
Medical Acupuncture
How does acupuncture work?
Medical acupuncture involves inserting needles into muscles to help relieve pain and improve function. With the skillful touch of your physiotherapist this treatment is often painless. The needles are thin, sterile, and one-use needles. The positive effects of acupuncture is through the needles stimulation of the nervous system. The needles are inserted into “neuro-reactive” sites in the body which are nerve receptors in the skin and muscle. The nerve receptors sends signals to the spinal cord, then to the brain to produce a therapeutic response to the targeted area which include:
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increase blood flow to promote healing.
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improve muscle contraction/strength to restore mobility and function.
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release endorphins to decrease pain.
The effects of medical acupuncture is quick and lasting. Acupuncture will stimulate a release of hormones by the body thereby promoting the body’s own natural healing abilities. The effect’s of acupuncture has been well researched and proven to be effective.
What conditions can medical acupuncture treat?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the use of medical acupuncture for the treatment of:
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Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, neck and back pain, sports injuries, sciatica, osteoarthritis, neuritis and facial pain
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Digestive disorders: irritable bowel, constipation, diarrhea and gastritis
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Menstrual and reproductive problems: dysmenorrhea and peri-menopausal symptoms
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Urinary tract disorders: prostatitis and bladder dysfunction
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Respiratory problems: sinusitis, asthma, sore throat and recurrent respiratory tract infections
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Stress and psycho-emotional problems
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Addictions
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture involves the use of sterile, one use needles to prevent infection. Your physiotherapist has completed a regulated and comprehensive training program in acupuncture. During your initial assessment your physiotherapist will ensure that you are an appropriate candidate for acupuncture. Proper precaution will be taken when performing acupuncture over certain area’s of the body like the thorax and spine to ensure your experience is pain free, safe, and the treatment is effective.
The Rebuild physiotherapy approach
At Rebuild physiotherapy we use a combination of acupuncture with manual therapy and exercise. When acupuncture is paired with manual therapy our patients get better even faster. Exercise helps strengthen the movement patterns restored by the treatment to prevent re-injury in the future. In Toronto whether your injury is from the office or at the gym, medical acupuncture will help you feel better.
For Medical Acupuncture, book an appointment at Rebuild Physiotherapy in Toronto today!