Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a precise peripheral nerve stimulation technique, in which fine solid needles (acupuncture needles) are inserted into anatomically defined neurofunctional sites. There is also the option of adding electricity for the therapeutic purpose of modulating abnormal activity of the nervous system in pain syndromes and functional problems.

What are the benefits of acupuncture for patients?

Acupuncture may be effective as a solitary treatment, or as an adjunct to other therapeutic interventions to address:

  • Sports related injuries and other movement disorders
  • Musculoskeletal pain problems: neck pain, shoulder pain, low back pain, joint pain
  • Chronic pain: headaches, sciatica, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis

Please be aware that Dr. Macfarlane is a chiropractor who delivers acupuncture as a modality. She is not a dual registrant with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

In Ontario, most Extended Health Care Insurers do not reimburse modalities (such as acupuncture or soft tissue treatment). Instead, they reimburse professional services such as chiropractic care, physiotherapy, acupuncture provided by an acupuncturist, and massage therapy.

Therefore, it is important to clarify the details of your individual plan with your insurance carrier if you intend to submit a claim to utilize your acupuncture maximum.