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Acupuncture & Dry Needling in Orleans, ON

What ancient China knew for thousands of years has (finally) blossomed in the Western world in the past few decades. Acupuncture no longer holds the mysterious aura as now it is incorporated into the treatment of many patients at Orleans Physio. Our physiotherapists may recommend a supplemental therapy of acupuncture, dry needling, or auricular therapy to speed healing and promote full recovery. Unlike other clinics, there is no extra charge for this service.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the techniques used by physiotherapists to manage your pain, soft tissue injuries and enhance your body’s healing response. This therapy helps manage pain by stimulating your body to produce natural pain-relieving chemicals, like endorphins, melatonin, and serotonin. These chemicals assist your body’s healing process and support other physiotherapy techniques.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Treatments restore your body’s normal energy balance, allowing for natural healing using very fine sterilized, one-time-use needles, that are inserted through the skin and tissues. By targeting specific points along certain “meridians,” our registered physiotherapists at Orleans Physiotherapy use acupuncture to reduce your pain. When you have less pain, your body can better restore normal biochemical balance, which promotes healing.  

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

No. You may notice some sensations associated with your treatment, but it should not be painful to be effective. Acupuncture needles are flexible and hair-thin. The needle sites may produce an aching sensation called ‘De qi.’ Many people don’t feel them at all, and others hardly feel them when inserted. Our registered physiotherapists in Orleans are professionally trained and use the best needles available to provide a painless experience.

What is Dry Needling, and How is it Different?

Dry needling uses acupuncture needles to relax your muscle knots and release myofascial trigger points. Dry needling is a scientifically proven Western technique with no ancient history. It was initially developed by a Canadian physician, Dr.C.Chan Gunn. A needle inserted into a tight band of muscle may cause brief localized discomfort but works immediately to relax muscles and reduce pain. Dry needling changes how your body senses pain while deactivating those knots (trigger points.) It is a mechanical process, disrupting the dysfunction in the tissues and stimulating healing deep within your muscle.

What is Auricular Therapy, and When is it the Best Treatment?

Auricular (the Latin word for ear is auricle) Therapy is a specialized form of acupuncture that begins with the map of your body on the outer part of your ear. This type of acupuncture was initially developed by a neurologist in France in the 1950’s and extensive research has been carried out over the ensuing decades to make it one of the most sophisticated acupuncture treatments available. For example, there are points that specifically reduce inflammation or promote muscle relaxation anywhere in your body. Auricular therapy normalizes your body’s dysfunctions by stimulating acupuncture points in the skin of your ear. Chronic pain from all sorts of issues can be readily treated by Auricular Therapy.

Benefits of Acupuncture Therapy for Patients in Ottawa and Orleans, Ontario

Acupuncture is a common supplemental physiotherapy treatment as part of an integrated approach for pain, inflammation and general wellbeing. Mainly known for pain relief, it is beneficial to treat back and neck pain, tension headaches, knee pain, shoulder pain, fibromyalgia and chronic pain conditions. There are several situations when your physiotherapist at Orleans Physiotherapy may recommend acupuncture:

To Reduce Back Pain, Joint Pain, and Neck Tension

While ergonomics should eliminate the need to recover from using computers, backpacks and phones, most people in Orleans and Ottawa find that the pain still creeps in. Acupuncture provides drug-free relief from pain, reduces swelling, and minimizes inflammation.

Repetitive Strain Injuries

Acupuncture effectively treats repetitive stress injuries and potentially eliminates the need for drugs or surgery.

Acupuncture has very little in the way of side effects. The most common side effect is relaxation and a feeling of fatigue primarily with the first couple of treatments making this a great treatment choice for a less invasive, drug-free option.

What to Expect During Your Acupuncture Treatment at Orleans Physiotherapy in Orleans, Ontario

Acupuncture uses single-use, pre-sterilized needles to pierce the skin at specific points. After thoroughly assessing your situation, your physiotherapist determines the appropriate point combinations. Several needles are usually used for each treatment and typically left in place while you rest quietly for about 20-30 minutes.

Many long standing problems frequently require 2-3 sessions before the client starts to see the effectiveness of the treatment. But many patients at Orleans Physiotherapy feel an immediate improvement after the very first treatment. The results of each treatment add up over time, and pain relief builds as your treatment progresses.

How Safe are Acupuncture, Dry Needling, and Auricular Therapy at Orleans Physiotherapy in Orleans, Ontario?

Safe! Very safe! The most common side effect is a relaxed, slightly euphoric feeling! So, you can tap into the natural healing forces of your own body using these well-proven treatments. 

At Orleans Physiotherapy, we always use sterile, single-use needles, so there is no risk of infection. Also, all our clinicians receive high level training in the treatment techniques and follow the strictest hygiene standards.

Your physiotherapist starts with a detailed history and then an exam to assess how suitable acupuncture is for you and your recovery path. 

Do Not Use Acupuncture Therapy If...

Your physiotherapist will ask you about medical conditions that may impact your treatment like diabetes, heart problems, low blood pressure and pregnancy.`

Additional contraindications include:

  • Drug or alcohol intoxication
  • A pacemaker (electrical acupuncture)
  • Seizure disorders
  • Bleeding disorders including hemophilia and some blood-thinning medications
  • Infection, skin disorders or diseases

Book an Acupuncture, Dry Needling, or Auricular Therapy Appointment at Orleans Physiotherapy in Orleans, Ontario

Acupuncture, Dry Needling, or Auricular Therapy at Orleans Physiotherapy in Orleans and Ottawa can reduce your pain and improve your daily life. We offer flexible hours – choose from early mornings or late evenings and Saturday appointments. So, call Orleans Physiotherapy today. Talk to a physiotherapist and discover how Acupuncture, Dry Needling, or Auricular Therapy can help you.

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