Neurofunctional Acupuncture – An effective approach to treating pain and dysfunction

For a person who is suffering from pain and dysfunction during movement, the treatment options are endless. But an ideal treatment focuses on three general areas – biomechanics, neurology, and metabolism, which make up the pyramid of movement function.

When you look at the pyramid of movement function you get an idea of how biomechanics, neurology and metabolism influence each other. The nervous system is necessary to connect metabolic and biomechanical activities. If the nervous system is not functioning properly then the body is not able to produce pain-free movement, even if the structures of the body are in working order.

You experience painful movement with chronic injuries because the nervous system isn’t working properly, not necessarily because of physical damage to the muscles, tendons or joints (although they may contribute to the pain). A dysfunction in the nervous system results in a disconnect between muscles and the central nervous system, causing not only pain but also weakness and the inability to move properly.

Research shows that pain is very personal; it’s a unique combination of dysfunctions, sensory signals and complex emotions. The state of our joints, muscles and tendons cannot fully explain our symptoms, particularly with chronic pain. But a contemporary neurofunctional model explains the problem much better because it takes into account the contributions of the peripheral and central nervous systems. Sometimes the nervous system simply overreacts to normal stimuli because it’s sensitized, resulting in an inappropriate perception of pain.

One of the best, and most researched, therapies to treat chronic pain is contemporary electroacupuncture (also known as neurofunctional acupuncture) because of its multi-level effect in the central nervous system.

Electroacupuncture causes a release of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides into the peripheral and central nervous system to help block nociceptive (pain) signals. It basically resets your nervous system so that it stops overreacting to normal stimuli, which helps reduce pain.

Aside from pain management, electroacupuncture also affects some hormonal pathways, with studies showing positive effects in the treatment of a variety of conditions (other than pain) such as gynecological problems, infertility, erectile dysfunction and digestive complaints. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect and boosts the immune system with the release of met- enkephalin and enkephalin respectively.

Neurofunctional electroacupuncture is most effective when performed by a competent professional and used as part of an overall treatment plan, which integrates manual medicine (hands-on) and rehabilitation exercises.

Sanctuary Day Spas is committed to your health and well being, that’s why we have recently introduced the new neurofunctional sports performance program.  This style of treatment has been used in the world of professional sports for over a decade with unprecedented results and now Sanctuary Day Spas is bringing it to you. We invite you tobook a complimentary assessment today to see how we can help you become pain free and feel your best!

This article was originally published on the Sancturay Day Spas website.