Veterinary Medical Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a safe nonpharmacologic intervention with minimal side effects. Acupuncture can be used independently or integrated into conventional analgesia protocols. It has significant analgesic effects on inflammatory, neuropathic, cancer, and visceral pain states. It can help ease acute pain from neuromusculoskeletal injuries and surgery, as well as chronic spinal and osteoarthritic pain. Veterinary clinical trials also provide evidence for its effectiveness.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture is the stimulation of certain points on the body that correspond to neurovascular bundles, blood plexuses, sites of nerve branching, and motor endplate zones. Recent evidence suggests that the effects of acupuncture are likely mediated by the nervous system at peripheral, spinal, and supraspinal levels. Neurophysiologic effects of analgesia in response to acupoint stimulation include release of endogenous opioids and neurotransmitters, activation of the descending pain inhibitory pathway, and inhibition of inflammatory mediators. Acupuncture also causes micro-trauma and vasodilation to improve local circulation and catalyze healing. Recent evidence suggests inhibition of microglial activation by acupuncture may play a key role in neuropathic pain diseases.
Before acupuncture, underlying pain or medical conditions are always diagnosed as part of conventional care. Once standard treatment measures are underway, acupuncture can be used as an complementary modality to reduce acute or chronic pain. It can be offered once or twice a week.
As with any therapy, not every patient responds to acupuncture; therefore, realistic expectations need to be set for clients. It is recommended that clients commit to sessions once or twice a week for at least 4 to 6 treatments, especially for chronic conditions. Although many patients may not need even 4 treatments to experience benefits, shorter durations and lower intensities of treatment may result in suboptimal outcomes. Acupuncture has both immediate and cumulative analgesic effects following repeated treatments.
Safety and Contraindications
Acupuncture is safe when performed correctly by licensed veterinarians certified in veterinary acupuncture. Common minor adverse effects after acupuncture include tiredness, increased water intake, soreness, muscle spasm, and minor bleeding, which typically resolve quickly.
Indications for which veterinarians may prescribe for acupuncture include:
Pain
Osteoarthritis
Weakness
Neurologic injury or disease
Immune dysfunction
Digestive disorders
Reproductive disturbances
Given the low risk for adverse effects and observed benefits for acute and chronic pain, acupuncture can play a large role in pain management and can be incorporated as part of a multimodal approach.
** TVP – Today’s Veterinary Practice –
February 11, 2019 | Issue: March/April 2019