Acupuncture is the practice of using needles inserted onto specific points on the body to assist with and promote the bodies natural healing. It is traditionally known as a Chinese form of therapy and has been practised for the past 2000 years.
How is Musculoskeletal Acupuncture different to Traditional Chinese Acupuncture?
Musculoskeletal acupuncture is commonly practised by physiotherapists, doctors, osteopaths and acupuncturists. Musculoskeletal acupuncture is based on a ‘Western approach’ to acupuncture. Western medicine has researched the effects of acupuncture and concluded that acupuncture has the following effects;
Increased blood flow to the area
Release of endorphins and other ‘feel good’ hormones
Stimulate healing at the injured site
Reduce pain levels due to the ‘pain gate theory’ and by affecting higher centres
Reduced muscle spasm and muscle tension
Where as traditional Chinese medicine is believed to effect pain by stimulating ‘chi’ in the body, the western approach is more aimed at the physiological effects of needle insertion.
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture is not painful like giving blood or having an injection. Acupuncture needles are a lot thinner calibre and are only the same thickness of a hair. The needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points, which are points of low resistance in the body; therefore there is no pain when they go in.
Patients often feel a heavy ache with the needles, which is known as ‘chi’ which is a favourable effect.
What are the side effects?
Some people feel faint after acupuncture, it can lower your blood pressure and your blood sugars, therefore it is important to eat prior to attending acupuncture. It is important to sit and rest for 5 – 10 minutes after a session of acupuncture before you drive as it can affect your reaction time. Most people find acupuncture very relaxing and tend to feel sleepy afterwards, occasionally people report a ‘high’ from it.
Is there anyone who cannot have acupuncture?
Acupuncture is safe for anyone to have. Personally I do not acupuncture any pregnant women. Although this is a safe procedure I prefer not to do it. Anyone having warfarin treatment should be careful with acupuncture due to the bleeding.
What should I expect from a session of acupuncture?
Basically the needles are inserted for a total of 20 minutes. The needles are stimulated after 10 minutes to enhance the acupuncture effects. Some people notice an effect immediately after the session, others notice a relief after a day or two. Acupuncture also has an accumulative effect, meaning that the more sessions you have the more relief you gain for a longer period.
What are the risks?
There are no risks involved with acupuncture, as long as you receive it from a trained and skilled practitioner. Single use disposable needles are used which are discarded after use. There is a small risk of bruising after the needles.
Conditions acupuncture helps with include;
back pain, both long standing or an acute injury
Headaches / migraines
Neck pain and whiplash
OOS /RSI
Tennis elbow / golfers elbow
Sports injuries
Contusions and bruising
Knee pain
Arthritis
Hip pain
Muscle strains
CRPS
I am happy to discuss acupuncture as a treatment modality for any specific injury or complaint you have.
Appointments available by booking only. Wellsford clinic; 163 Rodney St, Wellsford.
ACC clients; Free of charge Private clients; $35 per 30 minute appointment
