Category Archives: Acupuncture

TCM Acupuncture and PMS Relief: A Natural Approach to Hormonal Balance

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) can affect your body, mood, and daily routine in the days or weeks leading up to your period. While symptoms vary, many people experience cramps, bloating, irritability, breast tenderness, fatigue, or headaches. If PMS disrupts your life each month, or if you’re looking for a natural, drug-free approach, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture may offer meaningful relief.

How TCM Understands PMS

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, PMS is linked to imbalances in the flow of Qi (energy) and blood throughout the body. Two patterns show up most commonly:

1. Liver Qi Stagnation

The Liver system in TCM is responsible for regulating the smooth flow of Qi. Stress, emotional tension, and a fast-paced lifestyle can disrupt this flow, leading to:

  • Mood swings
  • Irritability
  • Breast tenderness
  • Bloating or digestive upset

2. Blood Stagnation or Deficiency

When blood flow is blocked or insufficient, period symptoms like:

  • Cramps
  • Low back pain
  • Clotting
  • Fatigue
    can become more intense.

By understanding your unique pattern, a TCM practitioner can tailor your acupuncture treatment to restore balance and ease PMS symptoms.

How Acupuncture Helps With PMS

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points to improve circulation, calm the nervous system, and rebalance hormonal activity. Research and clinical experience show that acupuncture can help with:

✔ Reducing menstrual cramps

Improves blood flow to the pelvis and relaxes tight muscles.

✔ Balancing mood

Regulates neurotransmitters and supports emotional stability.

✔ Easing bloating and digestive discomfort

Helps smooth the flow of Qi through the digestive system.

✔ Improving sleep and reducing stress

Promotes a deep sense of relaxation and regulates the stress response.

✔ Regulating the menstrual cycle

Supports hormonal balance and cycle regularity over time.

What to Expect During a Treatment

A TCM acupuncturist will begin with a detailed assessment of your symptoms, cycle patterns, stress levels, and overall health.
During the session:

  • Very thin, sterile needles are inserted at specific points
  • You may feel a warm, relaxing, or “heavy” sensation
  • Most people find treatments deeply calming
  • A session typically lasts 45 – 60 minutes

Depending on your symptoms, your practitioner may also use techniques such as cupping, moxibustion, or herbal support for additional relief.

Lifestyle Tips to Support PMS Relief

Alongside acupuncture, these simple habits can help balance your cycle:

  • Eat warm, nourishing meals (avoid excessive cold/raw foods)
  • Reduce caffeine and alcohol during the premenstrual phase
  • Prioritize sleep and gentle exercise (e.g., walking, yoga)
  • Manage stress with breathwork or meditation

When to Try TCM Acupuncture

Consider acupuncture if you experience:

  • Moderate to severe PMS symptoms
  • Painful or heavy periods
  • Mood swings that affect daily life
  • Irregular menstrual cycles
  • Sensitivity to medications or a desire for natural options

Contact Us!

Take the first step towards recovery by contacting us today to schedule your initial TCM Acupuncture appointment!

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever looked for treatment options for pain, muscle tension, or movement issues, you’ve probably come across both dry needling and acupuncture. Even though both techniques use thin, sterile needles, they are not the same. Their goals, training, theory, and applications differ significantly.

Understanding the difference can help you choose the right approach for your needs—or know what to expect if your physiotherapist or acupuncturist recommends one.

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional healing method rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It has been practiced for thousands of years and focuses on restoring balance in the body’s energy pathways, known as meridians.

Key Features of Acupuncture

  • Based on TCM concepts of Qi (energy flow)
  • Targets specific acupuncture points along meridians
  • Aims to rebalance the body, reduce stress, improve organ function, and support overall wellness
  • Often used for chronic conditions, stress, digestion, sleep, headaches, women’s health, and pain management

Acupuncture treatments tend to be gentle, calming, and holistic, often leaving patients feeling relaxed and grounded.

