Acupuncture for Pain
Acupuncture for pain and sports injury is known to work very well and is a very effective treatment option we believe you should explore. Acupuncture is a traditional medicine practice that involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, these points are believed to be interconnected by pathways called meridians, through which vital energy, known as Qi, flows. Acupuncture aims to restore the balance and flow of Qi within the body, promoting overall health and well-being.
How does Acupuncture Work? In terms of pain management, acupuncture is thought to work quickly to relieve pain through several mechanisms:
- Activation of Natural Opioids: Acupuncture stimulates the release of your body’s endogenous opioids, such as endorphins, in the central nervous system. These natural pain-relieving substances bind to opioid receptors, reducing pain perception and promoting a sense of well-being.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Acupuncture has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting the release of anti-inflammatory substances. This can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with conditions such as arthritis and sports injuries.
- Modulation of Neurotransmitters: Acupuncture may influence the release and activity of various neurotransmitters, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These neurotransmitters play crucial roles in pain regulation, mood, and the body’s stress response.
Research on Acupuncture for Pain
Now, let’s look at a few research studies that support the effectiveness of acupuncture for pain management:
- Vickers et al. (2018): In this large randomized controlled trial involving over 18,000 participants, acupuncture was compared with sham acupuncture and usual care for chronic pain. The study found that acupuncture was more effective than both sham acupuncture and usual care in reducing pain intensity across a variety of conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis, and chronic headache.
- MacPherson et al. (2017): This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture for chronic pain. The analysis included data from 20,827 participants across 39 high-quality randomized controlled trials. The findings indicated that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain compared to sham acupuncture and no acupuncture controls.
- Vickers et al. (2012): This study investigated the efficacy of acupuncture for osteoarthritis of the knee. The researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 570 patients and found that acupuncture provided significantly greater pain relief and improved physical function compared to sham acupuncture and standard care alone.
Acupuncture for Pain – What Conditions Can it Help?
These studies demonstrate the potential benefits of acupuncture for managing chronic and acute pain, including pain from injury, sports injuries, and arthritis. Some of the pain conditions we have effectively treated with acupuncture include:
- Back pain
- Sciatic Nerve pain
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Shoulder pain including frozen shoulder
- Knee pain
- Hip Pain
- Headache and Migraine
- Fibromyalgia
- Painful Menstruation
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or wrist pain
- Golf and Tennis Elbow
- Joint Pain from Arthritis
- Foot pain including Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs
- all types of Sports Injury
If you’ve been living with pain that conventional medicine can’t seem to cure, consider relief though acupuncture. It works! In just a few short sessions we can have you experiencing considerable pain relief.
Acupuncture itself is not a painful experience. On the contrary, acupuncture is a soothing, relaxing experience that will have you feeling better on so many levels.
Talk to one of our acupuncturists about acupuncture for pain management and sports injury. It will be our pleasure to help you find relief.
Call 786-537-7022 to start getting out of pain today.