Name: Allied Acupuncture Gold Coast
Address: 7a 2 Executive Drive, Burleigh Waters, QLD, 4220, AU
Telephone: 0755221691
Price range: $69-$99

Living With Chronic Pain? Acupuncture Is A Leading Solution

Posted on July 2, 2024July 2, 2024 by Scott_Admin

For those living with chronic pain, research highlights the need to consider acupuncture. Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and is used to treat a variety of ailments. It has passed the test of time, and is highly researched. In fact there is more high level research for acupuncture than for physiotherapy and chiropractic combined.

Chronic pain can be debilitating and severely affect a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, acupuncture has been shown to be effective in managing chronic pain. This article dives into the potential benefits, because we want people to suffer less. If you’ve never considered acupuncture for managing your chronic pain, this is for you.

Chronic pain can be caused by a variety of factors such as injury, inflammation, or nerve damage. It can also be caused by conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and migraines.

The traditional medical approach to chronic pain management typically involves the use of medications, such as opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, these medications can have side effects and may not be effective for everyone. Over time people may need to take more and more to get relief, and the side effects can take a toll. This is where acupuncture comes in.

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. These needles stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms, such as the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. Acupuncture also helps to increase blood flow to the affected area, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation.

For those living with chronic pain, research has shown that acupuncture can be an effective treatment. A meta-analysis of 29 randomized controlled trials involving over 17,000 patients found that acupuncture was effective in treating chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis, chronic headache, and back pain. Another study found that acupuncture was more effective than standard care in reducing pain and improving function in patients with chronic low back pain.

Acupuncture has also been shown to be effective in treating other chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia and migraines. A study of 60 patients with fibromyalgia found that those who received acupuncture had significantly lower pain scores than those who received a placebo treatment. Another study found that acupuncture was more effective than medication in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines.

A skilled acupuncturist selects acupuncture points that stimulate the body’s ability to return to homeostasis. That is, it prompts the body to heal.

One of the benefits of acupuncture for those living with chronic pain is that it is a safe and non-invasive treatment option in the hands of a skilled acupuncturist. Unlike medications, acupuncture does not have any significant side effects, and the needles used in acupuncture are sterile and disposable.

Acupuncture can also be used in conjunction with other treatments for chronic pain. So if physical therapy or chiropractic care have been working for you, you can add it to your regime without affecting the other treatments. There are no drug interactions either, so don’t have to worry about your medication being affected. By combining these treatments, patients may be able to achieve greater pain relief and improve their overall function and quality of life.

In conclusion, acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment option for people living with chronic pain. It can help to reduce pain, improve function, and promote relaxation. If you are suffering from chronic pain, acupuncture is something to consider. As with any medical treatment, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before beginning acupuncture treatment.

About Allied Acupuncture Gold Coast 
PH: 07 5522 1691 
W: www.alliedacupuncture.com.au 
A: 7a / 2 Executive Dr, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220

Gold Coast acupuncture clinic Burleigh Waters. Located near the major intersection of Reedy Creek Rd and Bermuda St, near Treetops Shopping Centre and Bunnings.

We’re 15km or 20 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport and 13.4km from Surfers Paradise. Midway between the M1 Motorway and the Gold Coast Highway at Burleigh Heads.

The clinic has FREE off-street parking, wheel chair access and toilet facilities.

SAME DAY ACUPUNCTURE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE: 
Book online any time 24/7 or call our answering service Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm for same day appointments on 0755221691. Book an Initial Consultation and Treatment then look for your welcome e-mail.

An Initial Consultation and Treatment with Dr Scott Baker (Acupuncturist) involves discussing your health history, followed by a physical assessment, diagnosis and acupuncture treatment.
Diagnosis involves palpation of the problem area and possibly the abdomen and/or arms and legs. Chinese Medicine may also involve looking at your tongue and checking your pulse where indicated.