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a modern, evidence-based technique commonly used by physiotherapists. It focuses on releasing tight muscles and trigger points to reduce pain and improve movement.

Key Features of Dry Needling

  • Based on Western anatomy and neuroscience
  • Targets trigger points, tight bands, or dysfunctional tissues
  • Aims to release tension, improve mobility, and reduce pain quickly
  • Often used for sports injuries, muscle knots, back/neck pain, and movement dysfunction

Dry needling often creates a “twitch response,” which is a quick contraction of the muscle—usually a sign the trigger point is releasing.

The Main Differences Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture

1. Philosophy and Approach

  • Acupuncture: Holistic; focuses on energy flow and system-wide balance.
  • Dry Needling: Mechanical; targets muscle dysfunction and local tissue problems.

2. Point Selection

  • Acupuncture: Uses established meridian points.
  • Dry Needling: Targets trigger points, spasms, or tight muscle bands.

3. Goals of Treatment

  • Acupuncture: Improve overall health, reduce stress, support internal systems, and relieve pain.
  • Dry Needling: Quickly release muscle tension, reduce pain, and restore movement.

4. Sensation

  • Acupuncture: Typically gentle, calming, with minimal sensation.
  • Dry Needling: Can be more intense; may cause a twitch or deep ache.

5. Practitioner Training

  • Acupuncturists: Complete extensive training in Traditional Chinese Medicine (often 2–4 years).
  • Physiotherapists Who Dry Needle: Receive additional certification focused on anatomy, safety, and trigger-point techniques.

When to Choose Acupuncture

Acupuncture may be the better choice if you’re dealing with:

  • Stress, anxiety, or sleep issues
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Digestive problems
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Hormonal or menstrual concerns
  • Chronic pain

It suits those who prefer a whole-body, gentle approach.

When to Choose Dry Needling

Dry needling may be ideal for:

  • Acute or chronic muscle tightness
  • Sports injuries
  • Knots and trigger points
  • Neck or back pain
  • Tendon issues
  • Restricted mobility

It’s great for people who want direct, targeted relief for musculoskeletal problems.

Can You Combine Both?

Absolutely – acupuncture for systemic balance and relaxation, and dry needling for specific muscular issues. Together, they can offer comprehensive pain relief and recovery support.

Although dry needling and acupuncture may look similar at first glance, they serve different purposes and come from completely different traditions. Both are safe, effective, and valuable tools—when used in the right context.

Contact us!

Take the first step towards recovery by contacting us today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Acupuncture for Post-Workout Recovery – A Natural Way to Reduce Inflammation

Recovery is just as important as your workout. Pushing your body during exercise causes microscopic muscle damage that leads to inflammation, a necessary part of building strength, but one that needs to be managed for optimal performance and well-being.

One recovery method gaining attention among athletes and fitness enthusiasts is acupuncture. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture is known for its ability to promote balance and healing in the body, and it might be exactly what your recovery routine is missing.

Why Inflammation Matters Post-Workout

Inflammation is a natural immune response triggered when your muscles undergo stress. After a tough workout, your body sends white blood cells to the affected areas to begin the repair process. While this is a sign your body is healing, too much inflammation or inflammation that sticks around too long, can lead to pain, stiffness, and longer recovery times.

This is where acupuncture comes in.

How Acupuncture Supports Recovery

1. Reduces Inflammation

Acupuncture has been shown to modulate the body’s inflammatory response. By stimulating specific points on the body with ultra-thin needles, acupuncture promotes circulation, encourages lymphatic drainage, and helps regulate cytokines (proteins that influence inflammation). This can help reduce swelling and soreness in muscles and joints after intense training.

2. Improves Circulation and Oxygen Delivery

Improved blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to damaged tissues, speeding up the healing process. Acupuncture helps dilate blood vessels and increase local circulation in targeted areas, giving your muscles what they need to recover faster.

3. Activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System

The sympathetic nervous system (your “fight or flight” mode) is often activated during intense exercise. Acupuncture helps shift the body into a parasympathetic state (your “rest and digest” mode), which is essential for repair and recovery. This relaxation response also reduces cortisol, the stress hormone that can contribute to prolonged inflammation.

4. Relieves Muscle Soreness and Pain

Needle stimulation can trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Many athletes report feeling significant relief from delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and tightness after just one session.

5. Enhances Sleep Quality

Recovery doesn’t just happen at the gym or on the treatment table, it happens while you sleep. Acupuncture can help improve sleep quality and duration, ensuring your body has ample time to regenerate.

When to Schedule Acupuncture for Recovery

  • Immediately after a strenuous workout to reduce swelling and promote circulation
  • 1–2 days post-exercise to relieve DOMS and stiffness
  • As a regular part of your training cycle, especially during deload weeks or recovery phases

Acupuncture offers a time-tested, holistic approach to support the body’s natural healing process, reduce inflammation, and enhance post-workout recovery. Whether you’re dealing with muscle soreness, joint pain, or chronic inflammation, acupuncture could be the missing piece in your fitness recovery puzzle.

Ready to try it? Contact us!

Take the first step towards recovery by contacting us today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How Acupuncture Can Help with Insomnia

Insomnia, characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, is a pervasive condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While medications can provide temporary relief, many people are seeking more natural solutions to manage their insomnia. One such alternative gaining popularity is acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

How Does Acupuncture Help with Insomnia?

1. Balancing the Body’s Energy

Acupuncture addresses the root cause of insomnia by focusing on the body’s energy flow. According to TCM, insomnia is often caused by imbalances in the body, such as excess heat, blood deficiency, or Qi stagnation. Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points to restore balance, allowing the body to relax and fall into a deep, restful sleep.

  • Excess heat: Heat in the body, often related to stress or anxiety, can disrupt sleep. Acupuncture can cool this heat, calming the mind and promoting relaxation.
  • Blood deficiency: TCM believes that blood nourishes the mind. A lack of adequate blood flow can result in an inability to sleep deeply. Acupuncture can help improve circulation and nourish the body’s blood, aiding in better sleep.

2. Calming the Nervous System

Acupuncture is known for its ability to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the “rest and digest” system. This helps to counteract the fight-or-flight response associated with stress and anxiety, which can be major contributors to insomnia. By calming the nervous system, acupuncture encourages relaxation and prepares the body for sleep.

3. Increasing Melatonin Production

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that plays a key role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Research suggests that acupuncture may stimulate the production of melatonin, helping individuals fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. This natural boost in melatonin levels can be especially helpful for people whose insomnia is related to circadian rhythm disturbances.

4. Reducing Anxiety and Stress

For many individuals with insomnia, anxiety is a major obstacle to achieving a good night’s sleep. Acupuncture helps regulate the body’s stress response, lowering cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and promoting feelings of calm and tranquility. By addressing the underlying psychological factors contributing to insomnia, acupuncture offers a holistic approach to treatment.

5. Improving Sleep Quality

Even if you can manage to fall asleep, staying asleep is often a struggle for those with insomnia. Acupuncture may help by promoting a deeper, more restorative sleep cycle. As acupuncture stimulates key points in the body, it encourages the body to enter deeper stages of sleep, such as REM sleep, which is essential for feeling rested and rejuvenated.

What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session for Insomnia

If you’re considering acupuncture as a solution for insomnia, you may wonder what to expect during a session. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:

  1. Initial Consultation: Your acupuncturist will begin by discussing your sleep patterns, health history, and lifestyle. They may ask questions about your sleep habits, stress levels, and any physical or emotional issues that could be affecting your sleep.
  2. Needle Insertion: During the treatment, the acupuncturist will insert very fine needles into specific acupuncture points. The process is generally painless, although some people may feel a slight tingling or pressure as the needles are inserted.
  3. Relaxation: After the needles are placed, you’ll typically lie still for 20 to 40 minutes while the acupuncturist ensures that the needles remain in place. This is a deeply relaxing part of the process, and many patients report feeling incredibly calm and at peace during the session.
  4. Follow-Up Treatments: Acupuncture is not a one-time fix for insomnia. To see lasting results, most people will require a series of treatments. The frequency of sessions depends on the severity of your insomnia, but many people report significant improvements after just a few treatments.

