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Acupuncture Milton, Oakville, Burlington, ON
Home » How We Treat » Acupuncture

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of physiotherapy, and it is still widely practiced today. Once a form of Eastern medicine that was unique to physicians who specialized in Asian medicinal practices, acupuncture has grown greatly in popularity, especially over the past century, and has been recognized within Western medical research as being a highly effective tool for supporting injury recovery, mobility issues, and in treating chronic pain.

One highly effective use for acupuncture is the treatment of muscle tension. There are many reasons as to why muscle tension may become a personal health issue. In some situations, muscle tension will develop after extreme bouts of emotional stress, but other causes are more physical in nature. A sports injury or a car accident can cause a muscle to become tense, especially following a larger injury. Other times, repeated motions can cause muscle tension to develop. This includes regular lifting, typing, and other household tasks. 

While an especially common complaint in the lower back and neck, muscle tension can develop anywhere. Too many people attempt to turn to medicinal pain management to ease tension in the muscles, but this is not a long-term solution, and many pain management medications have unpleasant side effects that make taking them long-term unwise or even impossible.

Muscle tightness is something of a vicious cycle. It both causes pain on its own, and further results in other parts of the body tensing up in anticipation of that pain. Many patients find acupuncture helpful for both decreasing pain and relaxing the body overall. Working with a physiotherapist to address muscle tension is the most effective way to take long-term action in overcoming this concern.

Understanding Acupuncture

Perhaps because it has ancient roots in Eastern medicine, acupuncture is often looked at as a quasi-science, with semi-majestic connotations that question the authority and effectiveness of the treatment method. Acupuncture uses targeted puncturing to release tension in the body. While this is sometimes done with large needles, it can also be completed with small pins, pressurized balls, and even cups.

Acupuncturists use needles or other tools to gently apply pressure both at the place of stiffness, and at distant parts of the body that control different pathways to healing — such as to the glandular system. Using the glandular system and knowledge of the pathways of inflammation, acupuncturists target the entire bodily system, alleviating tension everywhere to help decrease pain and increase quality of life.

Acupuncture works by stimulating natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body, including a combination of endorphins and neurotransmitters. The release of these chemicals triggers the pain receptors in the brain to experience less pain. Then, by stimulating blood flow to the area experiencing muscle tension, acupuncture also helps to heal that area of the body as increased circulation in an injured area naturally speeds recovery.

By releasing natural painkillers in the body, acupuncture needles help short-circuit the loop of pain, and stiffness from anticipating pain. This works in the following ways:

●  Endorphin release: Endorphins are happy chemicals that are naturally released by the body. They are typically released during physical activity, especially during cardio activities, and are the reason behind what is often referred to as “runner’s high,” the euphoric-like experience that people get when running long distances.

Acupuncture will also stimulate the release of these mood-boosting and pain-suppressing opioid neuropeptides. When your nervous system releases endorphins you automatically begin to experience less pain, and this can help alleviate pain from muscle tension, too. Just as importantly, the areas that were “taking up” the slack by working harder to support the original source of stiffness will also be relaxed.

●  Neurohormone production: In addition to endorphins, another way to alleviate pain naturally is by stimulating neurotransmitter and hormone production. These chemicals are directly related to your mood and perception of different environmental factors, and could be the reason why you handle stress differently one day to the next. The stimulation of neurohormone production puts your body in a better situation to handle muscle tension more effectively. Substances like dopamine are released by your body’s glandular system through strategic placement of acupuncture needles. The needles stimulate the glands so that their secretion is regulated in a more pain-suppressing manner. Dopamine also plays a role in relieving muscular and emotional tension, further enhancing the effects of the acupuncture treatment. 

Another common cause of muscle tension is the development of muscle adhesion. Essentially, this happens when over a prolonged period of time, a buildup of scar tissue develops on the connective tissue that joins nerves and muscles. These adhesions often cause a general stiffening up of the affected muscle groups, because they become fused to one another. (In addition, other muscle groups that rush in to support the failing ones also become overworked.)

