and promote relaxation to allow you to achieve a better stretch, or it can be used to decrease pain and inflammation. Some people see an improvement after one session, for others it may be 5-8 sessions to see a change in condition.
