What is medical acupuncture and how does it work?
Medical acupuncture uses small needles to stimulate the nervous system. Acupuncture points are areas of the body that are highly concentrated with nerve endings. These regions communicate with specific nerves, vessels, or muscles. Depending on the point chosen, the needle stimulus triggers the body to respond by releasing natural signals that can lessen pain, break the cycle of wind-up pain, relax muscles, improve circulation, or stimulate nerves.
What conditions can benefit from acupuncture?
- Musculoskeletal pains
- Osteoarthritis
- Hip dysplasia
- Tendonitis
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Compensatory pain or trauma-associated pain
- Digestive ailments ~Inflammation or mobility problems
- Neurologic-based pain or Neuropathies
- Intervertebral disk disease
- Spinal cord injuries
- GOLPP
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Post-surgical healing and rehabilitation
Would your pet benefit from acupuncture?
Medical acupuncture is typically most beneficial when used in combination with medications and supplements to address a variety of conditions and pain problems. These techniques become particularly useful in patients whose symptoms cannot be controlled with medications alone. Often, acupuncture allows us to reduce the dose or overall number of medications. Which often leads to a reduction of side effects from medicines.
How many treatments will be needed?
The number of treatments needed will differ from patient to patient. On average, 3 appointment sessions are needed to access the potential benefits that these services can provide. For long-standing or severe conditions, your pet may need 1-2 treatments weekly for the first 2-4 weeks.
Who Performs Acupuncture?
Dr. Rachel Peterson is certified in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture. She obtained advanced instruction from Curacore, which trains medical acupuncturists using an evidence-based approach. Dr. Peterson routinely performs acupuncture at Abbott Road Animal Clinic and DeWitt Pet Health Center.