Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been practiced in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years and has evolved over the years as scientific advancements have been made in both understanding the human body and how acupuncture affects it.

For thousands of years, traditional Chinese acupuncture treatments have been used to heal a wide variety of chronic pains and health problems. It has evolved over the years as scientific advancements have been made in both understanding the human body and how acupuncture affects it.

Your physiotherapist will use knowledge of the processes of acupuncture and provide a modern anatomical approach to acupuncture treatment.

The main beliefs of acupuncture treatment are:

pain control
nervous system normalization
reduction of inflammation
tissue regeneration and healing

Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely fine needles into specific points on the body. Thereby, the treatment stimulates the body to produce endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain relievers.

At Oceanside Physiotherapy and Work Conditioning Center, we provide traditional acupuncture treatment for the modern person. If you are looking for an acupuncture clinic in Parksville or an acupuncture clinic in Qualicum Beach, our highly experienced team of acupuncturists are the best local solution for your treatment.

If you have any questions pertaining to acupuncture, please feel free to contact the clinic, at any time.

What is the difference between Acupuncture and Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)?

Acupuncture points follow specifically designated Chinese Meridians or pathways on the body. The insertion of needles along these pathways stimulates the body to produce its own pain-relieving chemicals known as “endorphins”. Treatments usually involves the use of anywhere from 1-20+ needles depending on the injury treated. Typically, these needles are inserted and left in place for 10-20 minutes. There is typically minimal discomfort with the insertion and once left in place the needles should cause no pain.

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) does not follow specific acupuncture meridian pathways. Instead the areas treated are those with tight muscular bands called trigger points. The insertion of the needle into a chronically shortened and unhealthy muscle produces an aching or twitching sensation. The needle is kept in place from a few seconds to a few minutes. This treatment works by causing a natural relaxation in the muscle which reduces tension and pain. Some patients find this form of treatment causes more discomfort during treatment compared to acupuncture while others feel an immediate decrease in the pain. It is typical to experience muscle soreness or a bruised sensation following IMS for approximately 48 hours after treatment.

Both forms of treatment can be extremely effective for pain control. Acupuncture is often used for treatment of radiating neurological pain, arthritic pain, or widespread pain with less signs of muscle shortening. IMS can be preferred when a client requires a significant reduction in muscular tension, has only experienced mild changes with Acupuncture or manual therapy, and is looking for a deeper muscle release and more intense result.

Some people are more responsive to one versus the other. Your physiotherapist is trained to identify which treatment is best suited to you.

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