Acupuncture

If you’re not familiar with acupuncture or wonder if it really works, consider this: The American College of Physicians recommends it before medication for chronic back pain. The chiropractic specialists at Repair Recover Restore (R3) in White Plains and Port Chester, New York, offer acupuncture as part of their holistic care for pain caused by musculoskeletal conditions. They may recommend acupuncture as a standalone treatment or to complement physical therapy or chiropractic care. Call the nearest office or use online booking to request an acupuncture consultation today.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture relieves pain and promotes healing using special needles inserted into strategic body areas called acupuncture points (acupoints).

In traditional Chinese medicine, acupoints align with the body’s natural energy flow. The needles open energy blockages, easing symptoms of illnesses and injuries.

The needles also trigger other beneficial physical changes. They stimulate nerves, relax muscles, and boost neurotransmitters, endorphins, and hormones. These substances reduce inflammation, ease pain, and support healing.

When would I need acupuncture?

The American College of Physicians isn’t the only trusted medical group to endorse acupuncture. Others, including the American Medical Association and the American Pain Society, also support acupuncture as an effective pain treatment. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) supports acupuncture for treating many health conditions, including:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Migraines and other headaches
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Muscle spasms
• Fibromyalgia
• Gastritis
• Facial pain
• Stress

The Repair Recover Restore team often recommends acupuncture as an integral part of treatments for sports injuries, joint pain, and migraines.

Your provider may use acupuncture to treat several body areas simultaneously, making it especially beneficial for holistic healing following an injury.

What should I expect during acupuncture?

Some people hesitate to use acupuncture because they shudder at the thought of needles. If that describes you, it may help to know that acupuncture needles don’t cause the same discomfort as the large, hollow hypodermic needles used to inject medications.

Acupuncture needles are slim as a strand of hair and solid yet flexible. They also have a tapered, rounded end. This design means they glide smoothly and gently through your skin instead of cutting through the tissues (like a hypodermic needle).

You may feel a slight twinge, but many patients don’t feel the needle being inserted. You may also experience tingling after the needles are in place, but acupuncture shouldn’t cause pain.

After your Repair Recover Restore provider inserts the needles, you relax for 10-15 minutes. During that time, your provider may enhance the effect of your treatment by twirling the needles or sending a mild electrical current through them.

Acupuncture can ease pain when conventional medical care doesn’t help. Call Repair Recover Restore or book a consultation online today to learn more about acupuncture and if it can help you.