Can acupuncture enhance osteophatic treatment?

18 Feb Can acupuncture enhance osteophatic treatment?

Acupuncture is a well ingrained treatment method for treating musculoskeletal problems such as back pain, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome or a rolled ankle. Acupuncture and osteopathy are overlapping treatment options with patients choosing their preferred method. However, with some MSK conditions, acupuncture can be used alongside osteopathy for a faster healing period and better results.

If an injury is not very serious, it generally takes a week or two for us to get back to our normal physical activity. The body’s immune system is responsible for this quick healing. To enable healing, the immune system produces an inflammation process – it is the body’s natural way of repairing damaged tissue and ensures that the affected area will heal. The immune system along with the tendons found in the body belong to a primary tissue group known as the connective tissue.

When the healing process takes a long time to restore the body to its natural state or there are repeated injuries to the same part of the body, it generally means that the connective tissue has become weakened, thus weaking both the immune system and tendons.

The following causes are a few reasons as to why connective tissue can become weak:

• Prolonged stress – can make drastic changes to the balance of the hormones and the immune system.
• Consuming too much sugar – makes the body more receptive to pathogenic bacteria and fungi, which exhaust the immune system, making it weaker over time.
• Chronic fatigue – can place enormous amounts of stress on the immune system.
• Consuming toxins – like alcohol, drugs and medications (like antibiotics, steroids or immunosuppressants) in the long run can take a toll on the entire body.
• A serious disease or surgery – can leave a wound in the body, where the healing process uses a lot of energy and time.

So how does one go about bringing the connective tissue back to its optimal condition?

Some medical professionals find that medicine often does not enhance the immune system, and that certain treatments can cause immune deficiencies. Acupuncture is a method that is used to release potential natural resources in the body to boost the immune system and speed up the healing process.

Typically, when an area of the body is injured, that area’s muscles and tendons are tight and stiff, making it difficult for circulation. By placing a series of painless acupuncture needles into the skin and muscles of the affected area, microscopic blood vessels near the surface are opened and the muscles start to relax, making it easier for the body’s slow acting systems, such as the immune system, to being the healing process.
Meridians are theoretical lines between related organs such as muscle, blood vessels, viscera or bones that each correspond to major functions and organs of the body. These meridians are used as insertion points for the needles.

Traditional acupuncturists are highly-skilled professionals who perform a thorough examination before they decide on suitable acupuncture treatment for you. While osteopaths and physiotherapists are trained to follow the principles of western medicine, this eastern medical approach can fully benefit outcomes the of your osteopathic treatment.