Acupuncture services at Alliston and Tottenham clinics
Contact UsWhat is the History Behind Acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been practiced in China for more than 3000 years, where its use of natural healing therapy has gained traction around the world. If you have heard of acupuncture before, you have likely been told or read something regarding the yin and yang, so what exactly is this?
Essentially, yin-yang can be thought of as representing a person’s state of being or behaviour and is necessary to be in balance for health. Therefore, when it is not balanced, an individual may feel pain or other symptoms. To restore this balance, acupuncture is used, where traditional acupuncturists are stimulating Qi (pronounced “chee”) to affect change. Let’s try an example to explain this phenomenon. An individual has been suffering from chronic low back pain for multiple years.
Their yin and yang can be considered to be off balance or in disharmony, contributing to this reoccurring back pain. A health practitioner trained in acupuncture can use acupuncture needles in various locations to stimulate Qi to help restore the balance of yin and yang.
It has been reported that in the early 1970’s, an American experienced the benefits of acupuncture and described this experience in an article in the New York Times. Since then, acupuncture has been a part of North American treatment for various injuries and pathologies. In Western medicine, acupuncture is thought to have many different effects on the body. It is thought to restore blood flow to a specific location, which can help to simulate healing. It also can help to reduce inflammation in an area, which can in turn help to reduce pain. Similarly, acupuncture has been seen to have a neuromodulator effect, where multiple pain-relieving systems are activated to release neurotransmitters and ultimately reduce pain.
How is acupuncture applied?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles through the skin and into tissues in different areas of the body. These needles are sterile and individually packaged. The physiotherapist will prep the area on your body for acupuncture by using an alcohol-based solution to ensure for a clean surface. Depending on the injured body part and area, there are different lengths and gauges of needles that your trained physiotherapist will determine is appropriate.
The acupuncture needles are so thin, that there is generally minimal discomfort felt on insertion. Once inserted:
- the needle may stay in for approximately 10-30 minutes depending on your condition.
- many people describe the feeling of the needle as a heaviness, fullness or distension, whereas others feel very little at all.
- It is also possible to continue to feel the previously mentioned sensation for up to 48-72 hours after treatment, however relief will be felt once these sensations have subsided.
What can acupuncture treat?
This is because many studies suggest acupuncture effectively treatment multiple types of injuries and impairments such as:
- headaches
- migraines
- smoking addiction
- stress
- depression
- insomnia,
- low back pain, neck pain,
- osteoarthritis
- tennis elbow
A study by Ezzo et al., 2001 studied the effectiveness of acupuncture on knee osteoarthritis. Many of us either suffer or know someone who has suffered from osteoarthritis. There is currently no cure, so therefore treatment is to manage the condition, whether it is pain or functional impairments. In the study, they looked at comparing the use of acupuncture versus sham acupuncture to reduce knee pain in those suffering from osteoarthritis. It was found that acupuncture was in fact beneficial in reducing pain in those with knee osteoarthritis. There was also some evidence of the improvement of function (i.e. going up and down stairs).
Who can provide acupuncture?
There are specific healthcare professionals who have taken specialized training in providing useful and safe acupuncture. Here at South Simcoe Physiotherapy, our physiotherapists are specially trained in providing acupuncture.
What can I expect with acupuncture treatment?
As previously mentioned, different people experience different sensations with acupuncture, ranging from nothing at all to a heaviness or fullness feeling around the needle. The frequency of treatments and relief felt by the person will differ from person to person. Many people feel relief in their first treatment, whereas others require multiple treatments to experience a benefit. This is generally due to the nature of the injury. For example:
- acute injuries: may notice benefits in the first treatment or even after a couple of treatments.
- chronic conditions: such as low back pain, may take multiple treatment sessions to begin to notice a difference.
Here at South Simcoe Physiotherapy, it is a important treatment tool that practitioners use to help you to feel better and get back to the things you enjoy doing.
What to do next?
If you are suffering from an injury that has not gotten better, or simply want to try acupuncture, let your healthcare practitioner know, or call South Simcoe Physiotherapy today!
MANUAL AND MANIPULATIVE THERAPY
Our therapists use a variety of hands on techniques to both accurately assess and efficiently treat patients. Specialized training through the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (orthodiv.org) allows for accurate diagnosis and faster recovery. Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists (FCAMPT) have taken extensive post-graduate training and have received international recognition in hands on techniques.
manippt.org
CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT
At South Simcoe Physiotherapy we have training in the Shift Concussion Management Program (shiftconcussion.ca). Using this program as a basis, we thoroughly assess the individual systems often effected in a concussion using a variety of tests, as well as cognitive tools such as imPact. Once an accurate assessment has been performed, we develop a multi-faceted rehabilitation strategy to return the individual to optimal function.
