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Acupuncture

Medical acupuncture is the modern, scientific application of an ancient technique. Modern medical practitioners developed medical acupuncture as an adaptation of Chinese acupuncture, and similarly involves insertion of fine, sterile needles. Instead of relying on inexact metaphors to describe the body’s responses to treatment, we employ current knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology, all in keeping with evidence-based medicine.

Modern-day acupuncture uses specific points on the body chosen for neurologic, vascular, or myofascial structure locations, rather than in an attempt to alter “energy flow”. Medical acupuncture courses at CuraCore™ emphasize the importance of a type of physical examination called myofascial palpation that allows the doctor to determine the location and sources of discomfort and dysfunction.

Acupuncture has been researched in the treatment of a number of diseases commonly afflicting our veterinary patients, and can be an invaluable tool in treating arthritis, neurologic conditions, acute and chronic pain, and diseases of the skin and gastrointestinal system.

What Are Some Specific Benefits?

Research on acupuncture is continually building and strengthening the scientific and evidence-informed basis of medical acupuncture. In addition to its well-known effects on acute and chronic pain, medical acupuncture addresses a wide range of medical issues, including:

 

  • Digestive ailments, including inflammation and motility problems
  • Respiratory issues, such as sinusitis and recurrent infections
  • Neurologic problems such as peripheral neuropathy, sciatica, spinal cord injury, intervertebral disc disease, and nerve-based pain problems
  • Musculoskeletal complaints, including knee pain, osteoarthritis, tendinitis, back pain, neck pain, and much more

How Many Treatments May Be Needed?

The number of treatments needed differs from patient to patient. For difficult or long-standing conditions, he or she may need one or two treatments weekly for several weeks. Usually, however, one sees a change in the patient within the first few treatments if the acupuncture is going to make a meaningful difference.

Does acupuncture always help?

Not always.  Like any treatment modality, we expect a few patients to be robust responders, and a few to be non-responders.  The rest of the population will fall comfortably in the middle.  In our experience, most (about 90%) will experience a beneficial response to acupuncture.  While it is not a cure-all, or a replacement for regular veterinary care, it can be a powerful adjunctive therapy in many conditions and can often reduce dependency on more invasive or side-effect prone treatments.

What are the side effects?

When acupuncture is performed by a certified Veterinary professional, it is extremely safe.  Side effects are rare but can occur.  You may notice your pet is more sleepy/lethargic after treatment, or they may seem more stiff for 24-48h hours after treatment.