Let Acupuncture Support Your Recovery After Surgery

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Acupuncture Portland post-surgery recovery dry needling

Surgery is tough on the body! And recovering can be a slow, uncomfortable process. But whether you’re struggling with pain, swelling, or scar tissue, acupuncture and dry needling can help you feel better and heal faster.

Reducing Swelling and Pain
A systematic review of randomized-controlled trials found patients who received acupuncture after surgery experienced less pain and needed fewer opioid medications during their recovery. Pain relief is one of the most thoroughly researched benefits of acupuncture. It works by releasing the body’s natural painkillers, like endorphins, while also helping to reduce inflammation.

Speeding Up Tissue Healing
Acupuncture works at a deep level to support your body’s connective tissue, or fascia. Fascia surrounds and connects muscles, bones, and organs, and it can become tight or restricted after surgery. Acupuncture helps to release these fascial adhesions, allowing for better blood flow and oxygen to reach damaged tissues. By improving the elasticity and function of fascia, acupuncture helps your body heal faster and more effectively, promoting flexibility and overall recovery.

Treating Scar Tissue
Scar tissue can sometimes be a hidden obstacle to recovery, causing stiffness or discomfort long after surgery. Acupuncture can help by improving circulation to the area, softening scar tissue, and promoting better mobility. Over time, acupuncture can even help improve the appearance of scars, making them less noticeable.

Acupuncture is a safe, effective addition to any post-surgery recovery plan. Whether you’ve had a minor procedure or something more complex, it’s a gentle way to reduce pain, speed up healing, and get back to feeling better. Betsy Gordon Acupuncture, Portland OR, treats a wide range of conditions. With a high standard of evidence-based care, she focuses each treatment on bringing relief. Give us a call at (971) 341-9546, or schedule online.

Wu MS, Chen KH, Chen IF, Huang SK, Tzeng PC, Yeh ML, Lee FP, Lin JG, Chen C. The Efficacy of Acupuncture in Post-Operative Pain Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One. 2016 Mar 9;11(3):e0150367. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150367

Liu L, Zhao G, Dou Y, Li L, Chen P, Li T, Gao M. Analgesic effects of perioperative acupuncture methods: A narrative review. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Oct 27;102(43):e35759. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035759

Tang Y, Wang T, Yang L, Zou X, Zhou J, Wu J, Yang J. Acupuncture for post-operative cognitive dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Acupunct Med. 2021 Oct;39(5):423-431. doi: 10.1177/0964528420961393

Yang JW, Shao JK, Wang Y, Liu Q, Liang JW, Yan SY, Zhou SC, Yang NN, Wang LQ, Shi GX, Pei W, Liu CZ. Effect of acupuncture on postoperative ileus after laparoscopic elective colorectal surgery: A prospective, randomised, controlled trial. EClinicalMedicine. 2022 May 27;49:101472. doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101472. 

Fu C, Wu T, Shu Q, Song A, Jiao Y. Acupuncture therapy on postoperative nausea and vomiting in abdominal operation: A Bayesian network meta analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 Jun 5;99(23):e20301. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000020301

Wu MS, Chen KH, Chen IF, Huang SK, Tzeng PC, Yeh ML, Lee FP, Lin JG, Chen C. The Efficacy of Acupuncture in Post-Operative Pain Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One. 2016 Mar 9;11(3):e0150367. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150367

Rozenfeld E, Sapoznikov Sebakhutu E, Krieger Y, Kalichman L. Dry needling for scar treatment. Acupuncture in Medicine. 2020;38(6):435-439. doi:10.1177/0964528420912255

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My acupuncture clinic is centrally located on NE Broadway Street in Northeast Portland, easily reachable from North, SW, and SE Portland. You’ll find easy neighborhood parking.