Ross Acupuncture Oakland

Oakland Acupuncture

Prolo-Acupuncture: A Novel Approach to Treating Hypermobile Joints

Hypermobile joints, characterized by a greater-than-normal range of motion, can often lead to pain and instability in affected individuals. Finding an effective treatment approach for this issue can be a challenge. Enter prolo-acupuncture, an innovative therapeutic technique that combines the benefits of prolotherapy and acupuncture to provide relief for hypermobile joints. In this blog post, we’ll explore what prolo-acupuncture is, how it works, and how it may help treat hypermobile joints.

What is Prolo-Acupuncture?

Prolo-acupuncture is a relatively recent term in the field of alternative medicine that merges the principles of prolotherapy and acupuncture. Prolotherapy, or proliferation therapy, is a non-surgical procedure involving the injection of an irritant solution into injured or weak connective tissues, such as ligaments and tendons. The goal is to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and strengthen the affected area. This is an expensive procedure, not covered by insurance.

Acupuncture, on the other hand, normally only thought of as a practice to balance the flow of energy, can do much more. Termed “prolo-acupuncture”, an acupuncture needle is inserted into the connective tissue, without injecting an irritant solution. This has the same goal as prolotherapy, without the high cost.

How Does Prolo-Acupuncture Work?

The idea behind prolo-acupuncture is to harness the benefits of both treatments to provide more effective pain relief and joint stabilization. This approach aims to promote the body’s healing response by creating a mild inflammatory response at the site of the affected joint while also stimulating energy flow and encouraging the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. The dual-action approach may lead to improvements in joint stability, pain relief, and overall function.

Treating Hypermobile Joints with Prolo-Acupuncture

Prolo-acupuncture can potentially be beneficial for hypermobile joints in several ways:

  1. Strengthening connective tissues: Prolo-acupuncture can help strengthen and tighten weak or lax ligaments and tendons that contribute to joint instability and hypermobility. This can help improve joint support and potentially reduce the risk of injury.
  2. Pain relief: Acupuncture can help alleviate pain associated with hypermobile joints by stimulating the release of endorphins and promoting relaxation.
  3. Improved proprioception: Prolo-acupuncture may improve proprioception, or the body’s ability to sense joint position and movement. This can lead to better joint stability and a reduced risk of injury.

Conclusion

While prolo-acupuncture has been an effective treatment option for hypermobile joints clinically, it’s important to note that there has not been a lot of western style research done on it’s efficacy. If you’re considering prolo-acupuncture as a treatment option, feel free to call us at 510-629-9456 to discuss the potential benefits and risks, and determine if it’s appropriate for your specific condition. By exploring innovative approaches like prolo-acupuncture, individuals with hypermobile joints may find a path to improved joint stability and pain relief.

Book your appointment now.

Orthopedic Acupuncture Vs. Traditional: What is the Difference?

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of health conditions. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of acupuncture to treat orthopedic conditions, such as back pain, neck pain, and joint pain. While traditional acupuncture and orthopedic acupuncture share many similarities, there are also some important differences between the two.

An antique illustration of a human

Traditional Acupuncture

Traditional acupuncture is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, which hold that the body has energy channels known as meridians, which can be blocked or unbalanced, leading to pain, illness, or disease. Regular acupuncture involves inserting needles into specific points along these meridians to stimulate the flow of energy and restore balance to the body. These meridians all follow the same pathways of the nerves and blood vessels. So closely in fact, that it proves ancient Chinese physicians were doing very precise dissections of bodies. Every nerve trunk and brance has an acupuncture point associated with it.

During a traditional acupuncture session, the acupuncturist will assess the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and overall health to determine which points to target. The needles used in regular acupuncture are thin and flexible, and they are inserted at various depths, depending on the patient’s condition and the acupuncturist’s expertise. The needles are left in place for 15 to 30 minutes while the patient relaxes. The acupuncturist may also use other techniques, such as moxibustion (burning dried mugwort near the skin) or cupping (using suction cups to create a vacuum on the skin), to enhance the treatment.

Orthopedic Acupuncture

Orthopedic acupuncture involves a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies. The acupuncturist will then use a variety of techniques, such as dry needling (inserting needles directly into the affected muscles or trigger points), electroacupuncture (stimulating the needles with electrical currents), and tuina (Chinese massage), to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

The needles used in orthopedic acupuncture are thicker and stronger than those used in regular acupuncture, and they are inserted deeper into the muscles and tissues. The acupuncturist may also use other modalities, such as heat therapy, stretching, and exercise, to enhance the treatment. Moxibustion, cupping, and gua sha are also used in an orthopedic session as indicated.

