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Pain and Acupuncture:

the evidence for effectiveness

When you suffer from pain, whether it is chronic (lasting more than 12 weeks) or acute (a sudden alert to an injury), it can make it difficult to carry out normal and enjoyable daily activities which can ultimately have a significant impact on the quality of your life.

 

Pain is often associated with:

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• Fatigue 

• Restricted movement

• Sleep disturbance

• Decreased appetite and;

• Mood swings

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Whilst there is a growing need for further studies, there is existing evidence to support that acupuncture therapy may be able to help treat conditions including:

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• Back pain (chronic & acute)

• Sport Injuries

• Post Operative Pain
• Pelvic Tilt Syndrome

• Piriformis Syndrome
• Sciatica

Tendinitis

• Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Musculoskeletal Pain and Tighness
• “Unexplained” leg pains
• Shoulder and neck injuries / tension and;
• Foot and ankle conditions
 

 

A study which assessed acupuncture's effectiveness in relieving lower back pain determined that acupuncture effectively relieves chronic low back pain.  Link to study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15838072

 

Another study which analysed data on traditional Chinese Medicine techniques to treat pain and disability resulting from neck and lower back determined that acupuncture, acupressure, and cupping could be effective in treating the pain and disability associated with chronic neck pain or lower back pain in the immediate term. Link to study: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0117146

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Postoperative pain resulting from surgical trauma is a significant challenge for healthcare providers and patients. A study evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture and acupuncture-related techniques in treating postoperative pain, indicated that certain methods of acupuncture improved postoperative pain on the first day after surgery and reduced medication use such as opioids.  In conclusion, this study supports the use of acupuncture as a helpful therapy in treating postoperative pain. Link to study: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0150367

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​If you are suffering from pain and/or an injury and are considering acupuncture as a treatment option, please contact us today to see how we may be able to help aid in your recovery and enhance your well being.

All Sports Natural

Healing Clinic

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