Acupuncture in Physiotherapy - A Powerful Tool for Optimal Healing

Introduction

There are many physiotherapy techniques that are in practice nowadays for the management of pain and muscle stiffness. Acupuncture is one of the most traditional and commonly used physiotherapy techniques for reducing muscle spasms. Acupuncture therapy in physiotherapy has shown wonders in the management of different chronic conditions like fibromyalgia (pain and muscle stiffness involving multiple joints).

How Does Acupuncture Work for Relieving Pain?

Acupuncture methods in physiotherapy work by releasing chemical mediators that help to combat pain, such as endorphins, melatonin, and serotonin. These chemicals are released from the stimulation of the brain and spinal cord by acupuncture methods. These chemicals initiate sleep and help reduce pain sensations.

What Are the Benefits of Acupuncture Techniques?

There are numerous benefits of acupuncture in physiotherapy:

• It helps in alleviating pain.

• Acupuncture helps to relieve muscle spasms.

• Helps in reducing stiffness in the joints.

• Helps in reducing muscle sprain and spasms.

• Helps in reducing swelling and tenderness in the muscles and joints.

• Acupuncture stimulates pain-relieving chemicals like serotonin and endorphins.

• Aids in the relaxation of the body muscles.

• Improve blood circulation in the area.

• Sleep quality is improved by acupuncture techniques.

What Conditions Can Derive Benefits From Acupuncture?

Acupuncture can be used to benefit people with:

• Severe migraines.

• Headaches.

• Arthritis (swelling and pain in the joints).

• Pain in the back and neck in people with long sitting or standing hours.

• Sports injuries like muscle sprain.

• Relieve stress.

• Long-standing pain.

• Acute injuries.

• Relax the muscles.

• Nerve pain.

• Tennis elbow.

What Are the Different Types of Acupuncture Techniques?

After a thorough examination and diagnosis of the source and nature of pain by the trained physiotherapist, acupuncture techniques are performed. There are various types of acupuncture techniques done by the physiotherapist depending on the location and intensity of pain such as:

• Conventional Acupuncture Technique: Pre-sterilized, one-time-use needles of different sizes and materials are available for acupuncture. Based on the location of pain, a particular type of acupuncture needle of the required size and material is selected by the physiotherapist and is used to safely prick the affected area. Several needles can be used during this technique. These needles are kept in position for around 30 to 35 minutes at the trigger points until the patient starts feeling relaxed. After half an hour, these needles are safely removed. This method helps to relax the affected muscles and reduce the associated pain.

• Acupressure Acupuncture Method: Acupuncture by manual acupressure method is followed by the trained physiotherapist by stimulating the trigger points in the affected area by performing acupressure by fingers. It is usually a preferred method in children and other individuals with a phobia of needles. The amount of pressure applied is determined by the trained physiotherapist depending on the severity and location of the pain.

• Laser Acupuncture Techniques: It is one of the advanced techniques that utilizes low-level laser therapy beams for performing acupuncture techniques. This method is mostly preferred by patients having a fear of needles, children, sports injuries, and sensitive areas.

• Cupping Acupuncture Technique: The cupping technique is one of the older methods used for acupuncture. A preformed cup of different diameters and material (mostly silicone) is used to stimulate the trigger points to improve blood circulation in the affected areas and reduces pain and muscle spasm.

• Electro-Acupuncture Technique: In this method, an acupuncture needle is inserted, and it is coupled with the electrodes attached to the electro-acupuncture machine. These electrodes are used to stimulate the trigger points by generating a low level of electrical impulses at various amplitudes and frequencies, which can be controlled by the electro-acupuncture machine. These electrical impulses help to increase the blood flow in the affected areas and eventually reduce the pain and the muscle spasm. The amplitude and frequency of the electric impulse are determined by the trained physiotherapist based on the patient's symptoms and after ruling out the source of the pain. Electro-acupuncture machines work by stimulating the chemicals in the brain that induce relaxation, sleep and aid in pain reduction.

Is Acupuncture a Safe Procedure?

Acupuncture is completely safe as compared to the other treatment modalities available in medicine. There are no chances of infection as the needles and cups used in acupuncture techniques are pre-sterilized.

What Are the Different Research Methods Done to Understand the Acupuncture Mechanism?

Although the acupuncture technique is very old, it is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that was used long ago. However, much research has been done to understand the role of acupuncture in physiotherapy and its working mechanism. A few types of research done are:

• Effects of Acupuncture on Peripheral Nervous System: According to the research, for an acupuncture effect of analgesia to work, an individual should have an intact peripheral nerve system. In patients with post-herpetic neuralgia (nerve pain after herpes zoster infection), analgesia effects of acupuncture diminish.

• Effects of Acupuncture on the Central Nervous System: According to the research studies, electro-acupuncture methods have different effects on the formation and release of neuropeptides at different intensities and frequencies. Magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography are a few current diagnostic aids that help to understand the effects of acupuncture on the neuronal activity of the brain.

Points to Keep In Mind Before Starting Acupuncture Therapy:

• Make sure to inform the doctor in case of any underlying diseases like hypertension, neurological diseases, and musculoskeletal disorders.

• Pregnant mothers should inform the physiotherapist about their health status, as acupuncture and physiotherapy techniques are contraindicated in pregnant women.

Points to Keep In Mind When Under Acupuncture Therapy:

• It is advised to inform the physiotherapist in case of worsening symptoms. In such situations, physiotherapists usually refer the patients to the concerned specialty doctor for further diagnosis and management of the condition.

• Inform the physiotherapist if the symptoms are not improving.

Conclusion

Pain and continuous muscle spasms may drastically affect the quality of life of people and their ability to perform daily activities. Acupuncture is one of the non-invasive methods used by trained physiotherapists for different medical conditions like long-standing pain and sports injuries. After a thorough examination of the patient, the duration and type of acupuncture techniques are decided by the physiotherapist. It is recommended to inform the healthcare provider in case of any underlying medical condition, as there are certain conditions in which physiotherapy is not recommended.