Acupuncture
Utilizing needles to affect change in your body is not a new concept. The art of Acupuncture has been around for a very long time. In fact, it’s the key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine. At Plaza Physiotherapy uses three different forms of needling to treat our patients – Acupuncture, Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) and Dry Needling. In this article, we will introduce you to all three and highlight how they are used within our practice.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is an age-old practice that treats pain and illnesses by balancing the body’s Qi Energy and strengthening it. Plaza Physiotherapy use’s modern medical knowledge combined with the ancient teachings of TCM to help relieve pain, improve body function, elevate mood, and increase energy. It is a very gentle and even relaxing treatment.
By sliding micro needles into key points of the body, we are able to stimulate the release of endorphins and encourage natural healing. The needles are typically left in for up to twenty minutes.
TREATS:
- Arthritis
- Back Pain
- Knee Pain
- Bladder Issues
- Whiplash
- Headaches
- Muscle Tension
- TMJ
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
DRY NEEDLING
Dry needling is a similar treatment to Acupuncture that targets knotted areas of muscles called trigger points. These trigger points are highly sensitive and can be painful even to the touch.
This technique uses a ‘dry’ needle – one without medication or pain relief – inserted through the skin and into the muscle. The needles used for Dry Needling are often bigger than the ones used in Acupuncture.
Our Physical Therapist’s utilize this treatment with the goal of releasing or inactivating trigger points to relieve pain or improve range of motion. It is used to target connective tissue and neural ailments.
IMS
Intramuscular Stimulation is a type of Dry Needling that uses Acupuncture needles to stimulate muscles that have shortened or contracted. It is an affective treatment for acute and chronic pain of neuropathic origin. Muscles that are tight and contracted cannot heal properly which is why we use IMS to stimulate a healing process and help relax the muscles.
This form of treatment is best suited for those suffering soft tissue pain with no signs of ongoing tissue damage or inflammation. Like Acupuncture and Dry needling, IMS can treat a long list of ailments.
At Plaza Physiotherapy, our goal is to get our patients living a pain-free and mobile life. We are proud to offer many natural alternatives for healing. Book your appointment today to delve into the wonderful world of natural medicine.
