Our Services / Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It involves the insertion of tiny thin needles at specific points in the body to treat disease and pain.

TCM acupuncturists place needles in specific energy channels — meridians — that correspond with various organs. The needles rebalance the flow of your body’s life force, called qi, to restore health and wellness.

Though acupuncture is used to treat all types of diseases, many in the United States turn to the ancient healing practice to get help with pain.

What does acupuncture do?

Researchers are still looking into how acupuncture works. However, it’s theorized that the placement of the needles stimulates the nervous, circulatory, and lymphatic systems.

The needles also increase the release of your body’s natural painkillers and feel-good chemicals, reducing pain and easing stress.

Acupuncture is a safe alternative to other pain management treatments and might help reduce your reliance on oral pain medication.

What conditions benefit from acupuncture?

The Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County team uses acupuncture to treat musculoskeletal conditions. They might recommend acupuncture as a complementary treatment for conditions like:

• Arthritis
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Knee pain
• Shoulder pain
• Sports injuries
• Pain after surgery

The team might also suggest acupuncture for soft-tissue injuries like sprains and strains, and muscle spasms to support the body’s natural healing process.

What does acupuncture feel like?

You’ll likely feel a brief prick when the acupuncturist inserts the needle into your skin. You could also experience a dull ache or tingling sensation when the needle reaches the right depth. Acupuncture needles are very thin and cause far less pain than injection-type needles.

Your Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County provider reviews the details of your acupuncture therapy at your initial consultation so that you know what to expect.

The acupuncturist might place several needles at various points in your body. You relax on the acupuncture table while the needles remain in place for a set period, ranging from 3-20 minutes.

You might not notice significant improvements immediately following your first acupuncture session. The team recommends committing to at least five sessions to see if the healing therapy helps you. 

Call the Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about the health benefits of acupuncture.