Summit is your St. Albert acupuncture clinic. The popularity of acupuncture continues to grow, as more and more people need effective ways to treat their pain and injuries. Our physiotherapists have completed extensive training from world-renowned Professor Dr. Steven Aung, from the University of Alberta, Faculty of Extension. Dr. Aung is a pioneer in the integration of western, traditional Chinese, and complementary medicine.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a safe therapy, which originated in ancient China. Thin needles are inserted into specific points throughout your body. Stimulating these points helps correct imbalances in the body which will reduce your pain and increase your function.
Acupuncture treatments can increase blood flow to an injured area, improve range of motion in a joint, and decrease pain (both acute and chronic). All of these benefits can help patients get better and quicker results from their physiotherapy sessions.
How does acupuncture work?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, this practice reduces pain and promotes healing by regulating the flow of energy (known as ‘Qi’) throughout the body. Western science has shown that acupuncture stimulates nerves in skin and muscles, which can stimulate natural painkillers in the body (serotonin and endorphin) and improve blood flow.
What conditions or pain can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can successfully treat the following pain and conditions:
- Back pain
- Chronic pain
- Carpal tunnel pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Infertility issues
- Insomnia
- Joint pain
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Nausea
- Post operative pain
- Sciatica pain
- Shoulder pain
- Sinus pain
- Stomach and bowel problems
- Tennis elbow
If you’re experiencing pain, book a consultation with one of our acupuncturists. We’ll help you feel better fast!
Acupuncture benefits to other conditions
In addition to the conditions listed above, acupuncture may have therapeutic benefits for other health issues. According to feedback from patients, acupuncture may also help Bells Palsy, asthma, shingles, and complex regional pain syndrome. Some athletes who have sustained sports injuries report a reduction in stress and anxiety after receiving acupuncture treatments.
If you’re experiencing pain or looking for more information call us for a consultation or book an appointment with one of our acupuncturists online.
Find An Acupuncture Specialist in St. Albert
Not sure which acupuncture specialist to work with? We can help! Contact our clinic today.
Frequently asked questions
Does acupuncture hurt?
While patients can expect to feel some sensation, acupuncture usually doesn’t cause pain; if it does hurt, the pain is mild and brief. Needles are inserted, usually at depths of about one-quarter inch to one inch. Patients typically report that the therapeutic benefits outweigh any short-term discomfort.
What are the risks of getting an acupuncture treatment?
Acupuncture is a safe, proven treatment that comes with few risks. Patients can experience soreness, and sometimes minor bleeding or bruising at the needle sites, but this typically passes in just a few days. Although there is a theoretical risk of injuring an internal organ by pushing in a needle too deeply, this is extremely rare and unlikely. Our physiotherapists have completed extensive training from Dr. Steven Aung, a world-renowned acupuncturist and professor at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Extension.
When will I start feeling the positive effects of my acupuncture treatment?
It can often take up to 3 sessions to feel the positive effects of acupuncture, but this varies depending on the person and the condition being treated. Some people can feel immediate relief where others may need a few more sessions. You may also find yourself feeling exhausted after one of your sessions. This is a good sign that your body is trying to heal and re-balance itself.
How many treatments are usually needed for acupuncture? Does it depend on the injury?
There is no specific number of treatments needed for every person, it varies depending on the condition being treated and the person. For example, sometimes treatments can often start with 2 sessions per week for the first 2 weeks, then 1 session per week for 4-6 weeks. Some people benefit from treatments every few months for prevention.
If you want to know how many treatments you’ll need, get in touch with us today!
Are there any activities you should avoid after acupuncture?
There aren’t any activities you would need to avoid after an acupuncture treatment, you may simply feel exhausted. We suggest you take the possibility of exhaustion into account regarding the types of activities you may have planned after your treatment.
However, if you’re using acupuncture to heal a serious injury then this would have more of a bearing on any activity restrictions after treatment. Like any major injury, you wouldn’t want to strain it or make it worse.
Is a referral from a doctor necessary?
As with physiotherapy, no physician’s referral is needed for an acupuncture treatment at our clinic.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Acupuncture services may be covered by your health insurance, however, some benefit providers may ask you to obtain a referral before reimbursing treatment costs.
You can find more information about fees and coverage on our Therapy Fees page.
Ready to book an acupuncture treatment?
If you think acupuncture might help you, talk to your physiotherapist at your next session or give our office a call to learn more.