Medical Acupuncture in Toronto and surrounding areas
Athlete's Care is a network of Toronto sports medicine and rehabilitation centres. We have 16 convenient locations around Toronto including downtown Toronto, North York, in the Beach, Scarborough, Vaughan, Brampton, Mississauga and Oakville, visit a clinic near you!
What is medical acupuncture?
At Athlete's Care Sports Medicine Centres, medical acupuncture is often considered an effective treatment approach aimed at reducing and/or relieving pain and improving muscle function and activity of affected areas of the body. A thin, disposable needle is inserted into the skin and tissue in specific areas of the body.
Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce its own pain relieving chemicals called endorphins. The improved energy and biomechanical balance produced by acupuncture stiumlates the body's natural healing abilities.
Acupuncture is very effective in treating a vareity of painful disorders such as:
- Low back pain
- IT Band Syndrome
- Muscle tightness
- Shin splints
- Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Rotator cuff tendonitis
It is often used as an effective adjunct to physiotherapy, massage therapy or chiropractic treatments.
How do I book a medical acupuncture appointment?
At Athlete's Care Sports Medicine Centres many of our healthcare practitioners have completed certification courses in acupuncture and are able to effectively incorporate it into their treatments.
Learn more about our team of Toronto Medical Acupuncturists Request an appointment at Athlete's Care in Toronto or surrounding areas like Brampton, Vaughan, Scarborough, Oakville and Mississauga.Frequently Asked Questions
Medical acupuncture is a modern, scientific approach to traditional acupuncture that uses very fine, disposable needles to stimulate the nervous system and help relieve pain and improve muscle function. At Athlete’s Care, it is used as part of a sports medicine and rehabilitation treatment plan rather than as a stand alone alternative therapy.
Thin needles are inserted just under the skin at specific sites in the body, chosen based on your condition and symptoms. These sites often correspond to “trigger points” or nerves that influence pain and muscle tension. The stimulation can help “reset” pain signals, reduce muscle tightness, improve circulation, and promote healing in the affected area.
Medical acupuncture is especially effective for musculoskeletal and pain related conditions, but it can also help with several other symptom patterns. At Athlete’s Care, medical acupuncture is best suited for:
- Muscle and joint pain: neck pain, low-back pain, shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle pain, including osteoarthritis related joint discomfort.
- Tendon and sports injuries: tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, and other overuse or repetitive-strain injuries.
- Sprains, strains, and post-injury pain, where acupuncture can help reduce pain signals, muscle tightness, and inflammation.
- Overuse and repetitive strain injuries
- Headaches and tension type pain patterns
Your physiotherapist, massage therapist, chiropractor, or sports medicine practitioner will assess whether acupuncture is appropriate for your specific complaint and goals.
Most people feel only a brief, mild sensation at the needle insertion site, similar to a pinch or tap, and then the needles are usually not felt during the treatment. Medical acupuncture at Athlete’s Care is performed by certified healthcare practitioners who use very thin, sterile, disposable needles and work with your comfort level throughout the session.
Results vary by person and condition. Many patients benefit from a short series of treatments, typically spaced over several weeks, with the number and frequency tailored to your injury, pain level, and response to therapy. Your practitioner will outline an expected course and adjust it based on your progress.
After a brief assessment of your symptoms and movement, your practitioner will insert fine needles at selected sites. The needles are usually left in place for about 10–20 minutes while you relax. Your clinician may also add gentle manual stimulation or low-level electrical stimulation to enhance the effect. Many patients find the treatment relaxing and often combine it with physiotherapy, massage therapy, or chiropractic care for a more comprehensive plan.
Yes. When performed by trained, certified practitioners using sterile, disposable needles, medical acupuncture is considered safe and non-invasive. Serious side effects are rare. Your practitioner will review your medical history and any contraindications (such as bleeding disorders or certain skin conditions) before proceeding.
Medical acupuncture is delivered by physiotherapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, and other healthcare practitioners who have completed formal medical acupuncture certification and are integrated into the Athlete’s Care multidisciplinary team. They can offer acupuncture alone or alongside other treatments such as physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care and exercise prescription to optimize your recovery.
At Athlete’s Care, medical acupuncture is delivered as part of a physiotherapy, massage therapy or chiropractic treatment, so coverage follows your standard benefits. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs depend on your individual insurance plan, so we recommend checking with your insurer or our clinic team when you book.
Medical acupuncture is available at multiple Athlete’s Care locations across the GTA, including downtown Toronto, North York, the Beach, Scarborough, Vaughan, Brampton, Mississauga, and Oakville, as well as in Ottawa clinics. You can select a location near you and request a practitioner who offers medical acupuncture when booking your appointment, https://www.athletescare.com/.