Overuse injuries and muscles that stay knotted no matter how much you stretch can wear you down. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation of NY & CT (PMR) offers acupuncture Brewster NY patients can add to chiropractic care and physical therapy at our Putnam County office, 1620 Brewster Town Center, as one part of a coordinated plan.
How acupuncture works
Acupuncture places hair-thin, solid needles at selected points on the body. Its roots are in traditional Chinese medicine, which describes energy, or qi, moving through channels called meridians. Modern research focuses on how needling stimulates nerves and muscle tissue and may influence the way your nervous system handles pain. The strongest evidence so far is for chronic low back pain, neck pain, knee osteoarthritis and migraine prevention, where it may help some people, though results vary.
Acupuncture for sports and overuse injuries
Running, lifting, swinging a club or playing a long season can irritate tendons and leave muscles tight and sore. The evidence for acupuncture in sports injuries is more limited than for chronic back or neck pain, but some people find it eases pain enough to keep up with the strengthening and mobility work that addresses the cause. At PMR, it’s used alongside rehab, not instead of it.
That fits the Brewster team, where both chiropractors lean toward sports care: Paul Ciatto, DC, takes a special interest in helping athletes rehabilitate and build strength, and Chris Shay, DC, treats sports-related injuries. Your acupuncture can be planned around sports medicine care and physical therapy in Brewster.
Acupuncture for stress-related muscle tension
When life gets busy, tension often settles into the neck, shoulders and upper back. Acupuncture won’t change what’s causing the stress, but it may ease the muscle tension that comes with it, and research suggests it may help some people with chronic neck pain. If ongoing stress is affecting your sleep or daily life, it’s worth talking with your primary care provider as well.
A typical acupuncture visit in Brewster, NY
- A conversation about your pain, health history, sleep and daily routine
- A brief exam of the area that hurts
- Sterile, single-use needles placed while you rest on the table, face up or face down
- About 20 minutes of rest with the needles in place
- Removal of the needles, after which most people return to their day
Expect a quick prick as each needle goes in, then perhaps a dull, heavy or tingling feeling. Mild soreness or a small bruise is possible afterward.
Your Brewster acupuncturist
sees patients at the Brewster office on. Coverage for acupuncture differs from plan to plan, so call PMR’s billing office at (203) 744-8014 to check yours. Learn more about acupuncture at PMR.
When to get urgent care
Call 911 or head to the nearest ER for:
- Numbness or weakness that spreads quickly, or that follows a fall or collision
- Back pain with fever, or with loss of bladder or bowel control
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- A sudden, severe headache unlike any you’ve had before
Frequently asked questions
Is acupuncture the same as dry needling?
No, though both use thin, solid needles. Acupuncture is usually performed by a licensed acupuncturist and draws on traditional Chinese medicine along with modern research, often using points across the body. Dry needling targets tight bands in muscle, often called trigger points, and is based on Western anatomy.
Can I get acupuncture during my sports season?
Yes, for most people. Sessions can be planned around training and competition. Because some people feel a little sore or tired right after treatment, it’s sensible not to book a session right before a big game or race until you know how your body responds. Share your schedule with your acupuncturist so treatments land at the right time.
Can acupuncture help with tension headaches?
It may. Research suggests acupuncture can reduce how often tension-type headaches happen for some people, and it’s also used to help prevent migraines. Expect a course of several sessions rather than a single treatment. If a headache is sudden and severe, or comes with fever, weakness, confusion or vision changes, get medical care right away instead.
Book acupuncture in Brewster
To schedule acupuncture, call (845) 279-1135 or request a visit online. PMR of Brewster, NY is located at 1620 Brewster Town Center, Brewster, NY 10509. Visit the Brewster office page for hours and the rest of the team.