Wooden Acupuncture Model (acupuncture figure)
Wooden Acupuncture Model (acupuncture figure) by Unknown maker is licensed under CC-BY-SA 4.0

Differences Between the Two Styles

The main differences between traditional and orthopedic acupuncture are their focus and techniques. Regular acupuncture focuses on balancing the body’s energy, blood and body fluids, and treating a wide range of medical conditions. While orthopedic acupuncture focuses on musculoskeletal conditions and uses a combination of acupuncture and modern Western medical knowledge. The needles used in orthopedic acupuncture are thicker and stronger than those used in regular acupuncture, and they are inserted deeper into the muscles and tissues. The techniques used in orthopedic acupuncture are more targeted and specific to the affected area, while regular acupuncture involves a broader approach.

In conclusion, acupuncture is a versatile therapy that can be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions. Regular acupuncture and orthopedic acupuncture are two types of acupuncture that differ in their focus and techniques. Regular acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and aims to balance the body’s energy, while orthopedic acupuncture focuses on musculoskeletal conditions and uses a combination of acupuncture and modern Western medical knowledge.

If you are considering using acupuncture for your musculoskeletal pain, it is highly recommended you seek out an orthopedically trained acupuncturist. Jennifer Ross, L.Ac has completed a two year post-graduate program in orthopedic acupuncture, and many continuing education hours on the subject.

Electro-Acupuncture: A Modern Twist on an Ancient Healing Technique

Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been practiced for thousands of years. As science and technology have advanced, so too has the application of this ancient healing art. One of the most notable innovations is electro-acupuncture, which combines traditional acupuncture, orthopedic acupuncture and dry needling with electrical stimulation. In this blog post, we will explore the origins of electro-acupuncture, delve into its mechanism of action, and discuss the research findings that have expanded our understanding of this powerful therapy.

The Birth of Electro-Acupuncture

Usine electro-acupuncture to treat lumbar a lumbar disc bulge.

Electro-acupuncture was first developed in the 1950s in China as a means to enhance the effects of traditional acupuncture. By applying a mild electrical current to acupuncture needles, practitioners aimed to provide stronger stimulation to the targeted acupoints and improve treatment outcomes. Electro-acupuncture quickly gained popularity and is now practiced by acupuncturists worldwide.

Understanding Electro-Acupuncture

Electro-acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles at specific points on the body, just like traditional acupuncture. Once the needles are in place, a small device is connected to the needles to deliver a gentle electrical current. The intensity, frequency, and duration of the electrical stimulation (e-stim) can be adjusted to suit the needs and comfort of the patient. The combination of acupuncture and electrical stimulation is believed to provide enhanced therapeutic effects compared to traditional acupuncture alone.

Mechanism of Action: How “E-Stim” Works

Research on electro-acupuncture, or just e-stim for short, has uncovered several mechanisms of action that contribute to its therapeutic effects:

  1. Pain relief: Electro-acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins and other pain-relieving chemicals in the body. These natural painkillers bind to the same receptors as opioid medications, providing pain relief without the risk of addiction or other side effects.
  2. Anti-inflammatory effects: Studies have found that it can help modulate the immune system, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines. This can help to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing.
  3. Enhanced blood flow: Electro-acupuncture can increase blood flow to the targeted area, delivering oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues and facilitating the removal of waste products. This can accelerate the healing process and alleviate pain.
  4. Neuromodulation: Electro-acupuncture has been found to stimulate the nervous system, modulating the activity of nerve cells and the release of neurotransmitters. This can help to regulate pain signals and promote overall well-being

Research Findings

Numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of electro-acupuncture for various conditions. Some of the most notable findings include:

  1. Chronic pain: Research has shown that it can provide significant relief for chronic pain conditions, such as low back pain, neck pain, and fibromyalgia. Patients treated with electro-acupuncture often report improvements in pain, function, and quality of life.
  2. Postoperative pain: Several studies have found that it can effectively reduce postoperative pain and the need for pain medications following surgery.
  3. Neuropathy: Electro-acupuncture has been shown to improve nerve function and reduce pain in patients with peripheral neuropathy, a condition often caused by diabetes or chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Electro-acupuncture is a modern adaptation of an ancient healing technique, offering a powerful combination of traditional acupuncture and electrical stimulation. Research has provided insight into the mechanisms of action underlying its therapeutic effects, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory properties, and neuromodulation. If you are considering electro-acupuncture as a treatment option for pain or other health concerns, you can give us a call at 510-629-9456 to book an appointment. You can also click the link below to schedule online.

Book Now

Revitalize Your Posture with Acupuncture: Trigger Points, Motor Points, and Electro-Stimulation

The modern office worker spends countless hours sitting at a desk, often resulting in poor posture and discomfort in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Acupuncture, an ancient healing practice, has become an increasingly popular solution to help improve posture and relieve pain. In this blog post, we will delve into the role of trigger points, motor points, and electro-stimulation in acupuncture for posture correction and pain relief.

