Acupuncture & Cancer Pain

Treating pain can be difficult, regardless of its origin, but treating cancer pain can be particularly tricky because it often has multiple causes.

According to Paley, et. al.: “Moderate to severe pain is experienced by 40% of individuals with early or intermediate stage cancer and 90% of individuals with advanced cancer. Up to 70% of all patients with cancer pain do not receive adequate pain relief, diminishing their quality of life in terms of both physical and psychological well-being.”

Tumors can compress structures, nerves can become irritated, inflammation multiplies, bones and organs can be taxed in their response to tumors or therapies – each pain is complex and often will often be prescribed a new therapy or drug in response. 

But, acupuncture provides an accessible and safe alternative to pain management without the need of added pharmaceuticals.

In a recent position paper published by the research group Evidence Based Acupuncture, a literature review showed that many studies found a moderate effect size of acupuncture on cancer-related pain, and concluded that: “…acupuncture is effective in relieving cancer related pain, particularly malignancy-related and surgery induced pain.”

Here at Maryville Acupuncture, our practitioners utilize their years of experience treating pain of all sorts.

Each visit, your acupuncturist will assess the quality, intensity, duration and frequency of your pain, as well as your current treatment regimens with your oncologist and other physicians.

We strive to be another source of excellent care as part of your integrated healthcare team.

Resources:

“Acupuncture as a Therapeutic Treatment for Cancer Pain.” Evidence Based Acupuncture, www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-cancer-pain/.

Paley, C.A., Johnson, M.I., Tashani, O.A. and Bagnall, A.M., 2011. Acupuncture for cancer pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev1(10).

Acupuncture Needles

Acupuncture Needles
Acupuncture Needles

What are acupuncture needles?

Acupuncture needles have been used for many centuries. While the majority of acupuncture started with less modern materials, such as bones, sticks and bamboo.  

Acupuncture needles have advanced with new technology. Modern needles are fine, filiform (no hole down the middle of the shaft) needles made from surgical steel and come in sterile packs.

They range in thickness from 30 to 40 gauge, which is about the diameter of a hair (in contrast, the needle that a phlebotomist uses to draw your blood is between 18 and 22 guage, which is much much thicker).

 Acupuncture needles range in length from about 0.5 inches to 4-5 inches, but most often in the clinic we use 0.5-1.5 inches. 

Do acupuncture needles hurt?

Acupuncture is generally considered to be painless by most of our patients. We understand that sensitivity can be different for everyone. The majority of people would say no and that they can’t even feel them. Though, there are many different sensations associated with acupuncture. Some people can feel the “Qi” some don’t and that’s okay.

We’ll link to our article about Qi here

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What do you do with your needles?

At Maryville Acupuncture, all of our needles are single use, sterile and disposed of in a sharps container. We never reuse needles. 

These needles are left in place for 20-25 minutes while you rest comfortably.

What else should I expect during a treatment?

There are additional modalities such as cupping, electro-stimulation, lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, stress management) and traditional Chinese medicinal practices that are occasionally incorporated into your treatment to give you the best benefit.

Maryville Acupuncture Opening June 21st!

Maryville Acupuncture will be accepting new patients Friday June 21, 2019. We are Maryville’s only acupuncture clinic and we look forward to serving this community. Our clinic will be a general care clinic and will treat symptoms such as pain, arthritis, headaches, digestive issues, and other internal conditions.

Maryville Acupuncture was founded in 2019 by Sarah Prater. As a Maryville resident, she was aware of the lack of integrative medicine options in Maryville, Townsend, Alcoa and the surrounding communities and felt called to open a practice in her home. Sarah says: “I am very excited to be bringing acupuncture to the Maryville community. With the recent opioid epidemic, many patients and doctors are looking for other options to treat pain. We offer a safe and effective treatment for pain and many other conditions.”

Maryville Acupuncture will be headed by licensed acupuncturist, Kate Sisson. Kate is an acupuncturist and soon-to-be registered nurse in the state of Tennessee. Since beginning practice in 2014, Kate uses her both her education and life experience – as a personal trainer, bellydancer, aerialist – to support her patients. She specializes in pain management, injury and surgery rehabilitation, anxiety and depression, women’s health and cosmetic enhancement.

We strive to work integratively for our patients, support the achievement of their health goals, and ensure they have access to the best possible care by working closely with your team of doctors.

We are excited to bring acupuncture treatment to our neighbors and look forward to being a part of your health care team!