Acupuncture

How it works?

Medical acupuncture is a technique derived from traditional Chinese acupuncture. It is a science-based, evidence-informed approach to integrative medicine that incorporates current knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology. It involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate local nerves. This stimulation releases chemicals, including endorphins and serotonin, which influence nearby nerves, muscles, and blood vessels and communicates with the whole nervous system. This process helps regulate bodily functions, relieve tension, alleviate pain, promote healing, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation. Acupuncture is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical association as mainstream treatment in Veterinary Medicine and is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an effective treatment for many conditions and diseases.

Conditions that may benefit?

Research on acupuncture is continually building and strengthening the scientific and evidence-informed basis of medical acupuncture. In addition to its well-known effects on acute and chronic pain, medical acupuncture addresses a wide range of medical issues, including:

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Cranial Cruciate Ligament tears (post surgical and conservative management)

  • Lameness and compensatory issues due to lameness

  • Mobility-impaired Senior and Geriatric pets

  • Pain management after surgical procedures

  • Neck and back pain

  • Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

  • Tendinitis

  • Intervertebral Disc Disease (post surgical and nonsurgical)

  • Degenerative Myelopathy

  • Neurological Disease

  • Urinary and fecal incontinence

  • Anxiety

  • Digestive disorders such as chronic constipation

 

What to expect?

During our initial visit, we will obtain a history and perform a thorough orthopedic, neurological and myofascial examination on your pet. We then develop a personalized acupuncture treatment plan tailored to your pet. Sterile needles are inserted into the skin at specific points corresponding to your pet's condition and our exam findings. The needles may be manipulated manually or stimulated with electrical current (electroacupuncture) to enhance the therapeutic effects and are left in place for 5-10 minutes. We may also include the use of massage and laser therapy to enhance response to treatment.  During subsequent visits, we briefly discuss how your pet is doing and their response to treatment followed by another exam and treatment.

Is it safe and when does it start working?

Acupuncture is very safe. Most patients relax and fall asleep during their treatments but some prefer to stand. Some patients will have an immediate response to treatment, while others will improve after a few treatments. On occasion, your pets condition may worsen the first 24 hours before it gets better. Most animals benefit from 4–6 weekly sessions initially, with biweekly sessions recommended for acute conditions. To maintain therapeutic benefits, treatments are typically continued monthly. We suggest committing to at least 4 treatments before deciding whether acupuncture will benefit your pet. The biggest risk, although rare, is if your pet consumes a needle. We recommend having someone present during the entire appointment to help distract your pet.