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.