What is Orthopedic Acupuncture?

Orthopedic acupuncture uses muscle motor points, trigger points and traditional Chinese medical points.  Motor points are usually found at the mid section of mucsles and have the greatest neural potential.  Trigger points often indicate pain referral.  Traditional Chinese medical points correspond to the flow of the body meridians and are powerful in resolving disorders throughout the whole body.  Internal ans external herbal applications can also be applied.

Most people who seek out acupuncture are looking for relief from pain.  Pain due to everyday stress, incorrect ergonomics and injury can be treated using orthopedic acupuncture.  It is an effective way to manage and treat musculo-skeletal problems. 

Some of the musculo-skeletal problems treated include:
     Low back pain
     Stiff and painful neck
     Frozen shoulder
     Rotator cuff injuries
     Carpal tunnel syndrome
     Bursitis
     Hip/groin pain
     Whiplash
     TMJ Dysfunction
     Knee pain
     Sciatica
     Disk Herniation
     Acute injuries, sprained ankle
     Plantar fascitits
     Injuries from golf, tennis, track, contact sports


                                      PROPRIOCEPTIVE NEUROMUSCULAR
                                        FACILITATION (PNF STRETCHING)

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching or PNF Stretching combines passive and isometric stretching.  It was originally developed as a form of rehabilitation and is excellent for targeting specific muscle groups, and as well as increasing flexibility (and range of movement). It also improves muscular strength.

During the PNF stretching part of the treatment, your body will be placed into different positions to create the most leverage for a particular muscle or muscle group.  The patient will be asked to push against a moderate amount of pressure.  After each cycle, the range of motion will be increased.  Patients experience significant improvements throughout the body even in in areas once limited by injury.  PNF stretching is an important part of orthopedic acupuncture sessions.

                                                         TUINA

Tui Na is a Chinese style of massage.  It involves a combination of rubbing, pressing, rolling, pushing, grasping, kneading and spreading.  Tui Na promotes blood and qi (chee) circulation throughout the body.  Whole hospital wards in China are devoted to Tui Na massage.

Oriental massage techniques are used for therapeutic benefit as well as whole body balance.  Many musculo-skeletal problems can be treated as well as gastrointestinal disorders.  These techniques can be used alone or in concert with the other techniques described on this site.