What is Medical Acupuncture?Medical Acupuncture is a therapeutic modality involving the insertion of very fine needles into the muscles or tendons to enhance function and reduce pain. It is based on the current knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology and forms part of evidence based medicine. Medical acupuncture is different to Traditional Chinese Acupuncture, it is not used as an "alternative medical system" but rather as another efficient treatment modality incorporated into conventional treatment or used on its own in the treatment of musculoskeletal complaints. This type of intramuscular needling is fully supported by Western medical sciences and only applied by qualified experienced practitioners.
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Who Can Safely Use and Benefit From Medical Acupuncture?
Rest completely assured, a detailed consultation will always be given beforehand to guarantee safety, comfort and best results. If there are any contraindications to intramuscular needling, we will discuss these with you in detail, and offer you alternative treatment techniques. However, generally speaking, the majority of clients we see are suitable for medical acupuncture as a safe, fast and effective way to treat musculoskeletal injuries, painful conditions and stress related complaints.
Most patients are surprised at how comfortable acupuncture is - this is due to the very fine needles used and the masterful application. Patients often don't feel the insertion of the needle or only feel a slight sting and deep pressure. Inserting a needle into a muscle will result in an involuntary muscle twitch response, which temporarily can evoke a 'strange' sensation compared to a minor dull ache or electrical feeling. This is part of the treatment and a sign that the neurological and physiological effects are achieved. This will be explained in more detail by your treating therapist. All our acupuncture needles are of highest quality made from polished and well sharpened top grade surgical steel and are sterile single-use. This makes the needles very thin (<0.25mm in diameter), yet highly ductile, springy and strong, which guarantees safe, smooth and comfortable application. |
What is Medical Acupuncture Used for and what are the Specific Benefits?
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Intramuscular needling is used effectively to treat musculoskeletal pains, aches and injuries as well as to decrease muscle tension and relieve general stress. Medical acupuncture is a fast, safe and effective way to natural pain relief, deep muscular relaxation and myofascial trigger point release. New medical research has provided insights into the mechanisms which mediate the positive effects of medical acupuncture and an increasing amount of evidence supports the application of intramuscular needing by skilled practitioners. Intramuscular Needling works through diverse physiological effects:
Therefore the skilled application acupuncture provides efficient pain relief for your symptoms, allows you to move more freely and can starts the healing process. The complex neurological and physiological effects will also decrease muscle tension to achieve deep muscular relaxation, which breaks the negative cycle of muscle tension resulting in pain, which results in more muscle tension and more pain.
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In our Sports Medicine Clinic we Often use Medical Acupuncture for:
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