Pain Management

Having chronic pain can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Taking medication to control pain is not an ideal solution. Conservative therapies are best as they come with few side effects and often expedite the healing process. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer a holistic intervention that is proven to help with pain and inflammation.

Acupuncture opens blood flow to injured tissue to help the area heal. When a needle is inserted this triggers the body to release adenosine in the local area, which is a natural analgesic. This helps to reduce pain in the area treated. Acupuncture points lie over nerve branches and by stimulating a nerve with an acupuncture needle it can regulate nerve function and bring blood flow to a damaged or impinged nerve. This can reduce pain and inflammation along the nerve pathway.

Cupping and gua sha are powerful manual therapy techniques used to loosen tight muscles and break up knots. For individuals suffering with chronic stiffness in their back and neck, cupping and gua sha typically provide significant relief.

To get started with acupuncture for pain, we recommend four sessions within a two week period. If there is no improvement then we refer out to other healthcare providers that address pain. If there is improvement, but the condition is not fully resolved, then a longer course of acupuncture is recommended. The length of the course of treatment varies depending on the severity and chronicity of the symptoms. A typical course of acupuncture includes acupuncture twice weekly for 6-8 weeks. 

Our team includes acupuncture providers with training in a variety of acupuncture pain management treatment styles including Richard Tan Balance Method, Master Tong, and dry needling.