We are fortunate at Cochrane Sport Physio to be able to offer two approaches to acupuncture.

• Both approaches use current knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology to assess, diagnose, and treat their patients. 
• Both use needling techniques that can focus directly to your area of pain or discomfort. 

These approaches are:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)  Acupuncture
• Western Medical Acupuncture (WMA)

Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture

At Cochrane Sport Physio we have an in-house Registered Acupuncturist - Althea Lacasse BSc, RAc, RMT

Registered Acupuncturists are trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine. TCM  is a coherent system of thought and practice based on ancient texts AND a continuous process of critical thinking, extensive clinical observation, and testing. This system of medicine looks at the complete physiological and psychological individual. It is a complex medical system in it’s own right. 

Since pain can affect many areas of your life and your ability to function well, Althea also conducts  a thorough TCM assessment in order to design a plan that will address additional symptoms or underlying issues that you may be having. These issues may include fatigue, stress, insomnia, headaches, digestive issues, menstrual issues, emotional issues, endocrine issues etc…

Althea uses a gentle needling technique that includes using Traditional Chinese acupuncture points, trigger and motor points, auricular therapy, and Korean Hand acupuncture. She may also include moxibustion, cupping, guasha (similar to Graston), Tuina, and Chinese Dietary Therapy. 

Since Althea is also a Registered Massage Therapist, she may use myofascial release and deep tissue massage techniques during your treatment if she finds that it would be beneficial for you at that time. 

Western Medical Acupuncture

At Cochrane Sport Physio our physiotherapists use acupuncture as a therapeutic modality (tool) in conjunction with other physiotherapy treatment techniques to achieve optimal improvement for a variety of conditions including , but not limited to, low back pain, sciatic pain, neck / shoulder dysfunction and osteoarthritis.