Acupuncture and Healing: A Physiotherapy View

Musculoskeletal injuries, ranging from sprains and strains to chronic conditions like tendonitis and back pain, are some of the most common reasons individuals seek medical care and/or physiotherapy treatment. Initially, they can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma, overuse, poor posture, or aging. While conventional treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and surgery are often used to address these conditions, acupuncture has emerged as a complementary and alternative therapy. Fortunately, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting it may be effective in promoting healing, reducing pain, and improving function.

Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow. By targeting specific points, practitioners aim to restore balance and promote natural healing. 

How does acupuncture work for musculoskeletal injuries?

1. Pain management: One of the primary reasons individuals seek acupuncture for musculoskeletal injuries is its ability to reduce pain. Studies suggest that it stimulates the nervous system to release neurotransmitters, such as endorphins and serotonin, which are known to reduce the perception of pain. Ultimately, it can alleviate discomfort from injuries like sprains, strains, and even chronic conditions like arthritis or sciatica
2. Promoting circulation and healing: Secondly, it has been shown to improve blood circulation to the affected areas of the body. By inserting needles into specific acupuncture points, blood flow can be increased, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues. As a result, this helps tissue repair and may speed up the healing process for musculoskeletal injuries
3. Reducing inflammation: Inflammation is a common response to injury and can contribute to pain and delayed healing. Acupuncture is believed to help regulate the body’s inflammatory response, reducing swelling and discomfort after an injury. In fact, some studies suggest that it may inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory substances and enhance the body’s anti-inflammatory response
4. Relaxation of Muscles and Joints: Musculoskeletal injuries often lead to muscle tension or joint stiffness. Acupuncture can help relax tense muscles and restore normal joint function. Through insertion of needles into certain points, it can produce a relaxation response and improve range of motion. This is particularly beneficial for conditions like frozen shoulder, neck pain, and lower back pain
5. Enhancing Healing at the Cellular Level: Emerging research indicates that acupuncture may stimulate the production of growth factors, which are essential for tissue repair and regeneration. These growth factors can support the healing of muscles, tendons, and ligaments that have been damaged due to injury. By promoting cell regeneration, it may help reduce recovery time and improve long-term outcomes.

Is this treatment supported by science?

While acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years, modern research has begun to investigate its potential benefits in treating musculoskeletal injuries. Several studies have examined the effectiveness for specific conditions, such as:

• Chronic low back pain: It has been found to provide significant relief for individuals suffering from chronic low back pain. Research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine showed that acupuncture was more effective than conventional treatments like physical therapy and pain medication in managing chronic low back pain
• Knee osteoarthritis: Furthermore, it has been shown to be beneficial for knee osteoarthritis, a condition characterized by pain, stiffness, and reduced function due to joint degeneration. Studies indicate that acupuncture can help reduce pain and improve function in individuals with osteoarthritis, making it an attractive alternative to medications or invasive treatments
• Tennis elbow: Another musculoskeletal injury that has responded well to acupuncture is tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), a condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the elbow. This treatment may reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and promote healing in affected tissues, offering an alternative to corticosteroid injections or surgery

Practical considerations and limitations

Although acupuncture can be highly effective for many individuals, it is important to consider that it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution. Results can vary depending on the severity of the injury, the individual’s overall health, and each individual’s unique response to treatment. In many cases, it is best used as a complementary treatment alongside conventional therapies like physical therapy, exercises, and proper nutrition.

Looking to try acupuncture?

Then look for PhysioNow! We have many experienced Physiotherapists that are registered to perform acupuncture. At our clinic, you can receive acupuncture alongside your regular Physiotherapy treatment to get the benefits from both! With 10 PhysioNow clinics across the GTA, we are happy to provide first-rate service to many neighbourhoods. Book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment!

Images by Freepik