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Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of single-use, sterilized needles into acupuncture points throughout the body, which are areas of the skin that have less resistance to electricity. Most acupuncture points are found along meridians or channels that are considered to be the pathway for the flow of energy or Qi (pronounced “chee”).
Acupuncture is used to
- Reduce pain
- Decrease inflammation
- Enhance healing
- Improve sleep and relaxation
- Improve mood and energy levels and restore function in the affected areas
How does it work?
Our health is based on our energy being balanced and able to flow freely in our body along the meridians. Disease and injury can disturb this flow. Acupuncture serves to stimulate the body to repair itself and return to its normal healthy state of function.
Your first treatment at Richmond Blundell Physio:
Our therapists providing Acupuncture at our clinic will discuss a treatment plan with you. Your initial treatment will generally involve only a few needles as each person will react quite differently, and it is not possible to know exactly how you will react. Initially, the needles may be used to decrease pain, swelling and to improve sleep. The needles may be placed at quite a distance from the area of pain.
As treatments progress, needle placement will become more local, and more needles may be used. A dull or mild aching feeling generally occurs when the needle is placed in the tissue. The needles can be left in place for up to 15-30 minutes and can be manipulated to increase or decrease the flow of Qi by lifting or rotating the needles.
Acupuncture may help with the following conditions:
- Neck & Back Pain, Chronic Pelvic Pain
- Headaches/Jaw Pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Tendonitis/Muscle Strains and Scar Tissue
- Swelling/Oedema
Contraindications to Acupuncture:
- Acupuncture should be avoided during pregnancy.
- If you have a pacemaker, electrical stimulation should not be used in conjunction with acupuncture
- Individuals who are taking blood thinners or hemophiliacs must be cautious with using acupuncture as a form of treatment.
- Acupuncture can be used as an additional modality to Physiotherapy by our Acupuncture Physiotherapists at our clinic.
Intra Muscular Stimulation (IMS)
IMS uses acupuncture needles to specifically target injured muscles, which have tightened/contracted as a result of injury/stress. The needles are inserted into the affected areas, which can be directly into the tight bands of muscles, or near the spine where the nerves have become irritated. Generally, the insertion of the needles is relatively painless, however into a tight band, you may feel the sensation of muscle cramping. The result is to relax the tight bands of muscle, improve local blood flow to the area and normalize nerve function.
Your first treatment
Your first treatment will involve a thorough assessment of your injury to determine the areas causing your pain. It will generally involve a few needles as each person will react quite differently, and it is not possible to know exactly how you will react. You will generally feel some cramping during treatment directly into the tight bands of muscle and some soreness for up to 24-48 hours after the treatment.
IMS may help with the following conditions:
- Chronic neck/lower back pain
- Post Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries
- Tennis elbow
- Tendonitis/tendinopathy
- Shoulder Impingement
- Chronic Muscle tightness
Contraindications to IMS:
IMS should be avoided:
- During pregnancy
- If you have a compromised immune system or fever
- If there is a local infection or wound in the area
- Post-surgery for 3-6 months
- Post-mastectomy/lymph node removal in that limb
- If you are taking blood thinners or have haemophilia. Those who are taking blood thinners may be eligible for IMS with prior consultation and approval in writing from the doctor.
Looking for IMS (Intra Muscular Stimulation) in Richmond, BC?
Our experienced team at Richmond Blundell Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic will help you treat pain and improve your overall wellbeing with IMS techniques. Give us a call or book an appointment online now.