At Fortius Physiotherapy and Wellness the registered and experienced physiotherapist or chiropractor provides medical acupuncture safely and effectively.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the use of very fine, sterile, steel, one time use needles that are inserted into specific acupuncture points on the body. The Acupuncture needles are so fine that there is generally very little discomfort at insertion or removal of the needles.
The acupuncture needles are placed at specific points on the body that are aimed to regulate the bodies flow of energy or QI. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that a blockage of the energy is the root of all ailments and disease. Using the needles in specific body points will help regulate the energy and aims to help the body regain homeostasis. We use a mix of traditional Chinese and Western acupuncture at Fortius. This mix of the two practices helps us also increase local blood circulation, decrease nervous system sensitivity, promote relaxation, decrease muscle tension and decrease pain.
What are Conditions Acupuncture Can Treat?
Research has shown that medical acupuncture has positive results for the treatment of the following conditions:
Chronic low back pain and other chronic pain conditions
Osteoarthritis
Muscle tightness
Tendonosis
Muscle strains
Joint aches and pains
Headaches
TMJ
Plantar fasciitis
Athletic injuries
When Is Acupuncture Used?
Acupuncture can be used as a stand alone treatment, but is typically used as another treatment modality along with manual joint manipulation and mobilization, soft tissue techniques, stretching and rehabilitation exercises.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is the insertion of acupuncture needles into the skin and muscle. The needle is inserted into trigger points which are hyperirritable spots in the skeletal muscle that can be felt as a tight knot of muscle. Dry needling is used to release the knot to restore normal functioning and blood flow to the area and decrease the pain.
Dry needling involves short bouts of needling at triggerpoints, done repeatedly and rapidly as the physiotherapist sees fit. The total treatment time is similar to acupuncture, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
Are There Any Side Effects with Dry Needling?
Individuals who are pregnant, suffer from hemophilia or on blood thinners require extra precaution. After treatment there might be minimal bleeding and/or some minor bruising. This disappears in a matter of days.
How long is the Dry Needling Treatment and How Long Does it Take to Work?
Each acupuncture treatment typically lasts 15 minutes. Response to treatment varies person to person. Some individuals report relief after their first treatment, and others report a response after a few treatments, some may have no effect. Generally, the greatest benefit is seen with 4-8 treatment sessions of acupuncture.
Please contact the clinic if you have any questions or concerns, we would be happy to help.