Acupuncture is a complementary treatment technique which can be an excellent adjunct to your physiotherapy. Sometimes described as a ‘window of opportunity’, acupuncture will allow muscles to relax, so that other combined treatments, can work better. Based on ancient eastern medicine combined with current knowledge of anatomy and medicine, acupuncture uses very fine needles inserted into specific points in the muscles to create changes in nerves, muscles, connective tissue and circulation. Acupuncture also stimulates the release of endorphin and serotonin, helping to relieve pain and encourage healing.
Panther Sports Medicine has exceptional acupuncture services at all of our Calgary locations. All physiotherapist performing acupuncture are authorized to do so by the Alberta college and association of physiotherapists.
We use sterile, one-time-use needles. We know acupuncture can be a bit strange for some people, which is why we always provide an individualized approach to your treatment and make sure that you feel properly educated about how it works. Acupuncture is often used in conjunction with other physiotherapy, and your therapist may include it as part of the initial treatment plan, or may recommend it down the road if there are particular challenges with your healing and treatment.
Your physiotherapist may also recommend intramuscular stimulation (IMS) , a modern treatment that also uses acupuncture needles to address neuropathic and chronic muscle pain.
Acupuncture can help improve issues with various systems, including muscular, skeletal, neurological, digestive, respiratory, urinary and reproductive systems.
Our Calgary physiotherapist will use acupuncture to help treat:
Arthritis and hip/knee osteoarthritis
Whiplash and neck pain
Headaches and muscle tension
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Jaw pain – temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
Lower back pain
Incontinence and bladder urgency
Knee and joint pain
Plantar fasciitis
Fibromyalgia
Chronic pain
The ancient practice of acupuncture is also heavily based on your body’s natural energy flow and achieving balance. Many Calgary acupuncture patients report an increase in energy, a ‘centering’ of their emotion and improved mood.
Acupuncture can be done from a sit down or lying down position, depending on the issue. The therapist will clean the area with alcohol and will then input fine needles into your muscle. They may use manual stimulation, electrical current or spinning of the needle to increase the intensity of the treatment. Typically, the acupuncture needles are left in place for 10 to 20 minutes. The number and location of needles used will vary based on your condition.
Acupuncture is not painful, but patients may feel discomfort or a warm or aching feeling when the needle is in place. This discomfort is temporary and disappears when the needle is removed or shortly after. Some patient experience a bit of soreness or slight bruising in the impacted area for a few hours.
Many patients will see results in their first visit, but acupuncture is more of a cumulative treatment, so you may require multiple treatments. Acupuncture is most effective when used in combination with other physiotherapy treatments, and your Panther physiotherapist will often recommend doing acupuncture intermittently as you do other physiotherapy treatments.
10 Convenient Locations in Calgary. All Physiotherapy clinics have morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule. Saturday appointments are available at select locations.
Panther Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Centres are a network of ten clinics, physiotherapist operated, serving Calgary and surrounding areas. Our team offers a wide range of services including physiotherapy, massage therapy, and sports injury rehabilitation to help our clients reduce pain and recover from injuries. Panther Sports Medicine has been proudly serving our community for over 30 years.
