Acupuncture Specialist

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a treatment technique based on traditional Eastern medicine practices that uses very fine needles to stimulate specific pressure points in areas of the body for relief of pain and other symptoms. Stimulating the pressure points is thought to interrupt the normal nerve pathways that send pain signals to the brain, resulting in decreased symptoms.

How is acupuncture used in orthopedics?

At Murphy SportsMedicine Center, we use acupuncture in several different ways, including:

• reducing pain following an injury

• improving recovery following an injury or surgical procedure

• improving recovery following competition

• enhancing athletic performance

Acupuncture can also be combined with massage to decrease stress and pain and promote a general sense of well-being.

What techniques do you use?

In addition to traditional acupuncture, our therapist employs special techniques like cupping, which adds a component of suction to promote circulation and stimulate healing, and gua sha, which uses special tools to help unblock areas of tension.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Because it uses needles, most people think acupuncture will be very painful. However, needles used in acupuncture are much different from the hollow needles used to give you shots of medicine. Acupuncture needles are very fine needles made of stainless steel and they're only inserted to depths of 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. During treatment, you'll probably feel a slight sensation when the needle is initially inserted but once the needle is in place, most people adjust and experience no discomfort during their treatment session.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of treatments as well as the number of needles will depend on your condition and your objectives. Your initial session will take about 90 minutes, with subsequent sessions each lasting about an hour. Every treatment plan is customized to the individual's unique needs.