Acupuncture In Edmonton

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Why Choose Massage Therapy At Riverbend Chiropractic & Wellness?

Welcome to Riverbend Chiropractic & Wellness, located in Riverbend Square, Edmonton, Alberta.

We offer professional acupuncture services to help you achieve optimal health and well-being. Our skilled practitioners utilize the biomedical approach of acupuncture to treat a variety of conditions.

Experienced Providers: Our healthcare providers are highly trained and certified in various acupuncture techniques. Traditional acupuncture, Dry Needling, Electroacupuncture, and IMS.

Personalized Treatment Plans: We customize each session to meet your individual needs and goals.

Relaxing Environment: Our facility is designed to provide a comfortable atmosphere, so you can focus on healing.

Acupuncture at Riverbend Chiropractic & Wellness

We offer a range of acupuncture services to cater to your different preferences and needs.

We offer many forms of treatments, including various acupuncture treatments. Your healthcare provider is able to perform a traditional approach to acupuncture, intramuscular stimulation (IMS), Dry Needling, and Electroacupuncture.

They each have their purpose, and depending on your unique situation, your doctor may recommend one technique over another.

Here are the types of acupuncture we provide:

Traditional AcupunctureBiomedical AcupunctureDry NeedlingIntramuscular Stimulation (IMS)Electroacupuncture

Health Benefits of Regular Massage Therapy

Acupuncture provides numerous health benefits, including:

Pain Relief: Eases muscle tension and alleviates chronic pain.

Stress Reduction: Lowers stress levels and promotes relaxation, reducing your sympathetic tone.

Improved Circulation: Enhances blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues.

Better Sleep: Encourages better sleep patterns and overall restfulness.

Enhanced Flexibility: Improves joint mobility and flexibility.

Non-Invasive: When done correctly, acupuncture is very safe and pain free.

Bottom line

Acupuncture just makes you a better person!

Traditional Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance the flow of energy (Qi) and promote healing.

Traditional acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:

Chronic Pain: Relief from back pain, neck pain, arthritis, and migraines.

Stress and Anxiety: Reduction of stress levels and improvement in mental well-being.

Digestive Issues: Treatment for conditions like IBS, bloating, and nausea.

Women's Health: Support for menstrual irregularities, menopause symptoms, and fertility.

Respiratory Conditions: Relief from asthma, allergies, and sinusitis.

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Health Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance the flow of energy (Qi) and promote healing. It is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:

Chronic Pain: Relief from back pain, neck pain, arthritis, and migraines.

Stress and Anxiety: Reduction of stress levels and improvement in mental well-being.

Digestive Issues: Treatment for conditions like IBS, bloating, and nausea.

Women's Health: Support for menstrual irregularities, menopause symptoms, and fertility.

Respiratory Conditions: Relief from asthma, allergies, and sinusitis.

Biomedical Acupuncture

Biomedical acupuncture, also known as medical acupuncture, is a contemporary approach to acupuncture that integrates traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles with modern biomedical science.

This approach aims to provide a scientific basis for the mechanisms and effectiveness of acupuncture treatments. The key features and concepts of biomedical acupuncture are:

Integration with Western Medicine

: Biomedical acupuncture combines traditional acupuncture techniques with modern medical knowledge, including anatomy, physiology, and pathology. This integration helps to explain how acupuncture works within the framework of contemporary biomedical science.

Evidence-Based Practice: Practitioners of biomedical acupuncture emphasize the use of evidence-based research to validate the efficacy and mechanisms of acupuncture. This approach aims to provide a scientific explanation for the observed clinical effects of acupuncture.

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Focus on Physiological Mechanisms

Biomedical acupuncture explores and explains the physiological mechanisms behind acupuncture, such as the release of neurotransmitters and endorphins, modulation of the nervous system, improved blood circulation, and reduction of inflammation.

Diagnostic Approach

While traditional acupuncture relies on TCM diagnostic methods (such as pulse and tongue diagnosis), biomedical acupuncture incorporates conventional medical diagnostics, including patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic imaging, to inform treatment plans.

