Acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been used for thousands of years to treat various health conditions. It has gained significant acceptance in modern medical practices in recent decades, particularly in pain management and promoting overall health and wellness.

According to Dr. Sean Wahl, Perham Health Chiropractor, “Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to alleviate pain and stimulate healing.” He further explains, “Through a diagnostic process, the best points for needle insertion are determined based on each patient’s unique condition.”

Once the points are identified, needles are inserted and typically left in place for 10 to 30 minutes. “The needles are often stimulated – gently moved in and out – during the treatment to enhance the clinical value,” says Dr. Wahl. The number of needles used and the stimulation frequency depend on the condition being treated.

How Acupuncture Works

The traditional theory behind acupuncture is based on the concept of “Qi” (pronounced ‘chee’), the body’s vital energy that flows through specific channels or meridians. “The goal is to stimulate this energy, either enhancing or depressing its flow, depending on the patient’s condition,” Dr. Wahl explains.

Current research also supports the idea that acupuncture stimulates nerves, connective tissue, and muscles, decreasing pain, reducing muscular spasms, and promoting healing.

Conditions Treated with Acupuncture

“Some of the most common conditions treated with acupuncture include migraine headaches, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, chronic and acute spinal pain, and plantar fasciitis,” notes Dr. Wahl. These ailments can be stubborn and resistant to traditional treatments, yet many patients have found relief through acupuncture.

He adds, “Acupuncture complements chiropractic care and physical therapy. Combined with other medical treatments, it can significantly reduce healing times and enhance pain management.”

Case Studies

Dr. Wahl has seen firsthand the transformative effects of acupuncture in his practice:

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis):

“In my practice, I’ve treated many cases of frozen shoulder with excellent results,” shares Dr. Wahl. “Patients typically suffer from chronic pain, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion. Corticosteroid injections and physical therapy are common treatments for this condition. However, I’ve had several patients who did not respond to these conventional methods but experienced significant improvement with acupuncture.”

Plantar Fasciitis:

Plantar fasciitis is another condition that Dr. Wahl regularly treats with acupuncture. “This condition usually presents as severe pain and tightness on the bottom of the foot, just in front of the heel. It’s a stubborn ailment that doesn’t always respond well to traditional treatments,” Dr. Wahl explains.

Over the last 30 years, Dr. Wahl has treated hundreds of patients suffering from plantar fasciitis. He combines acupuncture with chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue release techniques. Recovery can take 2–3 months. However, he reports that many patients have experienced significant improvements, even after years of struggling with this condition.

“Acupuncture, in combination with rehabilitative exercises, has proven to be highly effective for plantar fasciitis. Patients often see a full recovery after consistent treatment,” Dr. Wahl adds.

The Benefits of Acupuncture

Whether used as a standalone treatment or with other therapies, acupuncture offers many benefits. It is a powerful tool in modern healthcare, from pain relief to improved mobility and faster healing times.

Dr. Wahl concludes, “Acupuncture is an excellent complement to chiropractic care. Its ability to enhance recovery and relieve pain makes it an invaluable option for many patients.”

Sean Wahl, DC

About Perham Health 

Perham Health is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital with three primary care clinics, a 96-bed nursing home, home health care agency, adult day services, memory care assisted living, and senior housing.  The medical staff consists of 24 physicians, a nurse midwife, 14 advance practice clinicians, and three chiropractors. Visit perhamhealth.org to learn more.