Acupuncture

At Balance Physiotherapy, our physiotherapists use acupuncture to treat the impairments and sequelae of various neurological conditions and orthopaedic-based injuries. Our practicing physiotherapists are certified by the McMaster Contemporary Acupuncture Program.

Contemporary acupuncture is a modern approach to acupuncture that combines traditional acupuncture techniques with insights and knowledge from Western medicine, neuroscience, and evidence-based research. While traditional acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and focuses on balancing the flow of Qi (vital energy) along meridians, contemporary acupuncture focuses more on physiological mechanisms and aims to align with the principles of modern science.

Key Differences and Features of Contemporary Acupuncture:

1. Focus on Neurophysiology:

• Contemporary acupuncture places a stronger emphasis on how acupuncture works from a physiological and neurological perspective.

• Research suggests that acupuncture may influence the nervous system, leading to the release of endorphins (natural painkillers) and other neurochemicals that reduce pain, enhance circulation, and promote healing.

• It is often explained in terms of stimulating nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, which may lead to improved blood flow, reduction in inflammation, and activation of the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

2. Evidence-Based Approach:

• Unlike traditional acupuncture, which relies heavily on the concept of Qi and meridians, contemporary acupuncture emphasizes evidence-based practice. This approach looks at clinical studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and scientific research to guide treatment protocols.

3. Integration with Western Medicine:

• Contemporary acupuncture practitioners often integrate acupuncture with Western medical understanding and other treatments like physiotherapy, chiropractic care, or conventional medical treatments.

4. Adaptation of Traditional Techniques:

• While contemporary acupuncture still uses needles, it may be applied in a more targeted way, based on the specific condition being treated. For example, it may focus on localized treatment areas, pain points, or trigger points rather than the broader meridian system used in traditional acupuncture.

• Acupuncturists might also use electroacupuncture (where a small electrical current is passed through the needles) to enhance the treatment’s effects, particularly for pain management or muscle-related conditions.

5. Focus on Pain Management and Rehabilitation:

• One of the most common applications of contemporary acupuncture is for pain management, particularly for chronic conditions like back pain, arthritis, migraines, and musculoskeletal injuries.

• It is also used in rehabilitation, for recovery from neurological conditions as well as managing post-surgical pain.