What is the difference between acupuncture and physical therapy? Acupuncture does not cause as much pain as physical therapy, and it is safe for infants and senior citizens who do not have a needle phobia.
As humans, we sometimes shy away from certain things if we do not fully understand them. For example, someone may actually be a huge fan of the food squash. But having never tasted it and only going on what it looks like when it's prepared, it would be hard for them to figure that out.
One ancient Chinese practice that Americans are beginning to learn more and more about is acupuncture. For years, the only images that we as Americans would conjure up included the use of what seemed like thousands of painful needles. But as more and more information concerning the topic became available to many consumers, most of the ghost stories behind acupuncture have fallen to the wayside.
One comparison that acupuncture continues to receive is its comparison to physical therapy and the treatment that goes along with it. Dr. Xiaodont Han graduated from the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Hunan Province of China. He is licensed in the state of Florida and is a physician with the Oak Hollow Acupuncture Clinic. Han said that he understands why many would confuse the two but believes that fully understanding the purposes of acupuncture should clear up any confusion.
"Acupuncture is unique," Han said. "It is unique because it does not require people to move certain parts of the body as in physical therapy. This is pivotal because sometimes the injured part is too painful to move."
"Acupuncture is very relaxing, peaceful, and gentle treatment that does not usually cause people to have a strong reaction," he added. "Some people, for psychological reasons, will get dizzy or nervous. Other than that, it is almost harmless if done by professionals."
The basic definition of the term physical therapy would be the use of exercises and physical activities to help condition muscles and restore strength and movement. For example, physical therapy can be used to restore arm and shoulder movement and build back strength after breast cancer surgery. Acupuncture is great in the healing process of muscles and tendons as well, but the biggest difference is the way the two practitioners go about getting their results.
A physical therapist will attempt to make the muscles better by using a regiment of activities and movements on a regular basis. An acupuncturist will attempt to make the same muscles less sore and aching by using acupuncture needles inserted in the body at certain acupuncture points. Depending on the acupuncturists, the needles could very well be inserted near the ailing area. For example, if someone goes to the acupuncturist for a sore knee, chances are that the acupuncturist will insert most of his or her needles in and around the knee area.
One of the biggest differences between physical therapy and acupuncture is that many acupuncture experts believe their process is safe for everyone. So, where a elderly person may not be capable of going through the extensive regiment with physical therapy, the acupuncturist regiment could be much more relaxing.
"Another thing that makes acupuncture unique is that it can be used on anyone from infants to seniors," Han said. "The only people who are not fit for acupuncture treatment are those who have severe needle phobias. I'm talking about people who, when even thinking about acupuncture, feel extremely panicked."
