Acupuncture for Pain Management

Acupuncture for Pain Management

Pain management is one of the areas that acupuncture is most readily accepted by insurance companies as a reason to authorize care. At RiverWest Acupuncture, pain is frequently the reason we see a new patient. They have tried going to their Western medical doctor, and their options are pain killers, muscle relaxers, surgery and sometimes physical therapy. As a last resort, they call and say, I don’t want surgery and I can’t keep taking this pain medication as it renders me useless. We Chinese Herbs and Acupuncture for Pain Management successfully, every day we see patients.

Pain is categorized by acute or chronic. Acute is usually associated with an event such as overuse, accidents, etc. and lasts less than six months. Chronic pain indicates that it lasting longer than six months.

In Chinese Medicine, there are two causes for the pain. The first one is qi and blood stagnation that would equate to an excess. The second is qi and blood deficiency which equates to something in the body that is not nourishing the muscles and the bones. Both conditions can cause pain. We, as the Portland acupuncturists have to determine which it is and then treat accordingly, with the goal of the acupuncture diminishing and then managing the pain.

What can you expect when you come into our clinic to be treated for pain?

  • Acupuncturist will talk with you about your condition and your medical history.
  • They will insert needles.
  • They may use tuina massage, cupping, or moxabustion in addition to the needles to enhance healing.
  • You will rest with the needles for approximately 20 minutes.
  • Often they will do a second set of needles, while you again rest for 15-20 minutes.
  • They will have you do some motion to see the increase Range of Motion and decrease in pain.
  • They may prescribe herbs to decrease inflammation, increase blood flow, decrease qi stagnation.

How often will you need to come in?

Acute Condition:

  • 2 – 3 visits a week for the first two weeks
  • 1 visit a week for 3 weeks – 4 weeks
  • 1 visit every 2 weeks
  • We recommend a monthly visit for maintenance

This is dependent on the severity of acute condition.

 Chronic Condition:

  •  1 visit per week for 4 weeks to stabilize
  • 1 visit every 4 – 6 weeks for maintenance

These are generalizations, and your care will be determined specifically by your needs and pain levels


To submit an inquiry to one of our professionals, email us at contact@riverwestacupuncture.com.
Have a question about acupuncture or some of our other services? Send us your question and we’ll get back to you shortly with a reply!


Search Posts:


New on the blog: