Page 26 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 5

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Neurofunctional Acupuncture for Sports

Injuries and Performance

This article was written by Dr. Kylie Draper, a chiropractor and neurofunctional acupuncture provider.
Dr. Draper is the co-owner of Cornwall Spine Care Plus+, located at 117 Eleventh Street West, Cornwall, ON.

What is Neurofunctional (electroacupuncture) with a Who can benefit
Acupuncture? mild current that is similar to the from Neurofunctional
bodies own electrical synapses Acupuncture?
Neurofunctional acupuncture
which occur during neuronal
is a relatively new therapy that Besides being utilized by
communication (action potential).
has become well known in the Olympic Athletes to optimize
By stimulating the nerve along
sports-medicine community as performance and prevent/
its path or at its motor point the
a drug-free treatment of muscle, manage injuries, Neurofunctional
dysfunctional signals that are often
joint and nerve dysfunctions and Acupuncture is also commonly
sports injuries. This science- Neurofunctional Acupuncture noted in an injured tissue can be used by recreational athletes and
based approach has been shown to treatment of an Olympic Champion, normalized. Electroacupuncture chronic pain patients. The World
Athens 2004 has also been shown to stimulate
relieve pain, improve blood flow, Health Organization recognizes the

the nervous system to release

reduce inflammation, improved use of acupuncture in the treatment
source of pain; instead, it
nerve conduction, reduce muscle natural chemicals (endorphins & of a wide range of neurological
investigates, clinically, the most
dysfunction and promote the serotonin) in the muscles, spinal and musculoskeletal conditions.
common levels of dysfunction
body’s natural healing responses. cord, and brain. These chemicals Commonly treated conditions
associated with a given pain
can change the experience of pain, include:
Neurofunctional acupuncture problem, namely neurological,
and will trigger the release of other
differs from traditional Chinese biomechanical, muscular, • Neck pain
natural chemicals and hormones,
medicine acupuncture in that the metabolic, and psychoemotional
which influence the bodies own • Tennis elbow

approach is based on what is known levels. Clinical examination aims
in western medicine regarding to determine, among other things, • Low back pain
anatomy, and the neurophysiology which muscles are neurologically • Sciatica
of pain and dysfunction. inhibited and which are weak due
• Osteoarthritis
to atrophy; which tissues have
The practitioner selects needle
lost normal texture; which kinetic • Chronic Pain Syndromes
insertion points based on their
chains are not working properly;
extensive knowledge of nerve and • Headaches
and which peripheral nerves have
muscle anatomy and will often use
developed mechanosensitivity. • Disc Herniation Syndromes
electroacupuncture (attach gentle
Understanding all these aspects • Muscular Trigger Points
electrical stimulation to the needle)
allows the practitioner to design
to modulate the nervous system • Shoulder Pain
a truly individualized integrated Insertion of acupuncture needle
and normalize the nerve signals
neurofunctional treatment plan for into motor point of Palmaris • Sprains and Strains
being sent to and from the brain.
the athlete. longus muscle. • Stress related muscle pain
The Neurofunctional
How does Neurofunctional internal regulating system. Needles
Approach For more information on
Acupuncture Work? can also be inserted at sites remote Neurofunctional Acupuncture
According to Dr. Alejandro to the injured area in an effort to

A neurofunctional acupuncture or to find out if it can help you
Elorriaga Claraco, MD, the director
provider will often work locally modulate the autonomic nervous please visit Cornwall Spine Care
of the McMaster University
by inserting needles along system. This has a large effect on Plus, 117 Eleventh Street West,
Medical Acupuncture program,
peripheral nerves that supply a reducing stress within the body, Cornwall, ON, online at www.
the neurofunctional approach does
dysfunctional or injured area. allowing the athlete to perform at spinecareplus.ca or by phone at
not seek a single hypothetical
These needles are then stimulated their best. 613-938-1000.
• Chiropractic Care
• Massage Therapy
• Sports Injuries and Physical Rehabilitation

• Custom-fit foot orthotics and orthopedic braces
• Active Release Technique (ART)
613-938-1000 • Functional Range Release
117 Eleventh Street West, Cornwall • Neurofunctional Acupuncture
• WSIB and motor vehicle accidents
www.spinecareplus.ca ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS