2 Misconceptions You May Have About Acupuncture For Your Chronic Pain
If you suffer from chronic pain, you may be searching for ways to find relief that are in addition to your medical treatment plan. You may have been reading about the use of acupuncture in the treatment of pain but are still leery about attempting it. If so, below is the truth behind a couple of misconceptions you may have about this alternative treatment method.
1. Needles Cause Pain When Stabbed into the Skin
While reading about acupuncture, one of the first things that may stand out about the treatment is the use of needles. You may be afraid to try it because you envision yourself laying on a table and having your skin stabbed with long needles. Especially if you have an aversion to needles and wince at the thought of increased pain, you may be hesitant to even try acupuncture.
However, when you have a treatment, the practitioner does not stab the needles deep into your skin or muscles. The technique uses small needles that are gently placed beneath the surface of your skin.
More times than not, you hardly feel the needles as they are inserted, except for the sensation of light pressure. If you do feel pain, you should let the practitioner know, as this is not the norm.
2. Relief Is Obtain in Only One Session
Another misconception for which you should prepare yourself if you decide to try an acupuncture treatment session is the idea that you will feel immediate relief after just one visit. You may expect to jump off the table feeling no pain, so you do not have to return.
However, while pain relief may be felt after a few sessions, expect to have ongoing sessions once you do start feeling better. As part of the theory behind acupuncture, the needles that are placed along certain points of your body help to stimulate energy and fluid flow to help the body heal itself.
Since this type of realignment of your body does not happen overnight, it may take several sessions. Discuss the expected treatment time with the practitioner during your first session, as well as during the course of the therapy.
The gentle use of needles during treatments over the course of several treatments could help provide you with relief from your chronic pain. Contact a practitioner who offers acupuncture treatments for more information and to find out if you could benefit from its addition to your current pain management regimen.