PELVIC HEALTH
massage therapy
Massage therapy is a form of hands in treatment that affects the body’s soft tissues such as the muscles, connective tissue, ligaments, tendons and joints. Massage therapy can have therapeutic effects on the muscular, circulatory, and nervous systems. For more information on Registered massage therapy please visit: www.rmtao.com
acupuncture
Acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and uses tiny needles which are inserted into various points in the body. Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing mechanisms and is effective in treating a variety of conditions including headaches, back pain, neck pain, various overuse and sports injuries. Our therapists have training in acupuncture through Acupuncture Canada ( https://www.acupuncturecanada.org)
RUNNING ASSESSMENT / GAIT ANALYSIS
Gait analysis and Running Assessments can be useful in determining biomechanical irregularities during either walking or running that are either causing or are caused by a certain condition or injury. Gait analysis can also help to identify inefficiencies that may be reducing performance in runners and perhaps predisposing or contributing to injury.
We use multiple tools to analyze a person’s gait. First, we use our physiotherapy backgrounds and knowledge of biomechanics. By observing someone walking/running/using the treadmill (and perhaps recording them) we can often identify these major faults. A biomechanical exam can also aid in this process through identifying structural limitations, muscle weakness and tone, and a variety of other potential faults. Finally, using training from courses such as those taught at The Running Clinic https://therunningclinic.com/en, can help to consolidate all of this information while allowing us to make recommendations on items such as footwear, training schedules, and other information relevant to your specific situation.
IMS/IDN
Intramuscular Stimulation and Integrated Dry-Needling. Both IMS and IDN are forms of dry needling where an acupuncture needle is inserted into a taut band in a shortened muscle or near the nerve root in order to cause a reflex relaxation of the muscle, a micro trauma to stimulate natural healing and create an action potential to restore normal nerve conduction. This technique can be extremely useful to treat chronic pain, myofascial pain syndromes, many sports injuries, and overuse injuries. For more information visit: www.istop.org
exercise prescription
Exercise is an essential part of all rehabilitation programs. In order to restore normal muscle length and strength, correct biomechanical faults and return to function, exercises need to be specifically tailored to suit individual needs.
custom bracing
shockwave therapy
Shockwave is a non-invasive way to treat many muscular, tendinous, ligamentous, and bone problems that lead to pain and loss of function. Briefly stated it uses strong energy pulses to stimulate increased blood flow and metabolism allowing regeneration of damaged tissue. A phenomenon called “micro-cavitation” occurs where “bubbles’ expand and burst creating a force that penetrates damaged tissue and stimulates cell reparation. Shockwave is especially effective in treating issues that have been unresponsive to other conservative methods.
VIDEO AND TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS
At a time when social distancing is necessary, we are pleased to be able to offer our exceptional care in an alternative method. Video consultations (think FaceTime or Skype) can be an effective method to assess and treat musculoskeletal and other physiotherapy appropriate impairments. A thorough analysis can be conducted by performing a detailed subjective, observing individual movements, performing simple tasks and special tests, and evaluating the environmental factors which are aggravating the condition. From there, our therapist can devise an appropriate treatment plan including self management strategies, modifications, and exercises appropriate to address your condition. The therapist is easily able to demonstrate the exercises and observe you performing them, and can even send you video demonstrations of the exercises. For those that are unable to access reliable internet, or do not regularly use a computer, telephone consults are also an option.
No doctor's referral is necessary and these sessions are covered by most insurers
NATUROPATHY
Frequently Asked Questions
What is physiotherapy?
Simply stated, physiotherapy is the treatment of deficits and disease without the use of medications. Physiotherapy is useful for the majority of injuries and ailments one might suffer. The goal of our physiotherapists is to reduce your symptoms and allow you to return to function in a timely manner. If you are unsure if your condition is appropriate for physiotherapy, please feel free to contact us.
How do I pay for your services?
Does OHIP cover physiotherapy?
Do I need a doctor’s referral to come and see you?
What do I need to wear for my assessment?
Will my private insurance cover the cost of this treatment?
What if my injuries are as a result of a motor vehicle accident or workplace injury?
- Date of accident
- Claim number
- Adjuster’s name and contact information
- Private health insurance information (if applicable)
- Area of injury
We are able to direct bill your motor vehicle insurance, but please note that all of your private health insurance must be used prior to accessing your motor vehicle insurance. These rules are mandated by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario and not our clinic.
Workplace injury (WSIB): we often treat people as a result of a workplace injury, however, we do not bill WSIB directly. If your injury is part of a WSIB claim, you are expected to pay just as other clients and then submit your invoices to WSIB.