Acupuncture

Acupuncture for Edmonton & Sherwood Park

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a therapeutic modality of healing, which involves inserting thin, sterile needles into your skin at various depths to stimulate acupuncture points in your body. Over 400 acupuncture points have been described, most of which are located on one of the main meridians, or energetic pathways. Obstructions can occur along the meridians, due to physical and emotional stress, poor nutrition, infection or injury. Our Registered Acupuncturists are extensively trained to insert acupuncture needles into acupuncture points to stimulate the meridians, unblock the flow of energy, and facilitate healing. Acupuncture integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) philosophy with anatomy, physiology and pathology, to relieve pain and improve your holistic health and wellness.

In addition to using tiny needles, acupuncturists also can use cupping, electrostimulation, heat lamps, gua sha, moxa and tuina.

All our acupuncturists are registered by the College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta, a government regulated body that oversees the acupuncture profession.

How Does an Acupuncture Treatment Work?

Your first acupuncture treatment includes an initial intake assessment, where our Registered Acupuncturists will learn about your existing medical conditions, as well as any health concerns or goals. Insertion of the acupuncture needles can effectively relieve your pain by the release of endorphins, which are naturally produced hormones that inhibit the communication of pain signals and produce feelings of euphoria. Our Registered Acupuncturists will insert several needles into the acupuncture points (along specific meridian lines) and leave them inserted for up to 30 minutes.

What Are the Benefits of Acupuncture?

In 2003 the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released a report called “Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials.” 

Here are some of the conditions mentioned in the report:

Gastrointestinal Conditions:

  • Acute/chronic colitis and irritable bowel (IBS)
  • Acute/chronic gastritis
  • Constipation/diarrhea
  • Hyperacidity (acid reflux)

Gynecological Conditions:

  • Dysmenorrhea
  • Hormone imbalances
  • Infertility
  • Menopause syndrome
  • PMS
  • Pre/post IVF treatments

Musculoskeletal Conditions:

  • Arthritis
  • Carpal tunnel
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Localized traumatic injuries, sprains, strains, tendinitis, contractures
  • Low back/neck strain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Sciatica

Neurological Conditions:

  • Disc problems
  • Facial palsy (early stage, 3-6 months)
  • Headaches/migraines
  • Intercostal neuralgia
  • Meniere’s disease
  • Peripheral neuropathies
  • Neurogenic bladder dysfunction

Psychological Conditions:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Hypersomnia/Insomnia
  • OCD
  • PTSD

Respiratory Conditions:

  • Acute bronchitis/sinusitis/rhinitis
  • Asthma
  • Chest infections
  • Common colds and allergies
  • Sore throat

Urinary Conditions:

  • Incontinence

**There are plenty of additional conditions acupuncture treats effectively, with centuries of empirical data, but for which there is little or no modern western research.

Prices

New Client

Treatment & Consultation
$ 130
  • 90 Minutes

Existing Client

Regular Treatment
$ 100
  • 60 Minutes

New Child Client

Treatment & Consultation
$ 100
  • 75 Minutes

Existing Child Client

Regular Treatment
$ 75
  • 30 Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. First, ask your Health Benefit Plan Provider the following questions:

  • Does my plan cover acupuncture?
  • How much coverage do I have per year?
  • How much coverage do I have remaining?
  • How much coverage do I have per treatment?
  • Do I need to set anything up before direct billing can be approved (e.g. an online profile)?
  • Will the clinic or I need to complete any forms?
  • Does the therapist need to be registered with a specific association?
  • Will I require a doctor’s note before my treatment?

Afterwards, Muscle Elements can process direct billing to the following Health Benefit companies:

  • Alberta Blue Cross
  • ASEBP
  • ATRA
  • Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan
  • Cowan Insurance Group
  • Desjardins
  • Great West Life
  • IA Financial Group
  • Johnson
  • Manulife
  • Standard Life
  • Johnston Group
  • Sunlife Financial
  • Green Shield Canada
  • Equitable Life
  • Medivie

If you do not see your provider listed here, please ask our reception as some companies go by different names.