Biomedical acupuncture provides a bridge between traditional acupuncture and modern medical science, offering a scientifically grounded approach to acupuncture that is compatible with contemporary healthcare practices.

What Can Biomedical Acupuncture Help With?

Biomedical acupuncture can help with a wide range of conditions, particularly those involving pain management, musculoskeletal issues, and various chronic health problems.

Here are some of the conditions and areas where we use biomedical acupuncture in our office:

Pain Management

Chronic Pain: Persistent pain conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic lower back pain, chronic neck pain, and arthritic pain.Acute Pain: Pain resulting from injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures.Post-Surgical Pain: Pain and discomfort following surgical procedures.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.Tendinitis: Inflammation of tendons, such as in tennis elbow or golfer's elbow.Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, often in the shoulder or hip.Muscle Spasms and Strains: Relief from muscle tightness and injury-related pain.Sciatica: Pain along the sciatic nerve pathway.

Neurological Conditions

Migraines and Headaches: Reduction in frequency and severity of migraines and tension headaches.Neuropathy: Relief from peripheral neuropathy symptoms, including diabetic neuropathy.Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: Supporting recovery of motor and sensory functions.Bell’s Palsy: Improvement in facial muscle function.

General Health and Wellness

Stress Reduction: Overall reduction in stress levels and improvement in relaxation.Enhancing Energy Levels: Improvement in energy and reduction of fatigue.

Biomedical acupuncture's integration of traditional techniques with modern medical knowledge makes it versatile and effective for a broad spectrum of health issues. This approach can be particularly beneficial as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes other medical and therapeutic interventions.

So what are you waiting for?

Book Your Appointment Today

Dry Needling

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that involves inserting thin needles into trigger points in the muscles to relieve pain and improve function.

It is effective for treating conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, such as:

Chronic Pain: Relief from persistent back pain, neck pain, and other chronic pain conditions.

Muscle Tightness: Reduction of muscle tightness and spasms.

Sports Injuries: Treatment for sports-related injuries and muscle strains.

Joint Pain: Alleviation of pain in the shoulders, knees, hips, and other joints.

Postural Issues: Improvement in posture and muscle imbalances.

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Discover the Benefits of Dry Needling

Dry needling is a highly effective technique used by physical therapists and chiropractors to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This technique
involves inserting thin, sterile needles into trigger points—knots in muscles that can cause local and referred pain.

By targeting these specific points, dry needling helps to release muscle tension, reduce pain, and improve overall function.

At Riverbend Chiropractic & Wellness, our skilled practitioners in Edmonton, AB., utilize dry needling to provide relief for a variety of conditions.

Our goal is to enhance your recovery and promote optimal health through personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.

Health Benefits of Dry Needling

Dry needling offers numerous health benefits, including:

Pain Relief: Effective in reducing chronic pain and muscle tightness.

Improved Mobility: Enhances range of motion and flexibility.

Accelerated Healing: Stimulates the body’s natural healing processes.

Non-Invasive: Avoids the risks associated with surgery. We have even had patients not have to get surgery after their treatment!

Quick Recovery: Minimal downtime and rapid improvement.

If you've been struggling with aches, pains or an injury, dry needling may be the solution you need.

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)

What Conditions Can IMS Treat?

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) can treat a variety of conditions, primarily those involving chronic pain and muscle dysfunction. Here are some of the conditions that we use IMS to treat every day at Riverbend Chiropractic & Wellness:

Chronic Pain: IMS is effective in treating chronic pain conditions that are often resistant to other forms of treatment.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome: This condition involves trigger points in muscles that cause pain and discomfort. IMS can help release these trigger points.

Back Pain: Chronic and acute back pain, including conditions like disc herniations and sciatica, can be alleviated with IMS.

Neck Pain: IMS can treat chronic neck pain, including conditions such as cervical spondylosis (arthritis) and whiplash-associated disorders.

Sciatica: IMS can help relieve pain and discomfort caused by sciatic nerve irritation.

Shoulder Pain: Conditions such as rotator cuff syndrome, frozen shoulder, and shoulder impingement can benefit from IMS.

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): IMS can be used to treat chronic pain and muscle tension associated with tennis elbow.

Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Similar to tennis elbow, IMS can help with chronic pain in the elbow area due to muscle and tendon irritation.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: IMS can help alleviate symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome by reducing muscle tension and nerve irritation in the forearm and wrist.

Hip Pain: Conditions such as hip bursitis and piriformis syndrome can be treated with IMS.

Knee Pain: IMS can be beneficial for chronic knee pain conditions, including patellofemoral pain syndrome and iliotibial band syndrome.

Plantar Fasciitis: IMS can help reduce pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia, improving mobility and comfort.

Fibromyalgia: IMS can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan for managing fibromyalgia, helping to relieve muscle pain and stiffness.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: IMS can help reduce muscle tension and pain associated with TMJ disorders.

Headaches and Migraines: Chronic tension headaches and migraines that are related to muscle tension and nerve irritation can be treated with IMS.

These conditions often involve muscle tightness, nerve irritation, and pain that can be effectively addressed through the targeted needle stimulation provided by IMS.

So what are you waiting for?

Book Your Appointment Today

Electroacupuncture

Electroacupuncture is a modern variation of traditional acupuncture that involves applying a small electric current to acupuncture needles inserted into the body.

This technique enhances the effects of standard acupuncture by providing a continuous and controlled stimulus to the acupuncture points. Here are the key aspects of electroacupuncture:

Technique

: In electroacupuncture, needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points just as in traditional acupuncture.

Once the needles are in place, they are connected to a device that generates electrical impulses. The device delivers a gentle, adjustable electrical current through the needles.

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Why Electroacupuncture?

Purpose

The electrical stimulation enhances the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. It is used to treat various conditions, including pain, inflammation, and neurological disorders.

Procedure

During a session, the practitioner will determine the appropriate acupuncture points based on your condition. The needles are then inserted and connected to the electroacupuncture device.

The intensity and frequency of the electrical current are carefully adjusted to ensure maximal comfort and therapeutic effectiveness. Sessions typically last between 20 to 30 minutes.

Electroacupuncture combines the ancient practice of acupuncture with modern technology to enhance its therapeutic effects, making it a versatile and effective treatment option for various health conditions.

What Are The Benefits of Electroacupuncture?

There are numerous benefits to electroacupuncture. Here are a few:

Enhanced Stimulation: The electrical current provides a stronger and more consistent stimulation than manual needle manipulation, which can lead to more effective and longer-lasting results.

Pain Relief: Electroacupuncture is particularly effective for pain management. It can help reduce chronic pain, muscle spasms, and tension.Improved Blood Flow: The electrical stimulation can improve blood circulation, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.

Nerve Function: Electroacupuncture can enhance nerve function and is used in the treatment of nerve-related conditions such as neuropathy and paralysis

What Conditions Can Electroacupuncture Treat Effectively?

Electroacupuncture is used to treat a wide range of conditions by enhancing the therapeutic effects of traditional acupuncture.

Some of the conditions commonly treated with electroacupuncture at Riverbend Chiropractic & Wellness include:

Musculoskeletal Pain and Disorders

Chronic back and neck pain

Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis

Sciatica

Frozen shoulder

Tendonitis

Muscle spasms and tension

Sports injuries

Neurological Disorders

Peripheral neuropathy

Stroke rehabilitation

Bell’s palsy

Trigeminal neuralgia

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Multiple sclerosis symptoms

Inflammatory Conditions

BursitisPlantar fasciitis

Inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)

Chronic Pain Conditions

Fibromyalgia

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

Electroacupuncture is versatile and can be tailored to your specific needs, making it a valuable tool for addressing a variety of health concerns. Its ability to provide stronger and more consistent stimulation compared to traditional acupuncture. Some people find that it offers more effective and longer-lasting outcomes.

So what are you waiting for? Schedule your appointment today!

Book Your Appointment Today

Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture

We get questions about our acupuncture services all the time. We hope these answer your questions! If not, let us know and we will add the answer to the list!

Is acupuncture, IMS, dry needling, electroacupuncture SAFE?

YES!

