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Acupuncture

Southwest Family Physicians -  - Family Practice

Southwest Family Physicians

Family Practice & Medical Weight Loss serving Tigard, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, and Portland Oregon metro

What is massage therapy? Massage therapy is a treatment that involves manual manipulation of the muscles and soft tissues of the body. Depending on the type of massage you receive, the massage therapist uses different manipulation techniques, like long strokes and kneading motions, to release tension and knots in your muscles. Why do I need a massage? Massage therapy can boost your overall health and wellness. In addition to relieving pain that stems from tired, overworked muscles, routine massages can improve your blood circulation and stimulate your body’s natural healing processes. Your Southwest Family Physicians provider may recommend a massage for general relaxation purposes or as a method of pain relief from chronic conditions, like: Sciatica Neck pain Osteoarthritis Frequent headaches Massage therapy can also help increase range of motion in stiff, painful joints. What can I expect during a massage therapy appointment? Before beginning your massage, your therapist discusses your medical history and the location of your pain or limited range of motion. They can also review your goals for massage therapy based on your current health. You can expect to lie comfortably on a massage table, usually on your back. Your Southwest Family Physicians massage therapist begins massaging the muscles in your upper back, neck, and shoulders, working their way down to your arms and legs. Our massage therapist can also do cupping therapy, which can help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, and relaxation. While you may experience some discomfort or pain in the tender, sore areas of your body, a massage generally promotes a deep sense of relaxation. If any motions are too painful, your massage therapist can lighten their pressure or move on to other areas of your body. For several hours after your massage, you may feel sore in some areas. However, massages usually help you feel more energized and clear-headed in the days after your treatment. It’s important that

Acupuncture Q & A

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the process of inserting exceptionally thin needles into your skin at strategic energy centers in your body. The procedure stimulates your nervous system so it releases chemicals into your muscles, connective tissue and nerves to promote healing.

Acupuncture can treat many ailments and give you greater energy and reduced stress. It boosts your overall health and well-being.

What can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is an effective therapy for a number of conditions. The treatment reduces stress, promotes good health, and prevents illness, and also addresses several acute and chronic conditions, such as:

  • Anxiety and stress-related illnesses
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Chronic pain
  • Respiratory disorders, including asthma and allergies
  • Muscular disorders, such as back pain and tendinitis

Acupuncture is often used in conjunction with other therapies, such as massage and physical therapy.

Do acupuncture treatments hurt?

Even though acupuncture involves needles, it doesn’t usually hurt. The experienced acupuncturist at Southwest Family Physicians is skilled at inserting the needles into the right meridians, which is generally pain-free. You may feel a slight numbing or tingling sensation at the insertion points. As the needles penetrate your energy centers, you will likely experience deep relaxation, so the procedure is quite comforting. 

The needles are thin, so they don’t cause bruising and are sterilized and disposable, so there is no risk of infection.

What should I expect during an acupuncture session?

You sit or lie down comfortably as the needles are positioned at the relevant points in your body to address your specific pain and relaxation needs.

The needles remain in place for several minutes before the acupuncturist removes them. Once your treatment is complete, you’re ready to go home – no downtime is necessary.

How many acupuncture sessions will I need?

The number of treatments you need depends on your symptoms and your goals of treatment. You receive a personalized wellness plan that matches your constitution and response to the treatment. Many people experience relief after just one session, while continued sessions promote long-term wellness.

Visit http://stollacupuncture.com/ to learn more about our acupuncture provider, Collin Stoll.

To learn more about how you can benefit from an acupuncture treatment, call Southwest Family Physicians or schedule a consultation online.