*Please note – With direct billing, Muscle Elements submits a claim on your behalf and your Health Benefit Plan Provider determines its approval. If your claim is placed in a pending status, rejected, or not covered for the entire amount, you are responsible for the payment of your service at the time it is rendered.

Yes.

In the province of Alberta, registered acupuncturists are recognized as authorized medical practitioners for the purpose of the medical expense tax credit by CRA.

For more information, please visit the CRA’s website.

The answer varies depending on your preferences and the clinic’s schedule.

If you wish to book with a specific therapist, modality, or day/time, you may need to book up to 6 weeks in advance.

The clinic’s most experienced therapists, specific modalities, and evening and weekend appointments book quickly and far in advance.

Muscle Elements typically accommodates less specific appointment requests within the same week.

Call Muscle Elements’ friendly reception staff at (780) 410-1100 or book online.

Your initial consultation typically takes 90 minutes, and you should arrive 15 minutes early to fill out any required paperwork, such as a health history form or authorization forms for direct billings.

Your therapist will discuss any subsequent treatments with you following the appointment. Typically, follow-up treatments require 30 to 60 minutes at your practitioner’s discretion. Your practitioner will go over the frequency and length of future appointments for your treatment plan.

If you wish to achieve a wellness lifestyle, you should book at least one maintenance treatment every four to six weeks regularly to get the best benefits from Traditional Chinese Medicine. 

If your goal relates to a specific concern, your treatment plan may include other modalities to assist with this process.

Acupuncture benefits people of all ages. It relieves many conditions, such as:

  • Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendinitis
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Stress relief and associated conditions
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Muscle and related conditions such as spasms, strains and sprains
  • Back pain
  • Gynaecological disorders
  • Repetitive strain injury
  • Athletic and Sports related injuries
  • Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries
  • Circulatory and Respiratory problems
  • Pregnancy and labour
  • Post-injury and post surgical rehabilitation
  • Mental emotional issues.
  • Anxiety, depression and stress management
  • Weight management and metabolic disorders
  • Infertility

Yes, acupuncture is appropriate for individuals of all ages, including infants, children, and the elderly; however, some conditions disqualify acupuncture. Our clinic’s registered acupuncturists are trained to recognize these cases.

No. 

Your comfort is our greatest priority because effective treatment depends on your comfort and relaxation.

At Muscle Elements, therapists have training in proper draping procedures which guarantee your privacy during treatment. Our clinic’s therapists can provide treatment whether you elect to remove any, some, or all of your clothing.

Furthermore, therapists must obtain your consent and describe the treatments they will provide to ensure you are comfortable with them.

If you are uncomfortable with the treatment or draping, your therapist wants to know and will adjust their technique accordingly. Be sure to discuss the most effective means of treatment with your therapist.

As part of the standards set by their association, registered acupuncturists must secure and maintain any verbal and written information you provide in strict confidence.

Consequently, therapists require their clients’ consent to collect their information or disclose it to their immediate health providers (circle of care).

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, so most people do not feel them. Your acupuncturist will disclose any subsequent sensations to you.

Like many soft tissue treatments, acupuncture can cause slight discomfort, but it is not harmful and diminishes quickly. Therapists will not use any potentially painful techniques without discussing it and obtaining your permission.

Your therapist will establish your comfort scale based on your tolerance level and will modify their treatment and technique to meet your needs at any time.

We offer the following forms of payment:

  • Direct billing (please see the above question for more information)
  • Cash/Debit/Visa/Mastercard

Muscle Elements respects your time with promptness and concentration on your needs during your scheduled appointment. Missed appointments prevent the clinic from accommodating other clients because the time, therapist, and room are set aside for you. 

If you require any changes to your appointment, please notify Muscle Elements with as much notice as possible.

Our clinic requires 24-hours notice to change, cancel, or reschedule acupuncture appointments. If 24 hours is not given, the client will be responsible to pay for the full price of the scheduled appointment.

All of our acupuncturists are registered through the Alberta College of Acupuncturists Association.

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