How Does it Work?
- Acupuncture needles are inserted into specific anatomical locations (points) that have neurovascular significance. Choice of the points is based on the patient’s presentation and treatment goals.
- When needles are inserted the body responds in specific ways. The nervous system is stimulated and chemicals are released that affect tissues.
- Acupuncture causes beneficial stimulation of muscles and nerves and creates analgesia.
- Specific points have calming and sedative effects.
- The specific acupuncture points can be stimulated by pressure and electroacupuncture.
- Acupuncture should be performed by licensed veterinarians with specialized training.
How Does it Help?
- Acupuncture is an important part of multimodal pain management protocols.
- Neurologic patients benefit from stimulation of the central and peripheral nervous systems when healing from IVDD, FCE or other conditions resulting in loss of function.
- Degenerative Myelopathy patients may benefit from stimulation of muscles and nerves while inflammation is reduced. These patients often also have arthritis and pain management is part of overall management.
- Patients recovering from orthopedic surgery benefit from the pain management and muscle stimulation effects.