Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat pain and promote healing. Today, modern research has helped us understand how and why it works—and it’s now recognized as an effective treatment option for many musculoskeletal conditions. At Midas Physiotherapy in Oakville, we offer acupuncture and electroacupuncture as part of our comprehensive approach to treatment, integrating these techniques with physiotherapy, manual therapy, and exercise to help you achieve the best possible outcomes.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments, recovering from an injury, or looking for a drug-free approach to pain management, acupuncture may be an effective option. Clinical guidelines now recommend acupuncture for conditions including chronic low back pain, neck pain, knee osteoarthritis, and tension-type headaches—and research continues to expand our understanding of its applications.
Electroacupuncture enhances traditional acupuncture by adding gentle electrical stimulation through the needles, producing stronger and more sustained therapeutic effects for certain conditions. This modern advancement allows us to tailor treatment intensity and target specific physiological responses.
For Oakville residents seeking acupuncture as part of their treatment plan, our Cornwall Road clinic provides expert care integrated within a comprehensive rehabilitation approach.
What Is Acupuncture & Electroacupuncture?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to produce therapeutic effects. Originating in ancient China over 2,000 years ago, acupuncture has evolved into a treatment modality used worldwide and supported by a growing body of scientific research.
Electroacupuncture (EA) combines traditional needle acupuncture with electrical stimulation. After needles are inserted, small clips are attached to pairs of needles, and a gentle electrical current is passed between them. This produces rhythmic stimulation that enhances and sustains the therapeutic effects of acupuncture.
How Electroacupuncture Differs from Traditional Acupuncture
- Controlled stimulation: Electrical parameters (frequency, intensity) can be precisely adjusted
- Consistent delivery: Provides steady, reproducible stimulation throughout treatment
- Enhanced effects: May produce stronger pain relief and muscle relaxation for certain conditions
- Frequency-specific effects: Different frequencies target different physiological mechanisms
Frequency Selection
Research has shown that different electrical frequencies produce different effects:
- Low frequency (2–4 Hz): Stimulates release of endorphins and enkephalins—the body’s natural opioids. Better for chronic pain and deep, aching pain
- High frequency (80–100 Hz): Stimulates release of dynorphins. Better for acute pain and localized effects
- Mixed/alternating frequency: Combines benefits of both, reduces accommodation (the body adapting to stimulation)
We select frequency based on your condition and treatment goals.
Conditions We Treat with Acupuncture
Clinical guidelines recommend acupuncture for these conditions based on high-quality research:
- Chronic low back pain: Recommended in multiple clinical guidelines including NICE and ACP
- Chronic neck pain: Moderate to strong evidence for pain relief
- Knee osteoarthritis: Reduces pain and improves function
- Tension-type headache: Reduces frequency and intensity
- Migraine prevention: Reduces migraine frequency; comparable to preventive medications
- Shoulder pain: Rotator cuff tendinopathy, frozen shoulder, general shoulder pain
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): Pain relief and improved grip strength
- Temporomandibular disorders (TMD): Jaw pain and dysfunction
- Myofascial pain: Muscle pain and trigger points
- Fibromyalgia: May reduce pain and improve quality of life
- Plantar fasciitis: Heel and arch pain
- Post-operative pain: Reducing pain and medication use after surgery
- Sciatica: Leg pain from nerve compression
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: Wrist and hand symptoms
- Hip pain: Osteoarthritis, bursitis, and other hip conditions
- Chronic pain conditions: As part of multimodal pain management
- Sports injuries: Muscle strains, tendinopathies, and overuse injuries
What to Expect
Before Treatment
- Assessment: We evaluate your condition and determine if acupuncture is appropriate
- Discussion: We explain the treatment, answer your questions, and obtain informed consent
- Screening: We screen for contraindications and precautions
- Preparation: Eat a light meal before treatment; avoid alcohol; wear loose, comfortable clothing
During Treatment
- Positioning: You’ll be positioned comfortably, typically lying down
- Needle insertion: Thin needles are inserted at selected points—most people feel minimal discomfort
- Sensation: You may feel a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness around the needles—this is normal and often indicates a good response
- Retention: Needles are typically left in place for 15–30 minutes while you relax
- Electroacupuncture: If used, you’ll feel a gentle buzzing or tapping sensation—intensity is adjusted to your comfort
- Removal: Needles are gently removed and disposed of safely
Treatment Course
- Acute conditions: Often respond quickly—2–4 sessions may be sufficient
- Chronic conditions: Typically require more sessions—often 6–8 or more
- Frequency: Usually weekly or twice weekly initially, then less frequent as you improve
- Maintenance: Some people benefit from periodic maintenance treatments to sustain results
Frequently Asked Questions
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people feel minimal discomfort. Acupuncture needles are much thinner than injection needles—about the thickness of a hair. You may feel a slight pinch on insertion, then a dull ache, warmth, or heaviness that indicates the needle is working. Many people find treatment deeply relaxing and some even fall asleep during sessions.
