Electro-acupuncture in the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Pain
Electroacupuncture is similar to traditional acupuncture but has the added benefits of small current stimulation delivered to the treatment sites. Electroacupuncture is most often used for soft tissue pain conditions. By adding electrical stimulation to needles, increased release of the body’s natural pain killers (endogenous opioids) including endorphins occur. Release of these chemicals, in addition to pain relief, also induce an overall relaxation effect on the body. “Side effects” of this treatment are reduced stress and improved sleep.
When electroacupuncture is performed, the patient may notice a mild twitch response in the muscles as the current causes a gentle contraction in the muscle, resulting in increased blood flow in the local area. Studies show mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are released into the blood stream during electroacupuncture sessions. These stem cells are found in bone marrow and differentiate into other cells including bone, cartilage, and muscle cells. Both increased blood flow and MSC flooding the injured area enhances the healing response stimulating damaged tissue to self-repair.
Electroacupuncture is often applied to trigger points, which are areas of tight and painful bands located in the muscles. When trigger points are treated and released, the muscles can be retrained and strengthened appropriately. As a result, this treatment works very well in conjunction with physical therapy. Since muscle contractions occur during treatment, inhibited muscles can be properly stimulated helping them fire properly during strengthening exercises.
Does CSC+M perform the electro-acupuncture procedure?
Yes, electro-acupuncture is used at our Flatiron office. In my experience as an acupuncturist, I have found electroacupuncture beneficial when a patient needs a little more stimulation to promote a healing response. This can occur when a patient plateaus with regular treatments. Direct stimulation of the muscles often times can be more precise with electroacupuncture and the intensity of treatment can be adjusted as necessary in contrast to manual stimulation of needles.
Although the treatment has many benefits, there are some conditions which are not suitable for electroacupuncture. These include those with seizure conditions, heart disease, and for those with pacemakers. Overall, the benefits of electroacupuncture are numerous and should be considered at any stage of treatment.
How often should electro-acupuncture be used?
Electro-acupuncture can be used one to three times weekly, depending on the severity of the condition. If the condition is very acute and painful, three sessions should be done weekly, for six weeks followed by re-evaluation. Studies show when electro-acupuncture is done three times per week vs. one session weekly, the group that had more treatments had greater amounts of natural pain killers circulating in the body at nine months post-treatment, in comparison to the group that had electro-acupuncture performed one time per week.
