You might have heard how acupuncture is an old-school natural remedy that has no bearing or evidence in the science and medical fields. However, there are many instances in which acupuncture has helped people who experience chronic pain, high levels of stress and much more. Here are just a few other ways in which acupuncture can help you feel better.
Why Consider Acupuncture?
While having needles inserted into your body might not sound relaxing or helpful for conquering chronic pain, it can accomplish much more than you think. Many different conditions and illnesses can be treated depending on where an expert acupuncturist inserts the needles. Research has found that acupuncture can treat chronic pain throughout the body, osteoarthritis, headaches, and even cancer-related pains. The process aids in stimulating your brain’s release of serotonin and dopamine, both of which have a direct effect on your mood and stress levels.
Is it Painful?
Even if you have a deep-seated fear of needles, you don’t have to worry about this treatment. Patients with the most sensitive of bodies can barely feel the insertion of the needle, only the relaxing effects it insights. You’ll feel a sensation, but nothing painful or worrisome as the needles are as fine as a strand of human hair. Acupuncture appointments can last between 45 minutes to one hour, with the first 20 minutes being dedicated to your acupuncturist inserting various needles into specific trigger points. After that’s done, they might integrate other therapy types, such as massage therapy, before removing the needles. Reputable acupuncture clinics use disposable needles, throwing them out after every patient, so if that’s a concern weighing on your mind, you’ll be fine as long as you visit a certified professional.
What Happens Beforehand?
To make sure that your body is well prepared for your acupuncture treatment, it’s important that you take the time to eat something. Attending your appointment on an empty stomach will make you uncomfortable and unable to fully relax into the treatment. Be sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing as well, both to keep you calm as well as to give your acupuncturist room to work without restraint.
What to Expect After?
People utilize the practice of acupuncture to relieve stress and chronic pain. After you’ve been poked with a few needles that are incredibly thin, you’ll feel a sense of calm and relaxation wash over you. It’s also likely that you’ll be a bit sore afterwards, but this is nothing to fear. The sensation typically lasts less than 24 hours, unless trigger points in the hips, glutes or shoulders have been released. In that case, the soreness might last longer, so just take it easy until the feeling subsides.
At Pro Fusion Rehab, our trained and certified physiotherapists are ready to help you achieve your physiotherapy goals. With rehabilitation facilities in Pickering and Milton, Ontario, our physiotherapy treatments can help patients who experience acute or chronic pain due to a sports injury, surgery, car accidents and more. With services that include massage therapy, acupuncture, shockwave therapy, physical therapy and more, be sure to give us a call to book your appointment today.