MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE
Medical acupuncture, or the scientific basis of acupuncture, is taught in Fort Collins, Colorado and is a joint effort between Colorado State University’s Integrative Medicine department, the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, One Health SIM (previously Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians (MAV)), and the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM).
As a medical acupuncturist, we use neuroanatomy to select the regions of the body to treat various conditions such as paralysis, spinal cord disease, pain and arthritis, muscle damage, incontinence, reproductive disorders, seizures, kidney and liver problems, sinus problems, ear pain, dental pain, and more! It is not typically a stand alone therapy – we use multimodal (multi-tasking) therapy that does not consist of acupuncture alone to result in the best outcomes for pets.
What is Medical Acupuncture?
Sometimes called dry needling, acupuncture is neuromodulation or the stimulation of nerves primarily though the action of collagen fibers as well as muscle and skin receptors. Some of the effects of acupuncture can be reversed with drugs, providing additional proof of acupuncture’s benefits in medicine. Acupuncture is a complement to patient medical care providing reduction in drugs, faster return to function, pain relief, increased perfusion and more. It is not a substitute for medical care and works best with accurate diagnosis.
How safe is acupuncture?
Problems as a result of acupuncture are rare. In fact, they are over 100 times less likely than adverse events reported with sugar pill placebos.
How long does it last?
A single acupuncture session lasts 5-60 minutes, usually around 30 minutes. The effects last hours to days or longer.
How many treatments are needed?
Some problems need more or less treatments than others. Most patients see improvement within the first three treatments. Many patients elect preventative therapy on a quarterly basis for optimal health.
Does acupuncture hurt?
The needles used are tiny flexible hair like needles that are smaller than insulin needles. Most patients either do not feel them, or after a brief “zing” feel relief. Needle-less laser acupuncture can be used in lieu of needles, but will not have the same duration nor as profound of results.
Acupuncture, basic rehabilitation techniques, laser therapy, massage, myofascial palpation, and acupuncture on exotics (such as rabbits, hedgehogs, ferrets, snakes, chickens, and more) were taught to newly certified medical acupuncturists. Know that the best comprehensive treatments with the latest cutting edge technology are offered to the patients at Family Pet Veterinary Centers. We treat your pet as family!