Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific locations of the body, known as acupuncture points, and treating pain and inflammation.

Acupuncture works by stimulating your body to produce more endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers, and other neurological and physiological processes to help reduce pain, inflammation, and restore movement. An average acupuncture treatment consists of 6-8 needles that remain in their location for 15 minutes.

Electroacupuncture is an enhanced version of traditional acupuncture, where the needles are connected to alligator clips and a machine that sends electrical currents into the targeted area. Your Physiotherapist will determine where to place the needles based on your condition and symptoms. During these sessions, you may feel a tingling sensation, but it is typically not painful. These sessions are meant to enhance healing and your body’s natural nervous system and immune response.

Dry needling or trigger point needling is a more concentrated form of acupuncture that focuses on muscular “knots” or trigger points from a myofascial perspective. Also known as intramuscular stimulation (IMS), dry needling involves inserting acupuncture needles directly into the tight area of muscle, and partially removing and inserting them again into a neighbouring area of muscle. Although there can be discomfort with the dry needling treatment, this repetitive, direct needle insertion causes the muscle tension to dissipate, and therefore reduces pain.

At the St. Vital Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre, all our Physiotherapists must complete a physiotherapy assessment prior to using acupuncture, electroacupuncture or dry needling as part of your treatment plan. If you are interested in learning if acupuncture, electroacupuncture or dry needling is right for you, please mention this when booking your appointment to ensure your therapist is educated in this area.

To learn more about our acupuncture treatment options, please call 204-255-0597 or visit our team at 1555 St. Mary’s Road, just south of Meadowood Drive, where we serve communities in Royalwood, Riverpark South, Southdale, Southwood, Island Lakes and beyond!