An injury can impact your client’s life for months, years, or even for the rest of their life. That’s why it’s crucial to explore long-term treatment options, including effective methods to relieve chronic pain that may persist long after the original injury. Acupuncture has been widely recognized by medical practitioners as an effective approach to reducing inflammation, speeding up recovery, and alleviating pain, all of which can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life.
What is Acupuncture and How Does It Work?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of tiny, solid filament needles into the skin at strategic points, helping the body heal naturally without the need for drugs, surgery, or side effects. This ancient practice, rooted in Chinese medicine, is used to naturally treat a variety of conditions, from headaches and fibromyalgia to diabetes.
The History and Benefits of Die-Da Medicine
One specialized skill within acupuncture, known as Die-Da or “hit-fall” medicine, originated in Ancient China to treat injuries from martial arts. This technique effectively addresses trauma to any part of the body and has been recognized by both the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as a safe and effective medical therapy. Here are some key benefits:
Pain Relief with Acupuncture
Acupuncture needles can be precisely placed in the muscle or tissue around the injury site. The controlled microtrauma stimulates the body’s production of pain-relieving endorphins and natural opioids. This process blocks pain feedback channels from the injury site to the brain, reducing the overall level of pain perceived by the brain.
Inflammation Reduction Through Acupuncture
The microtrauma caused by needle insertion also triggers a natural anti-inflammatory response. This response releases chemicals that dilate blood vessels, increasing the flow of healing mediators and facilitating the removal of inflammatory substances from the injury site.
Trigger Point Release and Muscle Relaxation
Acupuncture is also highly effective in addressing trigger points—areas of tightened muscle fibers that can cause pain and discomfort. By inserting a needle directly into the trigger point, acupuncture disrupts muscle contractions, promoting relaxation. This process increases blood flow, oxygen delivery, and nutrient supply to the area, helping the muscles relax and recover.
Why Acupuncture is a Valuable Treatment Option
While acupuncture should often be pursued under the guidance of a medical professional, it remains a cost-effective, holistic, and non-invasive therapy. Acupuncture works well both independently and in conjunction with traditional medical treatments, making it a versatile option for injury recovery.
If you’re interested in finding an acupuncturist who works on a personal injury lien, check out some of our amazing providers below: