Electroacupuncture is quite similar
to ordinary acupuncture in that the same points are stimulated
during treatment. Very fine sterile needles are inserted
and then attached using small clips to a device that generates
small electric pulses. Electroacupuncture uses two needles
a few centimetres apart so that the impulses can pass from
one needle to the other.
Two different frequencies are used: high
frequency electro acupuncture produces fast pain relief
by stopping pain signals from reaching the mind. Low frequency
electro acupuncture has a longer lasting effect and causes
the body to release pain blocking substances. In addition
to pain, electro acupuncture is commonly used in the treatment
of musculoskeletal trauma including over-use injuries (tendonitis
or repetitive strain injury, RSI), muscle spasms and joint
sprains. Knees, backs and shoulders respond particularly
well to electro acupuncture.
The feeling is not unpleasant, some patients even fall
asleep during treatment. The high frequency gives
a tingling like squeezing sensation and the low frequency
feels like light tapping. In treatment I would usually
alternate between high and low frequency to get the benefits
of each.