Is Acupuncture Right for You?

Acupuncture offers a holistic, natural approach to managing insomnia, helping individuals restore balance, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. While results can vary from person to person, many people find relief from their insomnia through regular acupuncture sessions.

If you’ve struggled with sleepless nights and are looking for an alternative to medication, acupuncture might be a valuable option worth exploring. However, always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, especially if you have preexisting conditions or are on medication.

In conclusion, if you’re searching for a way to naturally promote better sleep, acupuncture may just be the remedy you’ve been looking for. By addressing the underlying imbalances that disrupt sleep, acupuncture offers a pathway to a more restful, rejuvenating night’s sleep.

Contact us!

Take the first step towards recovery by contacting us today to schedule your initial acupuncture appointment.

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Acupuncture and its Role in Treating Migraines

Migraines are more than just a headache, they’re a debilitating condition that can interrupt daily life, leaving individuals unable to work, socialize, or even carry out routine tasks. The intense, throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes visual disturbances, makes it one of the most challenging conditions to manage. While many rely on medications to manage migraine symptoms, a growing number of people are seeking natural alternatives. One such treatment is acupuncture, a centuries-old practice that offers relief for many sufferers of migraines.

Understanding Migraines

Migraines are complex neurological events that involve intense, often debilitating pain, typically on one side of the head. In addition to the pain, migraines may come with other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or even smells. Some individuals also experience visual disturbances known as an “aura” before the migraine begins.

While the exact cause of migraines isn’t fully understood, they are believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain triggers such as stress, hormonal changes, lack of sleep, or specific foods can provoke a migraine attack. For many people, the unpredictability and severity of migraines make managing them difficult, which is why exploring complementary treatments like acupuncture has gained attention.

How Acupuncture Works for Migraines

Acupuncture is a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has been practiced for thousands of years. It involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body called “acupoints” to restore balance and promote healing. The underlying philosophy is that the body’s energy, known as Qi, flows through meridians or channels. When this flow is blocked or unbalanced, it can lead to pain or illness.

For migraines, acupuncture seeks to restore balance in the body by stimulating specific acupoints related to the head, neck, and shoulders, which are common areas of tension for those suffering from migraines. By targeting these points, acupuncture can help:

  1. Relieve Tension and Promote Relaxation: Migraines are often associated with muscular tension, especially in the neck, shoulders, and jaw. Acupuncture can help relieve this tension, reducing the likelihood of migraine onset. The stimulation of acupoints promotes relaxation and helps the body enter a more balanced state.
  2. Enhance Blood Flow: Acupuncture helps to increase blood circulation, particularly to the brain. Better circulation means that the brain receives more oxygen and nutrients, potentially reducing the inflammation and constriction of blood vessels that often accompany a migraine attack.
  3. Regulate the Nervous System: Acupuncture can help calm the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for controlling involuntary functions like heart rate and pain perception. By balancing this system, acupuncture can reduce the stress response that often triggers migraines and ease overall pain perception.
  4. Release Natural Painkillers: The insertion of acupuncture needles stimulates the body’s production of endorphins and other neurochemicals, which act as natural painkillers. This process can alleviate both the intensity and frequency of migraine pain.

Why Choose Acupuncture for Migraines?

While medications are commonly used to treat migraines, they often come with side effects, and their effectiveness can vary from person to person. For some individuals, the side effects of pharmaceutical treatments like drowsiness, dizziness, or gastrointestinal issues can be just as troubling as the migraines themselves.

