Q: Does EIMS hurt?
A: This is one of the most frequently asked questions by new patients. EIMS, which is a variation of acupuncture, does not hurt as much as they might think, yet some people don’t believe it until they try it. Number of my patients with severe muscle pain had a real fear of needles, but they were surprised and very relieved by my treatment. I have an explanation for their fears. People learn throughout their life to be very careful and avoid sharp objects. They unconsciously transfer this fear to acupuncture. This experience cannot be applied to my treatment. My patients describe my needling technique as similar to a momentary tickling sensation. In fact most patients find having their blood sample taken is more painful than acupuncture.
Q: Why EIMS treatments provide long-term relief for back ache and shoulder pain?
A: The most common back or shoulder pain is a result of a strain or spasm of the large and small muscles that support the spine and the bones. Small nerve endings (nocioreceptors) of the injured and swollen muscle are compressed or pinched resulting in pain signals sent to the brain. During EIMS, blood flow through the injured muscle increases, reducing spasm and edema in the injured muscles. Once the pressure on the nerve endings is removed –pain signals stop! This treatment increases blood flow and restores tissue regeneration processes in the injured muscle. Long-term relief from back and shoulder aches are achieved after only a few treatments.
Q: My doctor recommended EIMS for my back and shoulder problems. I would like to know who is entitled to receive medical coverage for the treatment?
A: EIMS is an effective acupuncture method for reducing a pain from a musculo-skeletal injury.
Worker’s Compensation covers the cost of acupuncture treatments if:
(a) the pain is a result of work-related injury,
(b) you have a WorkSafeBC claim and
(c) the treatment is performed by a Registered Acupuncturist.
ICBC covers the cost of acupuncture treatments if the pain is a result of an accident-related injury. Your claim adjuster can give you more details on your coverage.
Extended Heath care plans may reimburse the cost of acupuncture treatments. Contact your company benefit officer or Insurance Company and they will provide you with this information.
Unfortunately the BC Medical Services Plan does not cover acupuncture and a certain fee is charged per session, however the cost of acupuncture treatment is a medical expense and is tax deductible. Family physician referral for acupuncture is recommended and welcomed.
Q: I have suffered from migraine headaches for many years. Will acupuncture help me?
A: It is important to distinguish between causes. It may be emotional, vascular or neurological. It may be created by swollen or inflamed upper neck muscles. A swollen muscle may compress certain nerves or blood vessels. Such compression leads to a variety of complaints such as headaches, dizziness, sensorineural hearing impairment. Once EIMS’s reduces neck muscle problems and secondary complains disappear.
Q: Does acupuncture help to Repetitive Strain Injury?
A: This medical term describes injuries to the soft tissues, which occur over time due to repetitive movements. Repetitive Strain Injuries are complicated and involve many body parts such as vertebras, nerves, tendons and muscles. Risk factors for this type of injuries includes repeated flexion and extension of the wrist, forceful rotation at the elbow, poor posture. Holding onto tools (violin, computer mouse, dentistry tools, scissors etc) for an extended period of time contributes for the injury. The number of highly skilled and motivated professionals, who are suffering from work related injuries, is on raise. We can help if you are experiencing symptoms of pain, muscle spasm or weakness, loss of movement at the joint due to your work.