Acupuncture in Thunder Bay

What is Acupuncture?

acupuncture needles Acupuncture is a health care system that uses special needles to help the body heal, reduce or eliminate pain and improve overall functioning. It’s existed for over 5,000 years. Ultra-thin needles are gently inserted into specific sites on the body. These body locations are part of a network of points called “meridians.”

Acupuncture is a drug-free method used to treat ailments that can disrupt our everyday life. This includes back pain, muscle pain, sports injuries, headaches and many, many other conditions. Often acupuncture has a calming or relaxing effect, which many patients regard as a pleasant “side effect” of the process.

What to Expect

At Outback Chiropractic Clinic, acupuncture is performed with fine, sterile needles used only one time. Dr. Gleeson has extensive training and experience, and he will insert needles along the appropriate meridians to help with your pain. Although the pain-relieving results of acupuncture are often dramatic, acupuncture does not work for everyone. If you haven’t seen results in a few visits, we’ll look at other options.

Is It Painful?

It’s a surprise to most people when they realize how thin acupuncture needles actually are: the diameter of a human hair. Generally, when inserted by a skilled practitioner, there is little or no discomfort. Frequently patients ask if the needles have been placed yet, because they can’t feel them! Occasionally people sense heaviness or sharpness at the insertion site, which quickly goes away.

If you’re nervous about acupuncture, we’ll simply insert just one thin needle to start, so that you can see for yourself how pleasant the experience can be. In most cases, the experience is relaxing, often leading to patients falling asleep.

Conditions It HelpsBenefits of AcupunctureTime to See Results

Patients receiving acupuncture may experience relief from the following:

Arthritis
Back pain
Headaches and migraines
Hip pain
Muscle tension
Neck pain

Plantar fasciitis
Sciatica
Shoulder pain
Sports injury
Tendonitis: tennis elbow/golfer’s elbow

You may experience the following after an acupuncture session:

Decreased swelling
Muscle relaxation
Breakdown of scar tissue
Improved immune system function

General relaxation
Decrease in pain
Release of endorphins (the “feel-good hormones”)
Improvement in basic nervous system functioning

This depends entirely on your health condition. Just a single session may greatly improve an acute (sudden) condition, or may take a series of visits. Chronic (long-standing) problems may require more sessions.

Often, a program of six to eight sessions can cause positive changes, after which a re-assessment is performed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to disrobe?

Patients are encouraged to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, so that acupuncture points are more easily accessible. Depending on the area that requires needling, you may have to change into a gown.

How long will the needles stay in?

After the needles have been inserted, Dr. Gleeson will leave them in you for approximately 10 minutes.

How does acupuncture complement the chiropractic care I receive?

If you are not responding to chiropractic care as quickly as Dr. Gleeson expects, he will suggest adding acupuncture to your care plan.

Learn More today

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