Acupuncture, on the other hand, offers a natural alternative with minimal side effects. Because acupuncture is non-invasive and focuses on restoring balance in the body rather than just masking symptoms, it appeals to those seeking a more holistic approach. Moreover, acupuncture can be used in conjunction with other treatments to enhance overall effectiveness.

Is Acupuncture Right for You?

If you’re struggling with migraines and haven’t yet explored acupuncture, it may be worth considering. Many people find significant relief through acupuncture, especially when it’s used as a preventive treatment or when combined with other lifestyle changes like stress management or diet adjustments.

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed acupuncturist. Before starting treatment, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that acupuncture aligns with your overall treatment plan.

Contact us!

Take the first step towards recovery by contacting us today or using our online booking system to schedule your initial acupuncture appointment!

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Exploring Acupuncture: A Timeless Approach to Pain Management


In the realm of pain management, conventional treatments like medications and physical therapy often take center stage. However, there exists a centuries-old practice that has been garnering increasing attention for its effectiveness in alleviating various types of pain: acupuncture. Originating from ancient China, acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow, known as qi (pronounced “chee”). Let’s delve into the world of acupuncture and its role in pain management.

Understanding Acupuncture:
At the heart of acupuncture lies the concept of balancing the body’s energy flow to promote health and well-being. According to traditional Chinese medicine, disruptions in this flow can lead to pain and illness. By targeting specific points along meridians or pathways in the body, acupuncturists aim to restore harmony and alleviate discomfort.

The Process:
During an acupuncture session, a trained practitioner inserts thin needles into predetermined points on the body. These points may vary depending on the individual’s condition and the type of pain being addressed. The needles are typically left in place for about 15 to 30 minutes while the individual relaxes. Some may experience a tingling sensation or mild discomfort initially, but many report feeling deeply relaxed during the session.

Efficacy in Pain Management:
Numerous studies have explored the efficacy of acupuncture in managing various types of pain, including chronic back pain, osteoarthritis, migraines, and even post-operative pain. Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals and it modulates neurotransmitters involved in pain perception.

A Holistic Approach:
What sets acupuncture apart from conventional pain management techniques is its holistic approach. Rather than just targeting symptoms, acupuncture addresses the underlying imbalances within the body. This comprehensive perspective resonates with many individuals seeking alternatives to pharmaceutical interventions, especially those concerned about potential side effects.

Contact us!

Take the first step towards recovery by contacting us today or using our online booking system to schedule your initial acupuncture assessment and treatment.

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Balancing the Body’s Harmony: The Ancient Art and Modern Science of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular, yet many people remain reluctant to use it as a form of treatment. So, what exactly is it, and how can it help you? We answer these and more below!

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique of inserting fine, one-time-use pre-sterilized needles into very specific points along the body to assist in pain management and healing of injuries. Patients often ask us if acupuncture is painful. The needles used for acupuncture therapy are extremely fine – patients likely feel a small poke but once the needle is inserted, most patients do not feel much pain.

How Does It Work? – Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture was developed more than 3,000 years ago in China. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), injuries or illnesses are believed to be the results of an imbalance of energy within the body, specifically within meridians, which are channels of energy flow throughout the body. Acupuncture is used to help restore energy balance by placing fine needles at specific points along these meridians.

How Does It Work? – The Gate Control Theory of Pain

Although acupuncture is an ancient practice in Eastern medicine, its use in Western medicine is relatively recent. Though the exact reason why it works is not totally clear, Western medicine has several different theories as to how acupuncture helps with injury recovery. One of those is the Gate Control Theory of Pain.

The Gate Control Theory of Pain outlines how pain signals reach the brain from the spinal cord. In simple terms, if the ‘gate’ is open at the level of the spinal cord, a pain signal can pass through, reaching the brain where the pain is perceived. If the ‘gate’ is closed, a pain signal cannot pass through, and therefore the brain does not perceive pain. So, using this theory, applying a non-painful stimulus when someone experiences a painful stimulus can activate the closing of the gate and decrease the pain signal to the brain. An example of this would be if someone bangs their knee against a hard surface. Usually, our first instinct is to rub the knee (a non-painful stimulus), which helps us feel less pain.

