PAIN MANAGEMENT
Acupuncture for Pain Relief in West Edmonton
Pain is the most common reason people book at Healify. Acupuncture is one of the better-studied complementary options for chronic back and neck pain, osteoarthritis and headaches, and many people use it alongside the care they receive from their doctor, physiotherapist or chiropractor.
Pain we commonly see
- Lower back pain
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Sciatica
- Headaches and migraines
- Knee pain and osteoarthritis
- Myofascial pain and muscle tension
- Sports injuries
- Nerve pain
- Fibromyalgia
Choose your concern
What a large research review found
The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health summarizes a 2018 review: in 12 studies (8,003 participants), acupuncture was more effective than no treatment for back or neck pain, and in 10 studies (1,963 participants) it was more effective than sham acupuncture. The difference between acupuncture and no treatment was greater than the difference between acupuncture and sham acupuncture.
How treatment works at Healify
- Your first visit (60 minutes) includes a full health history, a Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment and your first treatment.
- Frank explains what he thinks is contributing to your symptoms, what acupuncture can and can’t realistically do, and a suggested plan.
- Many people start with a short course of about 4–6 sessions. We review progress together, and if you aren’t seeing meaningful change we discuss whether to continue or whether another provider would help more.
Working alongside your other care
Pain medication and other treatments help many people. Some patients also look for non-drug options to use alongside them. We look at the factors that may be contributing to your pain, such as posture, activity, sleep and stress, and we refer you on when something needs a medical assessment.
What the research says
- Better-supported: chronic low back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis pain and headache or migraine prevention have the most consistent research support, including large reviews comparing acupuncture with sham treatment and usual care.
- Mixed or emerging: menstrual pain has promising but inconsistent results.
- Uncertain: for many other types of pain, good-quality studies are limited. We will tell you honestly if we don’t think acupuncture is the best place to start.
When to see a doctor first
Seek medical care promptly if pain follows a fall or accident, or comes with fever, unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, new weakness or numbness, or pain that is severe and getting worse. Numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or new problems controlling your bladder or bowels, needs emergency care.
Common questions
How many sessions will I need for pain?
It varies with how long you have had the pain and what is causing it. Many people try about 4–6 sessions and review progress before deciding whether to continue.
Can I have acupuncture while seeing a physiotherapist or chiropractor?
Yes. Many patients combine them. Let each provider know what treatments you are having.
Is acupuncture the same as dry needling?
Both use fine needles, but acupuncture by a Registered Acupuncturist is based on a full acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment and a broader training program. Frank has also trained in dry needling and uses both acupuncture and dry needling techniques, depending on your condition and how you respond to each.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Acupuncture: Effectiveness and Safety. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-effectiveness-and-safety
- Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. J Pain. 2018;19(5):455–474. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2017.11.005