The most common questions my acupuncture clients first ask are:
The short answer is, “it depends”. The number of treatments required varies depending on the type of condition, how long you’ve had it, your lifestyle, and your individual response to acupuncture - some people respond quickly, others take a bit longer. In general however, I expect to see benefit within the first few treatments. Sometimes, however, acupuncture might not be the right solution and other interventions are required - I discuss the treatment process with my clients during their first appointment. The good news is that the vast majority of my clients experience significant improvement in their conditions - it’s not uncommon for my clients to have complete resolution of conditions that have plagued them for years or even those they were told required surgery. My clients are often surprised (and grateful!) when I don’t place acupuncture needles at the site of pain. Much like how a switch on the wall is able to turn on a light bulb on the ceiling, acupuncture points located in one area of the body are able to affect another area via the body's internal wiring. Depending on the condition, better results are often achieved when needles are placed away from the affected area, whilst also avoiding aggravation to already sore spots.
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Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic knee pain, inflammation and stiffness, and reduced range of motion, which can have a negative impact on quality of life, reducing mobility and getting in the way of a good night’s sleep.
Many doctors strive to avoid prescribing medication, particularly opioids, for chronic pain - instead many are recommending acupuncture as an alternative to drugs. Acupuncture is in fact one of the treatments recommended for knee pain from osteoarthritis in the American College of Rheumatology and the Arthritis Foundation. When the acupuncture needles are placed on the body, a signal is sent along the spinal cord to the brain which triggers a release of endogenous opioid endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals, and increases blood flow to the affected area to promote healing. Acupuncture also decreases the production of cortisol in the body, a hormone that helps control inflammation. With reduced pain sensations and less inflammation after acupuncture treatments, knee function and mobility can be improved.
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