What Injuries Can Be Treated With Acupuncture

Acupuncture can help in the healing process of many muscle and joint injuries. However, it is important to note that it won’t exactly heal these injuries. For example, if a muscle is torn, acupuncture will not repair the tear. However, it can assist in the symptoms associated with the tear, primarily by decreasing pain. Acupuncture has been used to aid in the recovery of a number of injuries, such as rotator cuff tendonitis, tennis elbow, and mechanical neck and back pain.

What Are The Risks Associated With Acupuncture?

The risks associated with acupuncture treatment are relatively minimal. The most common side effect is soreness and/or bruising in the region where the needles are inserted. The risk of infection is extremely LOW since the needles are pre-sterilized and used once. Some people might feel light-headed or dizzy after acupuncture treatment, so it is important to make sure you are well-hydrated and have eaten before your treatment session. If you are pregnant or have had other medical conditions (ex., cancer, stroke, etc.), there are certain points or areas that your practitioner will avoid. This is why it is extremely important to be thorough when reporting your medical history to your practitioner.

If you would like to learn more, ask your practitioner to discuss whether it would be an appropriate option for you, or book an initial assessment with us here!

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Is it Sciatica?

Chances are, if you’ve had back pain or leg pain, you’ve heard the term Sciatica.

So what is it?

Sciatica refers to an injury to or compression of the Sciatic Nerve. This is a very large nerve that originates in the lower back and runs down the back of each leg.

To give a bit of background detail… nerves innervate our whole bodies, and via electrical impulses, provide both power to the muscles and sensation to the skin. When a nerve is injured or compressed, we can experience symptoms of pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling.

Symptoms of Sciatica:

Pain that can go down the back of the leg (from the gluts, down into the back of the thigh, into the calf, and into the top or sole of the foot)

Numbness along the same area

Weakness in the leg with certain movements (e.g., does your foot get caught tripping as you walk? Are you able to walk on your toes?)

Tingling along the same area

Causes of Sciatica?

Disc bulges or herniations in the lumbar spine (the disc can press on the nerve)

Spinal stenosis (the canal through which the Sciatic nerve travels has narrowed due to arthritic changes and that can cause pressure on the nerve)

Piriformis syndrome (muscles in the glut area can get tight and compress the nerve as well)

If you are experiencing any Sciatic symptoms and they are not improving/worsening after 2-3 days, then Physiotherapy can likely help!

We do a thorough assessment to find the source of the nerve compression and provide:

Manual therapy techniques to relax tight muscles and help the nerve glide more easily

Additionally, manual therapy techniques can help take the pressure off from disc bulge or herniation and improve joint mobility

Exercise therapy to strengthen the back and core, stretch the tight musculature, and glide the nerve more freely

There are exercises we can show you that also help take the pressure off the nerve if the compression is happening in the spine

PT Kristina performing the slump test

If you’re not sure, you can always give us a call and ask one of our physiotherapists!

Other recommendations in the meantime:

Performing gentle stretches like the image above can help relieve symptoms!

Try ice or heat on your back or gluts

Speak to your primary physician regarding pain management options

Avoid exclusive backrest

If you are doing any exercises that aggravate your symptoms, STOP them temporarily

Reduce your general activity i.e. “take it easy” for the first few days

Alternate positions (sit, stand, walk) rather than doing one for a prolonged time

Do not lift anything heavy, e.g. >20 lb, especially from the floor

Do not ignore this issue for weeks because it likely WILL get worse and it will then take longer to heal…

If you would like to learn more or book your initial physiotherapy assessment along with treatment, book your appointment now.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Acupuncture for Diabetes

In addition to Western Medical Management, acupuncture can be a helpful addition to help manage diabetes.

