Acupuncture in Physical Therapy

Brandyn Powelske PT, CAFCI, CGTTP

MScPT, BSc.

Active Physio Works

Tudor Glen

What is Acupuncture • It is a therapeutic method used to

encourage healing, reduce or relieve pain and improve function.

• Involves the insertion of very fine needles through the skin at a specific point

• No injectable of any substance in the treatment

• Minimal discomfort

Origin Story • “Classical” Acupuncture was

developed in China around 100BC

• Was developed at the time as a system of diagnosing and treating pain and disease

• One of the major components of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

• TCM describes AP to aim to balance energy and blood in the body

TCM Regular Meridians

• 12 Regular Meridians

• Duality of Yin and Yang:

• Yin: Feminine, the moon, dark, negative (in general moves towards the body)

• Ying: Male, the sun, positive (in general flow is away from the body)

2 Midline (extraordinary)

Meridians• 2 more midline meridians

• Conception vessel (Yin)

• Governing Vessel (Yang)

• Important points on spine/ head

Western Approach to AP

• Anatomical acupuncture refers to a more modern approach taken today by most western trained practitioners (PT, DC, MD’s etc)

• Combines anatomy, physiology, with traditional acupuncture to treat

• Adjunct to PT

• PT’s will also use modern techniques with AP:

• Electro-AP, Dry- needling

How does it work?

Central (CNS) vs. Local affect

How does it work? (CNS)

� Hypothalamus

� It maintains the body’s homeostasis and coordinates survival function by regulating:� BP/ electrolytes � Temperature� Energy metabolism � Reproductive function � Body response to crisis (flight or fight)

Hypothalamus

CNS Effect • Descending serotonin system (limits noceoception (pain sensation) to brain)

Local effect • Local Twitch response (qi)

• Release of Endorphins • Attach to opiate receptor cites (make you feel good)

• Release of Bradykinin, histamine, prostaglandins--àinflammatory cascade affect:• Vasodilation (increased blood flow to area), veins more permeable to larger

molecules (ie. endorphins)

What does this all mean???

What does this all mean???

Is there any adverse affects or risks to treatment

� Very low risk to treatment when performed by a certified health care professional

� Pregnant women should avoid (possible to stimulate contractions with low back points)

� Hemophiliacs and people on blood thinners should avoid it

� Fear of needles, low blood sugar could cause syncope

� Needles are sterile and disposable (1 time use), alcohol or stanhexadine is used as well

� Pneumothorax (neck points if not done correctly, slender people, osteoporotic scapula

Does it hurt?

� Everyone experiences differing sensation with AP

� Most patients feel only minimal discomfort with needle going in (like a mosquito bite)

� Once needles in place min. to no pain at all (a lot of people report a warm sensation or deep pressure sensation)

� AP needles extremely fine and made from stainless steel

� Two or three AP needles could fit inside the barrel of a regular hollow hypodermic needle used for injections

Questions?Email Brandyn at

clinic@activephysioworks.com