Your Path to Natural Pain Relief!

Personalized Acupuncture Calgary Downtown

Acupuncture is an ancient, safe and effective alternative to medication and, in some cases, surgery. Used in conjunction with other physiotherapy treatments acupuncture is effective for treating and managing pain and can help you to improve faster. Our certified physiotherapists are experienced at delivering acupuncture, a holistic method of healing for your well-being.

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Success Stories & Patient Praises

Unlock the Power of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the insertion of needles into specific anatomical points (acupuncture points) to encourage natural healing. Therapeutic effects include:

Pain relief
Increased energy
Improved mood
Improved body function

The Science Behind Acupuncture

The Traditional Chinese explanation of acupuncture revolves around the balance and flow of Qi (pronounced chee) energy considered essential for health. When the body is healthy, Qi flows smoothly through the meridians that make up a conceptual network of pathways throughout the entire body. When the balance or flow of Qi is deficient or obstructed, it may be diseased or susceptible to illness. Acupuncture treats both the symptoms and the root causes of the patient’s illness.

Modern scientific research suggests that acupuncture may work through various mechanisms, including stimulating the release of endorphins (natural pain-relieving chemicals), modulating neurotransmitters, and affecting the autonomic nervous system.

Through the insertion of needles in specific anatomical points (acupuncture points) it can reduce pain by stimulating the brain and spinal cord to produce natural pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins, melatonin (which promotes sleep) and serotonin (to promote well-being.) These chemicals assist the body’s healing processes and offer pain relief.

Common Conditions We Treat With Expert Acupuncture

Acupuncture is used to treat a vast number of painful conditions

Neurological orders
Hip and knee osteoarthritis
Neck pain management
Sprain and strains

Chronic low back pain
Sciatica
Headaches (migraine and tension)
Pelvic and low back pain in pregnancy

Acupuncture is especially effective for managing pain. In some cases, acupuncture in conjunction with other treatments will speed up your recovery time and provide better results.

Acupuncture vs. IMS: Choosing the Right Path

Acupuncture is a technique based in traditional Chinese medicine and is thousands of years old. It involves inserting fine filament needles into specific acupuncture points along meridians (thought to be pathways of energy flow throughout the body) to establish equilibrium within the system. With Acupuncture, the needles are often left in place for a longer duration (about 15-30 minutes), and there’s often minimal sensation felt with the needles.

IMS uses a slightly thicker needle inserted directly into palpable tight bands to cause a twitch response to release muscle tension and sensitivity. Unlike Acupuncture, there is often a strong sensation of an involuntary muscle twitch which is often described as achy.

Can All Physiotherapists Do Acupuncture?

No. Physiotherapists who perform acupuncture have completed training in addition to their university education. Therapists at Avenue Physio have taken postgraduate training at the University of Alberta or the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada to be certified in Acupuncture. They have also received approval to perform needling from the Alberta College of Physiotherapists and must adhere to safe practice standards.

What to Expect from Your Treatment

The number and location of needles used will vary based on your condition and treatment goals. Some notice the effects of treatment on their first visit, while others may need 5-8 treatments to see better results. Your physiotherapist will regularly check your progress to ensure acupuncture is helping you.

Calgary Downtown's Finest: Meet Our Physiotherapy Team

We are a team of experienced Physiotherapists and Massage Therapists in Calgary with advanced training that is internationally recognized. We provide comprehensive assessments, education about your injury and/or pain, and outline a detailed treatment plan focused on your specific goals.

Our reputation comes from satisfied clients and a referral network of Health and Wellness professionals. If you are not improving with Physiotherapy treatment, we will refer you appropriately and make recommendations so you understand your options and other possible treatments that may be beneficial.

We are committed to ensuring our clients reach their movement goals and receive the highest standard of evidence-based treatment. Our Physiotherapists and Massage Therapists are friendly, motivating and look forward to getting you moving and doing the things you love.

Our mission is to change lives with movement with excellence in care and education.

Let’s start a movement!

PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

Keri Meyers

BKin, DPT, Dry Needling Certified

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Joyce Lang

BScPT, FCAMPT, IMS Certified

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Josh Makin

BA Bio, MPT, MClSc, FCAMPT, Dry Needling Certified

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Maria Artiuch

MPhtySt, BScKin, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, Dry Needling Certified

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Kelly Barrie

BHSc (PT), BPE, FCAMPT, IMS Certified

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MASSAGE THERAPISTS

Rick Hofmann

RMT, CBT

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ADMIN STAFF

Margarita Ossa

Patient Experience Coordinator

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Insurance Information

Choose our clinic and benefit from a streamlined insurance claim experience. We offer direct billing to a wide range of insurance providers, allowing you to focus entirely on your recovery journey. Some of our partnered insurance providers include:
(Please inquire if you do not see your provider on the list below)