Acupuncture in Woodside

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing technique dating back 5000 years. It was documented and publicized in the U.S. National Institutes of Health in 1997 for its safety and ability to treat many conditions.

Through the stimulation of acupoints by fine, sterile needles, acupuncture can improve the body's functions and alleviate pain. At times other techniques will be used in relation to enhance the therapy, including:

  • Pressure
  • Heat
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Massage
  • Cupping
  • Herbal medicines

Like other areas of physiotherapy at One To One Physical Therapy, acupuncture focuses on a whole-body approach, and holistic healing over time.

If you suffer from chronic pain—especially back pain, headaches, arthritis or even anxiety, you could be a prime candidate for acupuncture treatment. Visit our Woodside clinic today for a consultation!

If You Have Concerns

Clients who are new to acupuncture always want to know two things—if it hurts and if it’s safe.

While the needles can cause a heavy feeling or numbness, this is a sign that the therapy is working. As the needles are so fine, pain is rarely an associated feeling.

In terms of safety, sterile and disposable needles are always used.

  • With acute irregular heartbeat, or heart failure.
  • Who are taking anticoagulants within two weeks.
  • With liver failure.
  • With unstable diabetes.

Clients with hemophilia or who are far along in pregnancy will be treated with extra care and caution.

If you have a phobia of needles, laser acupuncture will be offered.

Prepping for Your First Appointment

Once you have arranged an acupuncture session with your therapist at One To One Physical Therapy, they will inform you of some dos and don’ts pre-treatment, including:

  • Avoid exercise two hours prior to treatment.
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes two hours prior to treatment.
  • Avoid alcohol four hours prior to treatment.
  • Be sure to eat before treatment.

Once you arrive, much like other intro therapy sessions, your acupuncturist will discuss your pain and your goals for recovery. This is how they will determine the meridians in which to place the acupuncture needles.

Your First Appointment at One To One Physical Therapy

While most continuing acupuncture sessions only last 15-20 minutes, your first session could be double that, or more. This is to allow for a full assessment and discussion regarding your treatment. At this point you can ask your therapist any questions you may have.

Your therapist will require documentation of any recent blood work, and information on any medications, herbs or supplements you take.

Some questions you will be asked may seem strange, but acupuncture is a unique and different style of therapy that relates to different parts of your body than physical or medical therapy usually does. Physiotherapy deals with your bodily humors what lays beneath the surface rather than that vague back pain you're feeling.

After a basic physical checkup, your therapy can begin. Expect your therapist to use between 4 and 15 needles at a time.

Following your first appointment, you may be given herbs to take and/or exercises to do at home between appointments to strengthen your system.