Medical acupuncture is a modern adaptation of the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture. Drawing upon a modern understanding of human anatomy and physiology to bring about changes in the nervous and musculoskeletal system.
It is defined as a therapeutic technique that involves the insertion of fine needles into certain points across the body to encourage healing and pain relief.
Western medical acupuncture is the use of acupuncture following an assessment. It involves stimulating sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles of the body.
Acupuncture works to improve blood flow to the area, alleviate pain by releasing pain reducing endorphins and a reduction in muscle tension
Electro acupuncture
Electro acupuncture is a modified form of traditional manual acupuncture in which a pulsating electrical current is applied to the needles using a device. The device allows a controlled stimulus to be deleivered through the needles. The devise can also control the frequency and strength of the electrical pulse.
The benefits of electro-acupuncture are:
- Gives more flexibility in controlling stimulus from the needle
- Provides a much stronger stimulation without damaging tissues
- Gives the exact amount of stimulation required by the client
- Can provide many biochemicals from the brain to help with pain relief
Acupuncture can be used for sporting injuries
- Shoulder rotator cuff tears and strains
- Wrist sprains and strains
- Ankle sprains and strains
- Knee ligament and meniscus injuries (these are especially common in sports that require a lot of sudden starting, stopping and direction changing)
- Vertebral disc inflammation in the neck or back
- Strains (pulls) and tears of any muscle or tendon (i.e. hamstring, groin, Achilles tendon)
Chronic conditions can also be helped with acupuncture
- Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow and elbow bursitis
- Shoulder tendinitis, bursitis, arthritis and impingement syndrome
- Wrist tendinitis
- Achilles tendinitis
- Hip bursitis
- Iliotibial band syndrome
- Knee arthritis
Make sure you inform me of the following before undergoing acupuncture treatment:
- If you have ever fainted, had a fit or experienced a ‘funny turn’
- If you have a bleeding disorder (haemophilia)
- If you have damaged heart valves or a particular risk of infection
- If you have a pacemaker or any other implants of an electrical nature
- If you are taking anti-coagulants or any kind of medication.