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? (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)
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)
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