These techniques are non-invasive, safe and effective techniques when utilized by an experienced healthcare provider! Obviously don't start sticking needles into yourself. That would not be a good idea!

There are areas in your body that are safe to have acupuncture needles inserted into. There are other area's that you certainly do not want a needle to be anywhere near!

I am pregnant. Is acupuncture safe?

Yes!

We regularly perform acupuncture treatment to our pregnant patients. They find the relief it provides very helpful!

There are certain acupuncture points that are 'out of bounds' while pregnant, so we avoid those!

What types of acupuncture do you offer?

At Riverbend Chiropractic & Wellness our healthcare providers are trained in various forms of acupuncture.

Traditional Acupuncture

Biomedical Acupuncture

Dry Needling

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)

Electroacupuncture

Speak with your healthcare provider so together you can determine what is the best for you!

How can acupuncture therapy help with pain relief?

Acupuncture isn't just about needles. There is robust science detailing how it helps with pain relief. There are several mechanisms that involve physiological and biochemical processes in the body.

Here are the key ways acupuncture can alleviate pain:

Release of Endorphins: Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals. These endorphins can help reduce pain and promote a feeling of well-being.

Neurotransmitter Modulation: Acupuncture influences the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a role in pain perception and mood regulation. By modulating these neurotransmitters, acupuncture can help reduce pain and improve mood.

Improved Blood Flow: Acupuncture increases blood circulation in the treated areas. Improved blood flow helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues, facilitating healing and reducing inflammation, which can contribute to pain relief.

Gate Control Theory: According to the gate control theory of pain, non-painful input (such as the sensation of acupuncture needles) can close the "gates" to painful input, thereby preventing pain sensation from traveling to the central nervous system. This mechanism can help reduce the perception of pain.

Reduction of Inflammation: Acupuncture has been shown to reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increase levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines. This can help reduce inflammation and associated pain.

Muscle Relaxation: Acupuncture can help relax tight or spasmodic muscles, which often contribute to pain. By promoting muscle relaxation, acupuncture can alleviate musculoskeletal pain and improve range of motion.

Regulation of Nervous System Activity: Acupuncture can help balance the autonomic nervous system, reducing sympathetic nervous system activity (which is associated with the fight-or-flight response and can exacerbate pain) and enhancing parasympathetic activity (which promotes relaxation and healing).

Activation of Specific Brain Regions: Functional MRI studies have shown that acupuncture can activate specific brain regions associated with pain processing and perception. This can alter the way the brain perceives and responds to pain signals.

Trigger Point Release: Acupuncture can target trigger points—knots or tight areas in muscles that can cause referred pain. By releasing these trigger points, acupuncture can reduce localized and referred pain.

Acupuncture can be used in several different ways. This multifaceted approach to pain relief, involving both physical and psychological components, makes acupuncture an effective treatment for various types of pain, including chronic pain conditions, musculoskeletal pain, headaches, and more.

Do I need to book an appointment in advance?

While we do take walk ins, we recommend booking your appointment in advance to ensure we have availability. We don't want you waiting around for hours like you do at your medical doctors office, or in the ER.

We do our absolute best to run on time, every time.

What should I expect during my first acupuncture session?

During your first session, your healthcare provider will discuss your health history and what your goals are with your treatment.

They will then customize your treatment to help you reach your goals, as quickly as possible!

We typically don't solely use acupuncture for your treatment. We combine acupuncture, with various soft tissue therapies, mobilizations, joint manipulations, exercises, stretches, and more.

The problem that you are dealing with will determine the best treatment options for you.

Are you certified to do acupuncture?

Yes, all of our healthcare providers performing acupuncture are certified and registered to perform acupuncture. They are highly trained and ready to help!

Are you certified to do acupuncture?Do you take insurance?

Yes, we take insurance. We can direct bill for most insurance companies as well.

Can you have acupuncture after surgery?

We don't recommend acupuncture within 12 - weeks of post joint replacement surgeries, in the area that was operated on. This helps reduce the risk of infection.

However, if you've had your hip or knee replaced, we can perform acupuncture elsewhere in your body. After 12 - weeks, we can perform acupuncture by the surgical site.