Orthopedic acupuncture is a subspecialty of acupuncture therapy which is used for addressing musculoskeletal pain and promoting rehabilitation. It uses special needling techniques, including the use of trigger and motor points, manual and electric stimulation techniques, and adjunctive manual and herbal therapies to alleviate pain and optimize the body’s healing processes. Orthopedic acupuncture offers unique benefits that set it apart from other needle treatment modalities, such as dry needling and injection therapy. We incorporate orthopedic acupuncture into our treatments here at the clinic every day. Read on to learn about how it works to improve the lives of our patients.
Terms to Learn: Some of the Key Components of Orthopedic Acupuncture
Orthopedic Assessment: an orthopedic acupuncturist is educated in the medical anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology of the human musculoskeletal system. Using palpation, physical exam, joint and muscle testing, and visual analysis of how the patient moves, the practitioner can discern the area requiring treatment and establishes a baseline from which to measure improvement.
Segmental Approach: By treating the corresponding spinal nerve roots which relate to the area to be treated, acupuncturists can elicit a natural pain-relieving effect, increase blood flow to the nerve and soft tissues, and restore the proper functioning of the nerve. For example, one of the most common areas of a “pinched nerve” in the lumbar spine occurs at the L4/L5 lumbar segment.
There are several different ways to use a segmental approach using acupuncture. One method is to use a gentle, shallow needling technique about .5 inches away from the center line of the back at the level of the involved spinal vertebrae. This can treat symptoms such as pain which radiates into the leg, weakness or numbness in the legs, and local pain in the low back. In fact, this is actually a technique that is hundreds of years old, but we build upon our ancestors’ knowledge and skill by combining it with our contemporary understanding of human anatomy.
Trigger points are highly irritable knots and adhesions found in tight bands of muscle fibers that can cause localized or referred pain. In orthopedic acupuncture, these trigger points are meticulously identified and treated through precise needling techniques. By targeting these trigger points, orthopedic acupuncturists aim to release muscle tension, promote blood circulation, and restore the body’s natural balance. Often the release of a trigger point can result in an instantaneous relief of pain and tension, restored mobility, and a palpable feeling of release and blood flow to the affected area.
Motor Points are specific points within muscles that directly affect their function. Orthopedic acupuncture incorporates motor points into treatment to enhance muscular performance and stimulate neuromuscular pathways. By precisely needling motor points, we can help activate weakened muscles, improve range of motion, and enhance overall functionality.
Electric Stimulation is a core feature of orthopedic acupuncture. By adding a mild electrical current to the inserted needles, acupuncturists can intensify the therapeutic effect. Electric stimulation helps stimulate nerve endings, increase blood flow, and promote tissue regeneration. This technique can be particularly beneficial for chronic pain management, muscle rehabilitation, and accelerating the healing process.
Adjunctive Therapies are additional modalities used in treatment which may include the use of traditional herbal medicine both topical and ingested, manual soft tissue massage, stretching and muscle balance techniques, and therapeutic healing exercises like tai chi, qi gong, and yoga.
What Else Makes This Style Unique?
So far, a lot of this seems like a very modern medical approach! It is, and lately it seems like everyone is getting in on the needling action. You may have heard about “dry needling” (meaning there is no substance actually injected) by chiropractors, physical therapists, and even athletic trainers. Why have these medical professionals started using needles in treatment? Because they work. There is a debate around scope of practice for medical professionals and skill and safety for using needles in treatments with limited training. This is an important topic for both patients and professionals, but let's reserve that for another discussion.
For now, let’s read on to see how using this modern approach along with traditional Chinese medicine is a winning combination, and I’ll discuss the training and qualifications required to work safely and effectively in this way.
Orthopedic acupuncture is a specialty track, meaning not all acupuncturists use this style, and it most often takes additional training by licensed acupuncturists beyond their initial degree in acupuncture.
It is important to mention that even if an acupuncturist only treats patients using the highly effective traditional points and channels in the body (a complete medical system within itself), no acupuncturist in New Jersey may get a license to practice without a formal degree in acupuncture as well as the passing of the state board licensing exam. Both include study and competency in human anatomy and physiology from a Western medical model. New Jersey Acupuncturists know their anatomy!
Please don’t be fooled by misinformation that describes acupuncturists loosely as energy workers who use some kind of magic or deception with no basis in a medical approach to the human body. This is a marketing technique that mischaracterizes this ancient and proven natural medicine as primitive and ineffective. To some, it may seem like magic because it works so well, or perhaps because of a cultural bias and misunderstanding of natural medicine. Our ancestors knew how to restore health by following the patterns of the natural world. Their techniques were elegant and highly refined for their time, and still prove effective time and time again in the treatment room. Our “modern” approach simply adds to the wisdom of how the body works that has been passed down through the centuries to determine the most appropriate and effective method for treatment.
There are many of us out here, like me, who see the value in both ancient and modern medicine, who have spent years training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, orthopedic assessment and therapeutic modalities COMBINED with proven ancient healing techniques. This is a total plus in my book!
We have many referrals from orthopedic and pain management doctors, neurologists, and physical therapists who also see the positive impact that a combined approach gives to their patients.
My patients can benefit from the fact that I am basically a nerd who spends a lot of my time, several training seminars per year, and hundreds of treatments per month learning about and perfecting both ancient and modern healing methods for the best patient outcomes. After almost 14 years of needling, I am as comfortable using a needle as I am a pen or a spoon.
A typical orthopedic-style treatment at our clinic involves an active assessment and needling phase, with direct needle and manual treatment where appropriate. We then incorporate movement or repeat a test for the patient to determine changes in pain and mobility in real time. This is followed by a resting period with systemic, more traditional style acupuncture points supporting the body’s natural healing process and bringing the mind into a more balanced and calm state. Adjunctive therapies are applied where required.
Every patient receives a prescribed treatment plan with defined goals in place. This means we won't ask you to come for months of treatment with no end in sight (although many of our patients come for regular maintenance and relaxation long after their condition has improved). No two patients are treated in exactly the same way for the same condition, there are no specific protocols that we use for everyone, and not all of the above modalities are appropriate for all patients and conditions. Our treatments are customized and adjusted at every step in the process to ensure success for each patient’s unique presentation.
Acupuncture is special because it includes an emphasis on healing both the mind and the body. It is a good thing that we have modern medical science to save lives, perform surgeries, and physically rehabilitate us through our injuries and illnesses. But what about the emotional trauma that dealing with physical pain can bring? What happens after the surgery? What happens when life doesn’t stop and the pain has impacted one’s ability to work, function, and relax? Injury, physical pain, and limitation of movement affect us at our deep emotional levels, causing stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances, relationship conflicts, and reliance on substances to get though the day. Mind/body support through acupuncture and adjunctive therapies is used to access a very important aspect of the human healing process – emotional peace and wellness.
Orthopedic acupuncture stands as a valuable therapeutic option for individuals seeking pain relief, injury recovery, and improved musculoskeletal function. Our clinic uses the best techniques from proven ancient methods, specific traditional acupuncture styles passed down from family lineages, and modern methods and technology to work through a goal-oriented treatment plan for our patients. This healing system is an excellent support for those who are in treatment with a physical therapist, under the care of an orthopedist or pain management specialist, and chiropractic patients. It is also wonderful for athletes and hobbyists who want to improve performance and recover from injuries quickly.
Let’s talk about how Orthopedic Acupuncture can help you! Schedule a free 15 minute consultation or book an appointment for acupuncture today.