Acupuncture

Explanation

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapeutic technique that has been around for over 3,000 years. It uses several fine needles to stimulate points along theoretical meridians of energy throughout the body to correct imbalances that are thought to be responsible for specific disease states. These meridians are thought to have a direct effect on pain and tissue healing in the body. Other acupuncture systems are more modern and are based on anatomy, peer reviewed research and trigger points.   

Physical therapists typically use a blending of Traditional Chinese Medicine with Western Medicine when applying acupuncture as part of treatment. Physiotherapists are trained and certified to treat musculoskeletal conditions with acupuncture typically through either the University of Alberta or the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute. At Lime Health & Wellness, our physiotherapists have completed post-graduate courses and hold professional certifications in acupuncture and are registered with Physiotherapy Alberta to perform such activities.  

When combined with physical therapy, acupuncture is always customized to address each patient’s unique issues and concerns to find the most effective individualized treatment strategy for you. Before treatment begins, a thorough examination is provided that includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, and any precautions are discussed that will help guide the appropriate treatment program. For your safety, we always use sterile, disposable needles. 

Treatments often include multiple sessions performed in a relaxing environment, where the physical therapist inserts needles at specific points throughout the body to stimulate the body’s natural healing response and release of pain-relieving endorphins from the brain. In Western medicine, the insertion of a needle “stimulus” elicits a “response” from the body, naturally providing an influx of healing agents to the region. Patients generally report a reduction in pain, numbness, and postural strain, and most commonly a sense of relaxation after each session. 

When acupuncture is paired with other therapeutic interventions, such as exercise prescription and manual therapy, the result can yield even more substantial improvements for your long-term recovery.