Acupuncture in Orem, Utah
Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique that uses thin, sterile needles placed at specific points on the body to stimulate blood flow, reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and promote natural healing. Dr. Drussel offers acupuncture as part of integrative chiropractic care in Orem, UT.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest healing practices in the world, with roots going back thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. In a modern clinical setting, acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin, sterile, single-use needles into specific anatomical points on the body. These points correspond to areas of concentrated nerve endings, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
When stimulated, these points trigger a cascade of physiological responses. Blood flow increases to the targeted area, the nervous system releases endorphins (the body's natural painkillers), inflammation decreases, and muscle tension relaxes. The result is meaningful pain relief and accelerated healing without drugs or surgery.
At Integrative Motion in Orem, Utah, Dr. Dustin Drussel incorporates acupuncture into comprehensive treatment plans alongside chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and corrective exercises. This integrative approach addresses pain from multiple angles and produces better outcomes than any single therapy alone.
How Acupuncture Works
Modern research has identified several mechanisms behind acupuncture's effectiveness. When a needle is inserted into an acupuncture point, it creates a micro-injury that stimulates the body's immune and healing response. The nervous system responds by releasing endorphins and serotonin, which reduce pain perception and improve mood.
Acupuncture also influences the autonomic nervous system, helping to shift the body from a stressed (sympathetic) state to a relaxed (parasympathetic) state. This is why many patients report feeling deeply relaxed during and after treatment. The improved blood circulation to targeted areas brings oxygen and nutrients that support tissue repair.
Dr. Drussel selects needle placement based on your specific condition, symptoms, and treatment goals. A typical session involves 10 to 20 needles placed strategically, which remain in position for 15 to 25 minutes while you relax. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild tingling or dull pressure, not the sharp pain you might expect from a needle.
Benefits of Acupuncture
- Natural pain relief without medications
- Reduced inflammation and swelling
- Improved blood circulation and tissue healing
- Decreased muscle tension and spasms
- Stress and anxiety reduction
- Better sleep quality
- Enhanced immune system function
- Complementary treatment that amplifies chiropractic results
Conditions Treated with Acupuncture
At Integrative Motion, Dr. Drussel uses acupuncture to treat a variety of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Common conditions that respond well to acupuncture include chronic and acute back pain, neck pain and stiffness, tension headaches and migraines, sciatica, shoulder pain and frozen shoulder, knee pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fibromyalgia.
Acupuncture is also highly effective for patients recovering from car accidents, sports injuries, and repetitive strain injuries. When combined with chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapy, acupuncture can significantly reduce recovery time and improve treatment outcomes.
What to Expect During Your Acupuncture Session
If acupuncture is new to you, there is no reason to be nervous. The needles used are extremely thin, much thinner than a standard injection needle. Most patients feel only a slight sensation at the insertion point, and many feel nothing at all.
Dr. Drussel will explain exactly what he is doing before placing each needle. Once the needles are positioned, you will rest comfortably for 15 to 25 minutes. Many patients find this deeply relaxing and some even fall asleep during the session. After the needles are removed, you may feel a sense of calm, reduced pain, and improved energy.
Acupuncture sessions at Integrative Motion are often combined with other treatments during the same visit. You might receive a chiropractic adjustment, acupuncture, and soft tissue work in a single appointment for maximum benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients are surprised by how little they feel. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin (about the width of a human hair). You may feel a slight tingling or dull sensation at the insertion point, but most people describe the experience as relaxing rather than painful. Many patients fall asleep during their session.
The number of sessions depends on your condition. Some patients experience significant relief after just one session. For chronic conditions, Dr. Drussel typically recommends a series of 6 to 10 sessions, often combined with chiropractic adjustments and other therapies. You will notice cumulative improvement with each visit.
Yes. When performed by a trained, licensed provider, acupuncture is very safe. Dr. Drussel uses only sterile, single-use, disposable needles. Side effects are rare and typically limited to minor bruising at the needle site. Acupuncture has been endorsed by the World Health Organization for treating dozens of conditions.
Some insurance plans in Utah cover acupuncture when performed by a licensed provider. Coverage varies by plan, so Integrative Motion verifies your benefits before your first visit. Auto insurance (PIP) often covers acupuncture as part of car accident treatment. Contact our office at (801) 396-1100 for details about your specific plan.
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Try Acupuncture at Integrative Motion
Experience natural pain relief with acupuncture in Orem, Utah. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Drussel today.