The use of acupuncture for posture is a good way to improve strength and mobility, to decrease pain associated with poor posture

Acupuncture for Posture and Pain Relief: The Basics

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles at specific points on the body. These points, known as acupoints, are believed to correspond to various physiological functions and pathways, and their stimulation can help balance the flow of energy or Qi (pronounced “chee”). By targeting specific acupoints related to posture and pain, acupuncture can help alleviate discomfort and promote better alignment.

Trigger Points: Releasing Tension to Improve Posture

Trigger points are hyper-irritable spots in the muscle that can cause localized pain or refer pain to other areas of the body. In the context of desk workers, trigger points often develop in the neck, shoulders, and lower back due to poor posture and prolonged sitting. Acupuncture can help release these trigger points by:

  1. Inserting needles directly into the trigger points, which can relax the tight muscle fibers and alleviate pain. This technique is also known as Dry Needling.
  2. Stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, to provide pain relief.
  3. Improving blood flow to the affected area, facilitating the removal of waste products and promoting tissue healing.

Motor Points: Restoring Muscle Function for Improved Posture

Motor points are the locations where nerves enter muscles, and they play a crucial role in muscle contraction. Imbalances in muscle function due to poor posture can lead to pain and discomfort. Acupuncture can help restore muscle function by:

  1. Stimulating motor points to reset the muscle’s resting tension, which can relieve pain and improve posture.
  2. Encouraging the release of endorphins to reduce pain and promote relaxation.
  3. Increasing blood flow to the affected area, promoting healing and muscle recovery.

Electro-Stimulation: Enhancing the Effect of Acupuncture for Posture

Electro-stimulation, or electro-acupuncture, involves the use of a mild electrical current applied to the acupuncture needles. This can enhance the effects of acupuncture by:

  1. Providing stronger stimulation to the targeted acupoints, which can be particularly effective in releasing stubborn trigger points and motor points.
  2. Encouraging the release of endorphins and other pain-relieving chemicals, providing more effective pain relief.
  3. Potentially improving muscle function by stimulating nerve fibers and promoting blood flow to the affected area.

Acupuncture, through the use of trigger points, motor points, and electro-stimulation, can be an effective and holistic solution for those struggling with poor posture and neck, shoulder, and low back pain due to sedentary desk work. By addressing the underlying imbalances in muscle function, acupuncture can help to relieve pain, improve posture, and promote overall well-being. If you’re considering acupuncture to address your posture-related discomfort, contact us at 510-629-9456 to schedule an appointment. You can also click the link below to book online.

Book Now

Acupuncture for Plantar Fasciitis

Time to Put Your Best Foot Forward

(I’m Sorry)

faceless ballerina resting on floor with shade. If she has plantar fasciitis, she should be using acupuncture to treat it.
Photo by Khoa Võ on Pexels.com. Acupuncture works well for all types of foot pain, especially plantar fasciitis.


Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that affects the foot, causing inflammation and discomfort in the heel and arch. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as overuse, poor footwear, and biomechanical issues. Although there are several treatment options for it, acupuncture for plantar fasciitis has gained popularity for its effectiveness in relieving symptoms and promoting healing.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing. It has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of health conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, and digestive problems. When applied to the foot and ankle, acupuncture can help to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and promote healing.

Acupuncture for Plantar Fasciitis

Acupuncture for plantar fasciitis typically involves the insertion of needles into specific points on the foot and ankle. The exact placement of the needles will depend on the individual’s specific symptoms and the practitioner’s training and experience. Once the needles are inserted, they may be manipulated or left in place for a period of time to promote the desired therapeutic effects. Electric stimulation can also be used on the needles, to increase the pain relieving effects.

There is a growing body of research that suggests acupuncture can be an effective therapy for plantar fasciitis. A study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies found that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain and improving function in individuals with chronic plantar fasciitis. Another study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research found that acupuncture combined with other therapies was more effective than standard care alone in reducing pain and improving function in individuals with this type of foot condition.

Benefits of Acupuncture

One of the benefits of acupuncture is that it is a safe and non-invasive therapy that can be used alongside other treatments. Unlike medications, acupuncture has minimal side effects and can be personalized to the individual’s unique symptoms and needs. Additionally, acupuncture can be used to promote overall wellness and prevent future injuries or conditions.

In conclusion, plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that can be treated with acupuncture. This traditional Chinese medicine technique can help to reduce pain and inflammation, improve function, and promote healing in the affected area. If you’re experiencing symptoms of this condition, talk to your healthcare provider about whether acupuncture is an appropriate therapy for you. With proper care and treatment, you can relieve your pain and get back to your daily activities.