Do I Need to Continue Acupuncture After My Injury Heals?

Q: Do I Need to Continue Acupuncture After My Injury Heals?

Hello, Miss Lin：<br>1. <br>Regarding your description of no issues with your left hand, it means that there is no pain during daily activities or when lifting heavy objects. <br>If you assess that you have fully recovered, there is no need for a medical visit. <br>However, if you

Do I still need to continue follow-up visits even though I have recovered?

Hello, Doctor: I went to a traditional Chinese medicine clinic for acupuncture due to a strain in my left hand from lifting heavy objects.
I visited two different clinics, and the second one recommended several sessions of acupuncture and suggested that I continue follow-up visits.
Q1.
My left hand is no longer an issue; should I continue to return for follow-up visits? Q2.
Additionally, I would like to ask if there is a connection between the acupuncture on my left hand and the slight weakness I am experiencing in my right hand.

Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/16

Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Hello, Miss Lin:
1.
Regarding your description of no issues with your left hand, it means that there is no pain during daily activities or when lifting heavy objects.
If you assess that you have fully recovered, there is no need for a medical visit.
However, if you are still concerned, you may consult a physician for evaluation.
2.
Concerning your statement that "after acupuncture on the left hand, my right hand feels a bit weak," it is difficult to address your question without more information.
We would need to inquire about the location, duration, and technique of the acupuncture, as well as the timing of the weakness in your right hand.
Only after ruling out the influence of acupuncture can we determine the issue.
However, personally, I believe there is a greater likelihood that there is no correlation, so further inquiry is necessary to truly eliminate the problem.
I hope this response helps clarify your concerns.
Zhang Wei-Dong, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhua Hospital.

Reply Date: 2016/03/16

More Info

After an injury, the decision to continue acupuncture or any form of rehabilitation largely depends on the individual's recovery progress and specific circumstances surrounding the injury.
Q1: Do I need to continue acupuncture after my injury heals?
If your left hand has fully recovered and you are no longer experiencing pain or functional limitations, it may not be necessary to continue acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture is often used to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing, but once the injury has healed, the benefits may diminish. However, some practitioners recommend continuing treatment for a short period to ensure complete recovery and to prevent any potential recurrence of symptoms. It’s essential to communicate with your acupuncturist or healthcare provider about your current condition. They can provide personalized advice based on your healing progress and any lingering issues you may have.

In some cases, patients choose to continue acupuncture as a preventive measure or for overall wellness, even after the initial injury has healed. This can be particularly beneficial if you have a history of injuries or if you engage in activities that put stress on your body.
Q2: Is there a connection between the acupuncture treatment on my left hand and the weakness in my right hand?
The phenomenon of experiencing weakness in the opposite hand after acupuncture treatment on the left hand can be perplexing. While acupuncture typically focuses on the area of injury, it can also influence the entire body due to the interconnected nature of our musculoskeletal and nervous systems. This could be attributed to several factors:
1. Compensatory Mechanisms: After an injury, it’s common for individuals to unconsciously alter their movement patterns to avoid pain or discomfort. If you were favoring your left hand during recovery, you might have inadvertently placed more strain on your right hand, leading to feelings of weakness or fatigue.

2. Nerve Pathways: Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points that can affect nerve pathways. It’s possible that the treatment on your left hand could have had a reflexive effect on the right side of your body, especially if there are underlying issues such as nerve compression or muscle imbalances.

3. Psychological Factors: Sometimes, the perception of weakness can be influenced by psychological factors, such as anxiety about the injury or the healing process. This can lead to a heightened awareness of sensations in the body, making you more sensitive to feelings of weakness.

If the weakness in your right hand persists, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. They can conduct a thorough assessment to determine if there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed, such as muscle weakness, nerve compression, or other musculoskeletal problems.
In conclusion, while it may not be necessary to continue acupuncture once your injury has healed, the decision should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider. Additionally, if you experience any unusual symptoms, such as weakness in the opposite hand, it is essential to seek further evaluation to ensure that there are no underlying issues that require attention. Regular follow-ups and open communication with your healthcare team can help you navigate your recovery effectively.

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