Acupuncture or Massage? Which One Do I Need?
Acupuncture
People ask what can acupuncture treat? Nearly anything you can think of. Of course, it cannot repair structural conditions that require surgery like broken bones but it can aid in the healing process by encouraging bone growth & reducing scar tissue.
- Pain is the most widely known condition that Acupuncture can treat. Being a Massage Therapist as well as an Acupuncturist influences the treatment of pain located in or due to dysfunction of muscles & joints. Before deciding that Acupuncture is the best option for the patient's condition, a hands-on examination of the patient is performed during a 30 Minute Massage.
- Fertility
- Medication Management
- Symptom Management
Massage
Most Pain conditions are rooted in the Musculoskeletal System. The soft tissues of the body need to be examined by touch to determine if another treatment option, such as Acupuncture or Chiropractic is needed. Many people make appointments for Acupuncture when they need Massage instead.
- Arthritis is another condition that people seek Acupuncture for. Arthritis is commonly self-diagnosed & even when the patient has had imaging proving its existence, the root of their pain may be muscular. Muscles attach via tendons at our joints. When a muscle stops functioning properly it puts stress on the joint & the other muscles that attach to it which can cause the pain experienced.
- Headaches & Migraines are commonly caused by muscular issues of the head & neck. Excess muscle tension & adhesions/ knots can impinge nerves, reduce blood flow, or move vertebrae causing headaches & migraines. Most can be resolved with bodywork but if there is a structural component, chiropractic will be recommended.