Sporting edge physio logo

Medical Acupuncture

Experience Healing with Medical Acupuncture

  • What Is Medical Acupuncture

    Sporting Edge Physiotherapy offers professional acupuncture treatments performed by our licensed Physiotherapists. Acupuncture is an extremely precise nerve stimulation treatment technique. 


    The Physiotherapist will insert an acupuncture needle into specific points of the skin to produce therapeutic benefits that will aid in sports participation. This treatment can help to manage pain and encourage the natural healing process of the body. 


    This will improve your energy levels, reduce or relieve any pain you may be experiencing, and improve the overall function of the affected area of the body.

  • What It Entails

    Sporting Edge Physiotherapy is glad to offer a reliable acupuncture treatment service to our clients. Acupuncture can treat a variety of conditions and health issues. Most often, it is used to relieve long-term chronic pain. Some of the following conditions are often treated with acupuncture:

    • Arthritis
    • Back, neck, shoulder, or muscle pain
    • Headaches and migraines
    • Knee pain
    • Shoulder pain
    • Sports injuries
    • Pregnancy-related discomfort
    • Repetitive strain disorders and overuse syndrome
  • The Approach

    When you begin your acupuncture treatments, at your first appointment your therapist will discuss your history and condition with you. The therapist will then proceed to examine your body for areas that will react to the acupuncture treatment. 


    Then, they will begin to tap needles into the points into your skin throughout the area to begin to treat the body.  The therapist will be applying sterile, disposable needles that are inserted at various depths – this can vary from a fraction of an inch to a couple of inches depending on your needs. These needles will stay in for up to a maximum of 20 minutes. 

medical acupuncture on stomach
man with knee pain
  • transparent background

    Pain Relief and Management


    Medical Acupuncture is a proven method for relieving and managing both acute and chronic pain. By stimulating specific points in the body, it helps to release endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, providing relief from discomfort.

    Button
  • transparent background

    Improved Physical Function


    By targeting specific points related to various bodily functions, Medical Acupuncture can help improve physical performance. It can enhance muscle strength, flexibility, and overall mobility, contributing to better physical health.

    Button
  • transparent background

    Stress Reduction


     Medical Acupuncture is not just about physical well-being; it also promotes mental health. The treatment can trigger the release of neurotransmitters that help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.

    Button

The Science Behind Medical Acupuncture

Medical Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique that has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine, but is now practiced using a blend of modern scientific understanding.


The science behind medical acupuncture involves the stimulation of specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points, using thin needles. These points are believed to be areas where nerves, muscles, and connective tissue can be stimulated to increase blood flow and trigger the body's natural painkillers.


From a biomedical viewpoint, acupuncture is believed to work by stimulating the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals either change the experience of pain or release other chemicals, like hormones, that influence the body's self-regulating systems.


The biochemical changes stimulated by acupuncture promote physical and emotional well-being, help in pain management, and improve overall function and health. It's a holistic approach that treats not just symptoms, but also addresses the root cause of health issues.

man holding his injured knee
medical acupuncture session

IMS vs Acupuncture

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) and Acupuncture are both therapeutic techniques used in Physiotherapy, but they have different approaches and applications.


Acupuncture, a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body known as acupuncture points. The aim is to stimulate the body's natural healing processes and promote physical and emotional well-being. It's often used for pain management, stress reduction, and improving overall health.


IMS, on the other hand, is a western medicine technique that also uses needles but targets tight muscle bands or 'trigger points' that are causing neuropathic pain. The needle insertion causes the muscle to twitch and then relax, relieving the tension and pain. IMS is particularly effective for chronic pain conditions where there is no obvious sign of injury or inflammation.


While both techniques use needles to relieve pain, the choice between IMS and acupuncture will depend on the individual's condition and the practitioner's assessment.

Why Choose Medical Acupuncture

Opting for Medical Acupuncture can be a significant step towards holistic health and well-being. This therapeutic practice, which combines traditional wisdom with modern science, is designed to stimulate your body's natural healing mechanisms. It offers an effective approach to managing both acute and chronic pain, enhancing physical functionality, and alleviating stress. Each treatment is customized to your specific needs and closely supervised by our expert practitioners. With Medical Acupuncture, you're not merely addressing symptoms; you're targeting the root cause of health issues, fostering overall wellness. It's more than just a healing process; it's a pathway to improved quality of life.

Our Blog

SEP stretching with Marquise Swaby
05 Mar, 2024
Discover the differences between Swedish Massage and Manual Therapy at Sporting Edge Physiotherapy. Learn which treatment best fits your needs for optimal recovery and well-being in Vaughan, ON. Explore now!
SEP deadlift with Bentzen Takyi
06 Feb, 2024
At Sporting Edge Physiotherapy, we prioritize personalized treatment plans. Discover how this targeted approach can help you recuperate faster and achieve your unique health goals.
doctor checking patient's eye
09 Jan, 2024
Taking the first step towards recovery is crucial. Gain a comprehensive understanding of concussion baseline testing at Sporting Edge Physiotherapy, an important protocol in diagnosing and managing concussions effectively.
SEP training with Marco Bandiera
05 Dec, 2023
Explore Sporting Edge Physiotherapy's unrivaled approach to health and well-being. Uncover how our personalized, one-on-one treatment sessions can lead you on the path to faster recovery and renewed vitality.
Show More
Read Our Blog
Share by: