The Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture has its roots in ancient China, although this treatment technique has garnered widespread Western medical acceptance in recent years. Clinical trials have shown it to be a safe and effective stand-alone or adjunct treatment method for a variety of health conditions. In this context, the World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed its use as a legitimate form of therapy.

At Shift Rehabilitation, our practitioners are able to provide acupuncture treatment when it can be beneficial to the patient’s specific condition.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture involves the shallow insertion of fine, sterile needles into one or several relevant sites (“points”) throughout the body for the purpose of stimulating the nervous and immune systems. This form of stimulation can influence various levels of the nervous system, including peripheral nerves, spinal cord, brainstem, cerebellum and cerebral cortex.

What are the Benefits of Acupuncture?

Acupuncture has been shown to have an analgesic effect, providing patients and healthcare practitioners with a drug-free method of pain reduction. Acupuncture can be used to reduce the pain associated with a variety of conditions, including:

• Low back pain
• Neck pain
• Arthritis
• Muscle pain
• Tendonitis
• Headache
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Sciatica

In addition to pain relief, acupuncture has been shown to promote tissue healing and improve overall function of an injured site by restoring blood flow, decreasing swelling, promoting muscle activity and improving joint function. In this way, acupuncture provides not only symptomatic relief, but has a direct influence on the source of the problem itself.

There are some other benefits to acupuncture too: because the technique can have a calming effect on the nervous system, it is often useful in the management of stress and anxiety.

What Can I Expect From Acupuncture Treatment?

At Shift, our practitioners will conduct a thorough case history and physical examination to gain a clear, clinical picture of your injury. This helps us better understand your pain and functional limitations to build an appropriate rehabilitation strategy.

When acupuncture is applied, points relevant to your injury are stimulated by the insertion of one or several needles. Our patients are often surprised to find out that this is actually a very gentle process.

These needles may also be stimulated by means of electro-acupuncture, when a small current is applied to the needles causing them to pulse lightly, in order to maximize therapeutic benefit. Acupuncture may also be combined with other therapeutic techniques including soft tissue therapy, rehabilitation exercises, joint mobilization, or manipulation.

Wondering if acupuncture could work for you? Call the Shift team today at 519-822-2226 or contact us.