A skillful acupuncturist will be able to identify these adhesions and target them with strategic placement of acupuncture needles. If after treatment some muscles are relaxing and others aren’t — This could signify adhesions on the connective tissue. Applying needles directly to that area helps dissolve these buildups by improving blood circulation and healing endorphins.

Acupuncture is an effective method for alleviating chronic pain that results from muscle tension, but it is not something that can be practiced at home or without a licensed and experienced acupuncturist. Contact MEX Physio in Milton, Oakville, Burlington, ON for an appointment and to find out how this form of treatment may be able to support your optimal wellbeing.

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imran khalil
23:01 19 Sep 24
Felt really great after the the session
Aloma Rasquinha
23:07 13 Sep 24
I went to MEX Physio as I was experiencing some pain in my lower back. After just one session, I was impressed with Gaya. What I find most valuable is her approach to treatment, which is to address the root cause of the problem and not just the symptoms.It has been three sessions and I cannot believe the flexibility and mobility I have gained. She has earned a customer for life!
Robert Haughton
19:18 06 Sep 24
Highly Recommend!I worked with Shiv Shankar Chokalingam for my shoulder issues, and he was amazing. He’s friendly, easy to talk to, and knows what he’s doing.After his sessions, my shoulder got so much better. I’m really happy with the progress. If you need help with any physical problems, I definitely recommend going to Shiv!
Lee Furness
12:54 21 Aug 24
I had an excellent experience at MEX Physio with Rei, a registered massage therapist. Rei is highly skilled, attentive, and truly understands how to tailor treatments to individual needs. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and comfortable. The massage was both relaxing and therapeutic, addressing my specific concerns effectively. I highly recommend Rei to anyone seeking professional and personalized massage therapy.Ann-Marie,
Shazia Faisal
20:46 19 Aug 24
I want to express my sincere appreciation for Gayathri Dhandapani. My first physiotherapy session exceeded my expectations, thanks to her expertise and professionalism. I felt genuinely cared for and impressed with the service. I also want to thank the owner for maintaining such high standards of quality and customer satisfaction. Your commitment to creating a welcoming and professional environment is truly commendable.
Shaina Suleman
03:26 19 Jul 24
My experience with Mex Physio has been wonderful so far. Service from my physiotherapist alone is exceptional. Maria listens to you wholeheartedly and works towards your needs and concern(s). Front desk personnel goes beyond their way to accommodate your needs without feeling sense of helplessness. I recommend anybody who's looking for any kind of wellness service to give Mex Physio a try
houston recoskie
19:54 28 May 24
My 13-year-old son recently injured his knee, and we were fortunate to have Shiv Shankar as his physiotherapist. From the very first session, it was clear how caring, patient, and dedicated Shiv is. He took the time to thoroughly understand my son’s condition and tailored a treatment plan that was both effective and manageable.Shiv’s approach was not only professional but also incredibly supportive. He ensured my son felt comfortable and motivated throughout his recovery process. His attention to detail and genuine concern for my son’s well-being made a significant difference in his progress.We are deeply grateful for Shiv’s exceptional care and expertise. He is a wonderful human being and an outstanding physiotherapist. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of physiotherapy.
Reneta D'souza
02:10 16 May 24
I can’t speak highly enough of my experience with physiotherapy at Mex Physio. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warmth and professionalism setting the tone for what would be a transformative journey.Shiv is super knowledgeable and he has helped me improve my mobility issue.I’m immensely grateful to the entire team at Mex Physio for their expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication to my well-being. If you’re seeking a partner in you journey to better health, look no further than Mex Physio. They’re simply the best.

CONDITIONS WE TREAT

  • Concussion
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  • Neck Pain
  • Golf Injuries
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  • Hip and Knee Pain
  • Elbow Wrist & Hand Pain
  • Foot and Ankle Pain
  • Balance & Gait Disorders
  • Dizziness & Vertigo
  • Arthritis
  • Chronic Pain
  • Pre-Surgical Rehab
  • Post-Surgical Rehab
  • TMJ Dysfunction
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  • View More Conditions

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