How does electroacupuncture feel?
Electroacupuncture feels like a gentle buzzing, tapping, or pulsing sensation at the needle sites. The intensity is adjusted to your comfort level—it should be noticeable but not painful. Most people find it comfortable once they get used to the sensation.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies by condition. Acute problems may respond in 2–4 sessions, while chronic conditions often require 6–10 sessions or more. We typically recommend trying 4–6 sessions to assess your response. Some people benefit from occasional maintenance treatments after their initial course.
How long until I feel results?
Response varies by individual. Some people notice immediate relief; others experience gradual improvement over several sessions. For chronic conditions, significant improvement may take 4–6 weeks. If there’s no response after several sessions, we’ll reassess your treatment approach.
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Acupuncture can be safe during pregnancy when performed by a practitioner experienced in prenatal treatment. Certain points are avoided, and electroacupuncture is typically not used over the abdomen or low back. Acupuncture may help with pregnancy-related back pain, nausea, and other conditions. Always inform your practitioner if you’re pregnant or may be pregnant.
Can I have acupuncture if I’m on blood thinners?
Yes, with precautions. If you’re taking anticoagulants (like warfarin) or antiplatelet medications (like aspirin or clopidogrel), we may use finer needles, avoid deep needling, and apply pressure after needle removal. You may experience more bruising. Let us know all medications you’re taking.
What’s the difference between acupuncture here and at a TCM clinic?
Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners use acupuncture based on TCM diagnostic principles and may treat a wide range of conditions including internal medicine. At our clinic, we integrate acupuncture with physiotherapy using an anatomical approach focused on musculoskeletal conditions. Both approaches can be effective—ours is specifically integrated with your rehabilitation program.
Will acupuncture interfere with my other treatments?
Generally no. Acupuncture integrates well with physiotherapy, exercise, manual therapy, and most medications. It can complement and enhance your overall treatment program. Let us know about all treatments you’re receiving so we can coordinate care appropriately.
How do I know if acupuncture is right for me?
During your assessment, we’ll discuss your condition and determine if acupuncture is appropriate. Good candidates include those with conditions supported by research (chronic pain, headaches, osteoarthritis), those who haven’t responded adequately to other treatments, and those seeking drug-free pain management. We’ll recommend acupuncture only if we believe it can help you.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Many extended health plans cover acupuncture, though coverage varies. Some plans cover acupuncture when performed by specific practitioners (registered acupuncturists, physiotherapists, or physicians). Check your plan for details and coverage limits. We provide receipts appropriate for insurance submission.
Why do you use points away from where I have pain?
Distal points (away from the painful area) can produce powerful effects through neurological mechanisms. For example, points on the hand can affect shoulder pain, and points on the leg can affect back pain. This is supported by research showing that acupuncture effects are mediated through the nervous system. We often combine local and distal points for optimal results.
Do I need a referral for acupuncture?
No referral is needed. You can book directly for acupuncture as part of physiotherapy treatment. We’ll assess your condition and determine if acupuncture is appropriate for you. If your insurance requires a physician’s referral for coverage, check with your plan.
Experience Acupuncture
Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, recovering from injury, or looking for a drug-free approach to managing your symptoms, acupuncture may be an effective addition to your treatment plan. At Midas Physiotherapy, we integrate acupuncture with comprehensive physiotherapy care to help you achieve the best possible outcomes. Contact us to learn if acupuncture is right for you.
Midas Physiotherapy
2061 Cornwall Road, Unit 3
Oakville, Ontario
Website: midasphysiotherapy.ca
Direct billing available for most major insurance providers. MVA and WSIB claims accepted.
Related Services
- Dry Needling / Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)
- Back Pain & Sciatica Treatment
- Headache & Migraine Treatment
- Chronic Pain Management
- Manual Therapy
