Pain relief
Muscle and joint pain can make life miserable, and in some cases can even be debilitating. With many patients unable to work or enjoy their lives simply because of pain, it makes sense to seek treatment wherever possible. Quite often, standard treatments such as ice and heat as well as physical therapy and inflammatory medications can ease the pain, but if they don't, acupuncture for pain is worth considering. With proven results, and an excellent track record in helping those affected by pain enjoy life again, acupuncture is something more and more people are exploring to help them overcome pain.
How does acupuncture relieve pain?
acupuncture works through the insertion of thin needles into the skin. Specifically target at set points around the body, it is virtually painless. The simple process of inserting the needle through specific points can help to stimulate the nerve. The nerve will then send a signal to the brain which will help increase blood flow, as well as allow the brain to release natural hormones such as endorphins.
How often do I need to have acupuncture?
The number of sessions you will need to aid your pain relief will depend entirely on your pain and how chronic it is. Some people may experience a dramatic relief to their pain within the first treatment. If they have a more complex or long-standing condition, however, it may be recommended that they have one or two treatments a week for several weeks. For most acute problems, only a few sessions should be required. You can expect to receive an individual treatment plan upon your first visit based specifically on your pain.
What to expect
Your acupuncture treatment will vary depending on the pain your experiencing. Usually, an assessment will be made first through physical examinations. Using unique assessment tools, such as checking your tongue and pulse, the acupuncturist will then recommend a thorough treatment plan which will be aimed at addressing your particular pain condition.
The acupuncture treatment
Before the treatment begins, patients lay down on a treatment table. Once comfortable, precise acupoints are stimulated. These points are stimulated on various parts of the patient's body depending on the type of pain they are experiencing. Most people feel no discomfort as the needles are placed and the needles are usually retained for around 30 minutes. Most patients report feeling relaxed both during the treatment and after the treatment has concluded.
Pain conditions treated by acupuncture
Acupuncture has been credited with helping patients with a wide range of conditions to recover, especially conditions that are painful. Some of the most common conditions include neck and back pain as well as sciatica, although it has also been known to effectively treat knee pains, tennis elbow, headaches, facial pain and much more.
If you are finding day to day life difficult, or you just have an acute pain you would like to see relief from, then please don't hesitate to get in touch. We'll discuss your options with you and build a treatment plan specifically designed to encourage pain relief.