Available treatments:  

Neoclassical acupuncture using 1-3 needles
Biomedical acupuncture (including dry needling &/or electro acupuncture)
Balance method / distal acupuncture (Dr Tan / Master Tung style)

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Clinic Gold Coast
Find an AHPRA Registered Acupuncturist near you – search ‘acupuncture near me.’ Servicing:

References:
Vickers AJ, Cronin AM, Maschino AC, et al. Acupuncture for chronic pain: individual patient data meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med. 2012;172(19):1444-1453. 

Cherkin DC, Sherman KJ, Avins AL, et al. A randomized trial comparing acupuncture, simulated acupuncture, and usual care for chronic low back pain. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(9):858-866. 

Martin DP, Sletten CD, Williams BA, Berger IH. Improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms with acupuncture: results of a randomized controlled trial. Mayo Clin Proc. 2006;81(6):749-757. 

Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, et al. Acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;(1):CD001218.

A More Effective Depression Treatment

Posted on November 18, 2023July 1, 2024 by alliedactupuncture_admin

Acupuncture plus antidepressants are a more effective treatment according to research.

Depression and mental health as a whole is a major topic in today’s society that features regularly in mainstream news and affects many Australian families.

In recent research Acupuncture has been shown to be a safe, positive and cost-effective adjunct therapy for treating depression, chronic pain related to depression, and also showing positive outcomes for major depressive disorder; improving sleep, mood and quality of life 1,2,3.

The information above is based on recent research from 2015. However it should be noted that major national bodies in the USA and Australia who influence national treatment approaches vary in their recommendations. The USA Dept. of Veteran Affairs using evidence from Jan 2005 – Mar 2013 supports the use of Acupuncture in the treatment of depression giving it a ‘potential positive effect’ rating, the second highest rating it offers 4. However Australian Veteran Affairs says that there is ‘insufficient evidence’ to recommend Acupuncture for depression, based on less recent evidence from Sept 2005 – Sept 2010 5.

The findings of more recent top tier research have reflected positively on the use of Acupuncture as a treatment for depression and major depressive disorder.

A 2015 systematic review of 13 randomised controlled trails found that Acupuncture plus antidepressants (SSRIs) was a more effective treatment for depression than SSRIs alone, concluding that Acupuncture showed ‘potential positive effect’ as an adjunct treatment for depression 1.

The above systematic review also stated that Acupuncture showed an early onset of effectiveness and Acupuncture treatment was deemed safe and well-tolerated by the study participants. Electro-Acupuncture (EA) was shown to be marginally more effective than manual Acupuncture.

A 2015 review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses concluded that Acupuncture was effective and safe in the treatment of major depressive disorder; showing ‘promising evidence’ and in particular improving sleep, mood and quality of life 2. This is the highest level of research evidence.

The mechanism of action for Acupuncture’s effectiveness for major depressive disorder is the modulation and normalising of the brain’s limbic-paralimbic-neocortical network (LPNN), as well as the default mode network (DMN) 2.

In addition to providing the benefits mentioned above, Acupuncture is a cost-effective treatment for depression when compared to the cost of counselling or usual care according to a 2015 review of one randomised control trial 3. However patients should shop around for the most suitable option available to them in their area as prices for these services vary.

Antidepressants are still considered the standard treatment for depression and consultation with you General Practitioner (GP) is always recommended if you believe you may have depression or you desire to change you current antidepressant prescription. You should not stop taking antidepressants without consulting your prescribing doctor first.

If you are currently taking antidepressant medication and want to do more to improve your mental health, contact your local registered Acupuncturist.

For a list of free mental health services that you can call to receive valuable advice and support please click here.

About Allied Acupuncture Gold Coast 
PH: 07 5522 1691 
W: www.alliedacupuncture.com.au 
A: 7a / 2 Executive Dr, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220

Gold Coast acupuncture clinic Burleigh Waters. Located near the major intersection of Reedy Creek Rd and Bermuda St, near Treetops Shopping Centre and Bunnings.

We’re 15km or 20 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport and 13.4km from Surfers Paradise. Midway between the M1 Motorway and the Gold Coast Highway at Burleigh Heads.

The clinic has FREE off-street parking, wheel chair access and toilet facilities.

Available treatments:  

Neoclassical acupuncture using 1-3 needles
Biomedical acupuncture (including dry needling &/or electro acupuncture)
Balance method / distal acupuncture (Dr Tan / Master Tung style)

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Clinic Gold Coast
Find an AHPRA Registered Acupuncturist near you – search ‘acupuncture near me.’ Servicing:

References

Chan Y-Y et al. “The benefit of combined acupuncture and antidepressant medication for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis” Journal of Affective Disorders. 2015 May;176:106-117
Bosch P, Van Den Noort M, Staudte H, Lim S “Schizophrenia and depression: a systematic review of the effectiveness and the working mechanisms behind acupuncture.” Explore. 2015 Jul-Aug;11(4):281-291
Spackman E et al. “Cost-effectiveness analysis of acupuncture, counselling and usual care in treating patients with depression: the results of the ACUDep trial.” PLoS ONE 2015; 9(11):e113726. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0113726
Hempel S, Taylor SL, Solloway MR, Miake-Lye IM, Beroes JM, Shanman R, et al. VA Evidence-based Synthesis Program Reports. Evidence Map of Acupuncture. Washington (DC): Department of Veterans Affairs; 2014.
Biotext. Alternative therapies and Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold and White Card arrangements. In: Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs, editor: Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs; 2010.

Tags: ibs, constipation, digestive issues, women’s health

Lower Back Pain Relief: Doctors Advised to Refer Patients for Acupuncture

Posted on November 18, 2023July 1, 2024 by alliedactupuncture_admin

Seeking lower back pain relief? For patients with acute or sub-acute low back pain Medical Doctors have been advised not to prescribe potentially harmful drugs or expensive, unnecessary tests wherever possible and to refer patients for non-drug therapies including Acupuncture 1.

Acupuncture is one of a small handful of treatments that have been recommended as part of the evidence-based clinical practice guideline published in February 2017 by the American College of Physicians.

The American College of Physicians is a highly esteemed and influential medical body in the USA, whose medical model Australia follows very closely.

Low back pain happens to be one of the most common reasons behind visits to Medical Doctors. Approximately 25% of the population report having experienced low back pain recently and it can be a debilitating condition that severely decreases quality of life.

According to the president of the ACP “Physicians should avoid prescribing unnecessary tests and costly and potentially harmful drugs, especially narcotics, for these patients.”

The ACP recommends Medical Doctors first refer patients for non-drug therapy, including Acupuncture, spinal manipulation, mindfulness-based stress reduction and even motor control exercise. Movement based activities such as tai chi and yoga could be beneficial also.

The guidelines also showed that systemic steroids were ineffective at treating low back pain, as was the commonly prescribed medication acetaminophen.

Opioid-based pain killers (narcotics) are advised as a last resort. This recommendation is likely related to the Centre for Disease Control’s declaration that opioid-based pain killers have become an “epidemic” and that the number of deaths associated with these drugs and risk of addiction is too high.

The ACPs guidelines reflect a growing body of evidence in support of Acupuncture for pain management due to its effectiveness and safety.

About Allied Acupuncture Gold Coast 
PH: 07 5522 1691 
W: www.alliedacupuncture.com.au 
A: 7a / 2 Executive Dr, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220

Gold Coast acupuncture clinic Burleigh Waters. Located near the major intersection of Reedy Creek Rd and Bermuda St, near Treetops Shopping Centre and Bunnings.

We’re 15km or 20 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport and 13.4km from Surfers Paradise. Midway between the M1 Motorway and the Gold Coast Highway at Burleigh Heads.

The clinic has FREE off-street parking, wheel chair access and toilet facilities.

Available treatments:  

Neoclassical acupuncture using 1-3 needles
Biomedical acupuncture (including dry needling &/or electro acupuncture)
Balance method / distal acupuncture (Dr Tan / Master Tung style)

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Clinic Gold Coast
Find an AHPRA Registered Acupuncturist near you – search ‘acupuncture near me.’ Servicing:

Reference:

Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA, for the Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians. Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2017;166:514-530. doi: 10.7326/M16-2367