HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK ?

There are several theories about how acupuncture works, according to both traditional theory and modern science.

Traditionally, acupuncture is said to stimulate Qi (pronounced "chee") which is a kind of life-energy that flows everywhere in the body, through channels or meridians. When Qi becomes blocked or diminished, illness and pain follow. By inserting needles at specific acupoints, a traditional acupuncturist affects the flow of Qi in your channels, restoring it to a normal, balanced condition and therefore a state of health.

Modern science theories range from explaining the effects of acupuncture through several various mechanisms:

• Affecting the nervous system and releasing endorphins and enkephalins that modulate pain
• Encouraging the body to enter a parasympathetic state, or "rest-and-digest" state conducive to healing (as opposed to a sympathetic "fight-or-flight" state)
• Releasing muscle fibers that are in a state of spasm, often referred to as "trigger points"
• Changing the behavior of cells that generate fascia and connective tissue
• Hypothesizing that acupuncture needles can communicate with stem cell function to regenerate needed tissues.

What is Acupuncture ?

Acupuncture stimulates the balance and flow of Qi energy that in Traditional Chinese Medicine is considered essential to health. When the body is healthy, Qi (pronounced chee), flows smoothly through the meridians that make up a conceptual network of pathways throughout the entire body. When the balance or flow of Qi is deficient or obstructed it may be diseased or susceptible to illness. Acupuncture treats both the symptoms and the root causes of the patient’s illness.

In North America acupuncture is often used when western medicine has failed. In western medicine, the yin/yang balance it achieves is known as homeostasis.

How does it work?

Acupuncture is an ancient, safe and effective alternative to medication and, in some cases, surgery. Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins – the body’s natural pain-relieving neurohormones – through the insertion of needles into specific anatomical points (acupuncture points) to encourage natural healing. Therapeutic effects include:

• Pain relief
• Increased energy
• Improved mood
• Improved body function

Acupuncture needles are rounded at the tip so that they slide smoothly through tissue and are unlikely to cause bleeding. Needles are left in place for 15 to 30 minutes during which time the practitioner may manipulate the needles in order to strengthen or reduce the flow of Qi.

Are there similar therapies that don’t use a needle?

Related techniques include acupressure which involves the application of pressure on acupuncture points using thumbs or fingers. Electrical or laser stimulation may also be used.

What is physical therapy ?

Physical Therapy is a professional health discipline directed towards the prevention or alleviation of movement dysfunction, and towards the enhancement of physical capacity. The ultimate goal of Physical Therapy is to assist the client/patient to achieve the highest possible level of independent function. Exercise, therapeutic modalities and consultative strategies are used to maximize function. In addition, physical therapists educate their patients and the community about the prevention of disabilities and promotion of health.

Physical therapy or (PT) is care that aims to ease pain and help you function, move, and live better. It can be used to :

• Relieve pain
• Improve movement or ability
• Prevent or recover from a sports injury
• Prevent disability or surgery
• Rehab after a stroke, accident, injury, or surgery
• Work on balance to prevent a slip or fall
• Manage a chronic illness like diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis
• Recover after you give birth
• Control your bowels or bladder
• Adapt to an artificial limb
• Learn to use assistive devices like a walker or cane
• Get a splint or brace
• People of all ages get physical therapy. It can treat a variety of health problems.

Next, physical therapists can treat a wide variety of medical conditions, depending on their specialty.

Some conditions that can benefit from this type of treatment are:

• Cardiopulmonary conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF) and post-myocardial infarction (MI)
• Hand therapy for conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger
• Musculoskeletal dysfunction such as back pain, rotator cuff tears, and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ)
• Neurological conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, vestibular dysfunction, and traumatic brain injuries
• Paediatric conditions such as developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy
• Sports-related injuries, such as concussion and tennis elbow
• Women’s health and pelvic floor dysfunction, such as urinary incontinence and lymphedema
• Burns, wound care, and diabetic ulcers.

Depending on the reason for treatment, the benefits of physical therapy include:

• Pain management with reduced need for opioids
• Avoiding surgery
• Improved mobility and movement
• Recovery from injury or trauma
• Recovery from stroke or paralysis
• Fall prevention
• Improved balance
• Management of age-related medical problems
• A sports therapist can help an athlete to maximize their performance through strengthening specific parts of the body and using muscles in new ways.
• A healthcare provider or physical therapist can advise individuals about the benefits specific to their personal medical history and their need for treatment.