Acupuncture helps release endorphins. This helps naturally decrease pain, and stimulates the endocrine system. There is also some indication that acupuncture can help manage blood sugar levels and bring balance back to the body.

Acupuncture can increase the speed of digestion. Slowed digestion can be caused by higher blood glucose levels.

Diabetic neuropathy symptoms can be treated with acupuncture as well as prevented.

Oakville rehab clinic with Physiotherapists, massage Therapists, chiropodist

We do not suggest using acupuncture as a sole treatment or management for diabetes. It is important to manage your blood sugar not only through medication, but with exercise and food intake. Acupuncture is simply a part of the puzzle of finding your best health.

Contact us to book with our North Oakville Acupuncturist for this or other health issues.

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?

It is easy to mistake the symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) for other things.

TOS is a complex issue that can take time to diagnose. This is because the symptoms can be seemingly diffuse and difficult to pinpoint.

Thoraoc Outlet Syndrome is a condition affecting the upper extremities. There are a number of arm symptoms.

TOS is caused by the compression of structures in what is called the neurovascular bundle. The name is just what you think. This bundle contains nerves and vasculature (veins and arteries) that move together. They are responsible for sending messages to and from the brain and spinal cord, and blood to and from the heart.

The area of compression of these structures is in the thoracic outlet. The thoracic outlet is made of the area above the first rib, at the side of the neck, between the collarbone and rib and between the top ribs and the muscle of the pectorals minor.

Some Facts:

  • TOS is more common in women
  • Structural anomalies, can contribute to the development of TOS. This includes having an extra rib, or differences where some neck muscles attach.

Types of TOS:

  1. Vascular – Is less common. It affects the blood supply in the thoracic region.
  2. Neurological – Is broken into true neurological and symptomatic subgroups.
  3. True Neurological – is called true, because it can be confirmed using imaging.
  4. Symptomatic TOS – is the presence of symptoms without finding anything in the imaging. This is the most common type of TOS by far. Because of this many people are lead on a “wild goose chase” of tests and imaging, even before being sent to Physio, Massage, or Acupuncture.

Signs and Symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome:

The signs and symptoms can vary between people. They can fluctuate and range from an annoyance to very painful.

  • Pain – in the neck, shoulder, arm or chest.
  • Tingling and Numbness – in the arm and / or hand
  • Swelling, coolness, visible discolouration of the arm / hand are more rare symptoms.
  • Tension or thickening in the side neck muscles (called the scalenes).
Man at desk showing tennis elbow being treated by an Oakville Physio

Yes we Treat TOS at our North Oakville Clinic:

We benefit form working in a multidisciplinary clinic where we can work together to help the same person. We are able to collaborate and bounce ideas off of one another (with a patients permission of course).

Our Oakville Physiotherapists, Massage Therapists, and Acupuncturist are able to work within their scope of practice. This allows us to help a person with TOS manage their symptoms as well as improve.

TOS is generally treated conservatively. This means through the use of medications prescribed by your physician, exercises, and some hands-on treatment. Most cases do improve over time with consistent treatment including a home program.

Exercises for TOS focus on postures, nerve mobilizations, muscle strength and control of the shoulder blade muscles. Physiotherapists may provide some stretching, soft tissue techniques of tight muscles and mobilizations of the ribs and neck. Your Massage Therapist will offer gentle stretching, and massage of areas of tension. Your acupuncturist may provide acupuncture along the course of the nerves affected. This may help decrease the numbness and tingling, relax muscles, help with pain and help with inflammation.

photo showing Massage Therapy in Oakville

If you have been having pain, tingling, and numbness in the arm, we are here to help.

Contact our North Oakville Clinic. We service our local areas of Milton, Oakville, and Burlington within clinic and our Physiotherapists are able to “see” and treat patients virtually all over Ontario.

, , , , , , , , , , , ,