ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that involves specially-made, thin, sterile needles inserted into muscle tissue, which are then manually or electrically stimulated.

The needles themselves provide a powerful stimulus to the nervous system, but the added input from an electrical current has shown to release certain substances that our bodies naturally produce to assist with healing.

Acupuncture is a safe and effective tool for managing pain and dysfunction. It can improve symptoms of conditions like pain, headaches & muscle atrophy.

From a contemporary medical acupuncture approach, acupuncture or needling works via five mechanisms, according to White et al. (2008). When an acupuncture needle is placed in the correct locations, these mechanisms are activated and our body responds accordingly. Learn more about how acupuncture works.

Acupuncture needles are very thin and most people feel no or little pain when they are inserted.  The needle is often inserted to a point where you may feel a sensation of pressure or ache, while some people report feeling nothing at all.

Acupuncture has been commonly used in North America for the neuromodulation of acute and chronic pain conditions. However, studies show that it can also assist with the resulting complications of neurological conditions such as muscle atrophy and skin sensitization.

Other conditions treated with acupuncture include:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Stroke
• Neuropathic pain
• Chronic pain
• Headaches
• Tennis elbow
• Neck pain
• Low back pain
• Multiple sclerosis
• Muscle and ligament tears
• Cerebral palsy
• Spinal cord injuries
• Post-herpetic neuralgia
• Muscle and ligament sprains
• Arthritic conditions

At Propel Physiotherapy, we use acupuncture in conjunction with physiotherapy, exercise and other proven, effective modalities to help optimize function and health and treat various neurological and orthopaedic conditions.

Our physiotherapists are trained through recognized organizations – Acupuncture Canada, McMaster Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Program. The insertion points are carefully chosen based on the goal of the treatment and the client’s medical history combined with comfort level.

Physiotherapists are regulated health professionals and therefore you do not need a doctor’s note or referral to see one.  We do encourage open communication with your doctor(s) and you can let us know at your first visit if you would like them to be included in your correspondence.  Some extended health care plans may require a physician’s note to have physiotherapy expenses reimbursed.

Depending on the nature of your injury the assessment could range from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours in length.  However, the actual acupuncture needles are typically left in between 10 to 30 minutes.  The number and length of follow-up visit can also vary and will be discussed once your initial assessment is completed.

Your physiotherapy visits may be covered under an employment plan that you or a spouse has.  You will be encouraged to check the details of that plan and submit your receipts for reimbursement.

OHIP (government-funded) coverage for physiotherapy services is only available at OHIP-licensed facilities for Ontario residents under the age of 18 or over 65. Propel Physiotherapy is not an OHIP-licensed facility.

We provide treatment for all Motor Vehicle Accident and WSIB cases.

Yes, our therapists regularly see clients in the home and at locations in the community like public pools or parks.  Acupuncture can be done anywhere using the same safe and sterile techniques performed in the clinic.  Please note there is a travel fee.

Acupuncture is a “regulated treatment procedure” and service that 11 professions can provide legally in Ontario, each within their scope of practice. At Propel Physiotherapy these professions include physiotherapists, occupational therapists and registered massage therapists.