What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin sterile needles into discrete and specific points on the body in order to cause therapeutic effect, but can also involve other methods such as electrical stimulation, injection of fluid at specific points, and moxibustion. Acupuncture has been practiced in both animals and humans for thousands of years.

What can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture therapy has been shown to help a wide range of both acute and chronic conditions. Some examples of benefits include:

• Musculoskeletal problems: muscle soreness, arthritis, degenerative joint disease, back pain

• Performance enhancement: improved mobility, prevention of disease, enhanced recovery

• Gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea, gastric ulcers, colic, etc.

• Chronic conditions: heaves, skin problems, uveitis, Cushing’s disease, geriatric weakness.

• Behavioral issues

• Quality of life care and much more!
  

What to expect during an acupuncture visit?

A thorough exam is first performed in order to diagnose your animal’s condition and determine the appropriate treatment. This involves obtaining a detailed history and personality assessment, an acupoint body scan as well as a physical exam. Based on this exam, as well as outcomes from previous treatments a custom tailored treatment will be made. This can include insertion of needles, electroacupuncture, aqua acupuncture as well as acupressure. Expect the initial acupuncture session to last about an hour, while subsequent treatments lasting between 25-60 minutes depending on treatment modalities used.

How soon can you expect results / how many sessions are needed?

As in all medicine, this depends on the situation and treatments involved. You should be able to see results after the first or second session, especially with acute pain relief. For chronic conditions, it may take longer to see improvements. During a visit, Dr. Topper will discuss what to expect and when he suggests your animal should be treated next.