Your Complete Guide to Acupuncture: What Is It and Is It Right for You?

At our Oakville sports injury clinic, acupuncture is a regular part of how we help patients recover from injury, manage pain, and improve overall function. Whether you're dealing with a stubborn muscle strain, recovering after surgery, or looking for a natural way to ease tension, acupuncture can play a key role in your recovery.

In this guide, you'll learn what acupuncture is, how it works, what to expect during a session, and how our practitioners like Dr. Nadeen, use it every day to support healing and performance.

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a therapeutic treatment that originated in Traditional Chinese Medicine more than 2,000 years ago. It involves inserting extremely thin needles into specific points on the body to reduce pain, support healing, and restore balance.

While acupuncture has ancient roots, it is widely used in modern healthcare for a variety of conditions. At our clinic, we take a clinical and functional approach to acupuncture. We use it to target pain, improve circulation, and support recovery based on each patient’s unique needs.

How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system and promotes the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins. It increases blood flow, reduces inflammation, and helps tight or injured muscles relax.

From a Western medical perspective, acupuncture supports the body's healing response by improving communication between the brain, nerves, and tissues. It can also regulate the autonomic nervous system, which plays a role in stress, digestion, and sleep.

Why We Use Acupuncture in a Sports Injury Clinic

Acupuncture is a great fit in a rehab setting. It works well alongside physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and even high-tech tools like our Anti-Gravity treadmill. We use it to help with:

  • Muscle strains and spasms

  • Tendonitis and overuse injuries

  • Joint pain and stiffness

  • Neck, shoulder, and low back tension

  • Chronic pain or lingering post-injury symptoms

  • Post-surgical rehab for procedures like ACL or rotator cuff repairs

Our goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help you get back to doing what you love.

Meet Dr. Nadeen: Acupuncture in Expert Hands

Dr. Nadeen is one of our leading practitioners who uses acupuncture every day in the clinic. She is certified in both traditional and medical acupuncture, and she brings a deep understanding of how to combine acupuncture with functional health principles.

She has treated a wide range of patients, from competitive athletes to individuals recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions. Her thoughtful, personalized approach ensures that each treatment is designed to meet your goals and support long-term recovery.

Dr. Nadeen takes a holistic approach to her treatment, implementing acupuncture, movement, and as you can see, supplementation to ensure your body is functioning as efficient as possible. Don’t be surprised if she notices your vitamin deficiency symptoms and helps you properly supplement!

What to Expect During a Session

If you’ve never tried acupuncture before, here’s what you can expect:

  • Assessment: We start by discussing your injury, symptoms, and health history.

  • Treatment Plan: Based on your needs, we select specific points on the body to treat.

  • Needling: Thin, sterile needles are gently inserted and left in place for 10 to 15 minutes.

  • Relaxation: Most people find the experience calming and may feel deeply relaxed during the session.

  • Follow-Up: We track your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Acupuncture is generally very comfortable. The needles are much finer than those used for injections, and most people feel little to no discomfort.

Who Can Benefit from Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is safe, versatile, and effective for a wide range of people, including:

  • Athletes with acute or chronic injuries

  • Office workers dealing with headaches or back pain

  • People recovering from surgery

  • Individuals managing stress, anxiety, or poor sleep

  • Anyone looking to improve their overall recovery and performance

It is a great addition to your rehab plan or wellness routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. Our practitioners are certified and use only sterile, single-use needles.

How many sessions will I need?
That depends on your condition and goals. Some patients feel better after one or two sessions, while others benefit from regular treatments over time.

Can I combine acupuncture with other treatments?
Absolutely. Acupuncture often works best as part of a broader treatment plan that includes physiotherapy, chiropractic care, or massage therapy.

Ready to Try Acupuncture? Let’s Talk

Acupuncture is more than just a needle in a muscle. It is a targeted, science-backed approach to pain relief, stress reduction, and recovery. Whether you are working through an injury or simply want to feel better in your body, we are here to help.

Book your acupuncture session with Dr. Nadeen or one of our certified practitioners at our Oakville clinic today. We will guide you through every step and make sure your treatment is effective, safe, and comfortable.

📍 710 Dorval Dr Unit 520, Oakville, ON
📞 (289) 835-2949
💻 https://www.elevaterehabilitation.com/ 



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