Stroke Rehabilitation
Acupuncture for Stroke Rehabilitation in North Vancouver
Recovering from a stroke takes time, and many people look for additional support alongside physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. AcuLife Wellness offers acupuncture as complementary care during stroke recovery, alongside your medical and rehabilitation team.
Overview
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bleeds. Depending on the area affected, it can leave weakness or numbness on one side, and trouble with balance, speech, swallowing, memory or vision, as well as fatigue, pain, muscle stiffness and changes in mood.
Rehabilitation with physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists is the core of stroke recovery, along with medication to lower the risk of another stroke. At AcuLife Wellness, we start by learning about your stroke, your recovery so far and your rehabilitation plan before recommending an approach.
Common Symptoms & Experiences
- Weakness or stiffness on one side of the body
- Numbness, tingling or pain
- Trouble with balance, walking or using a hand
- Fatigue and poor sleep
- Low mood or frustration during recovery
How Acupuncture May Be Used
Acupuncture in stroke recovery usually combines scalp points with points on the arms and legs chosen for your symptoms and overall pattern. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the effects of a stroke are often described as blocked flow of qi and blood through the channels, and acupuncture has long been used in China as part of stroke rehabilitation.
Some studies suggest acupuncture may support aspects of recovery, such as movement or swallowing, for some people, but many studies are of limited quality and results vary. Acupuncture is complementary care alongside your rehabilitation therapy and the medication your physician prescribes.
AcuLife's Approach
Hong Ji, R.TCM.P., is a registered TCM practitioner in both Canada and China with 35 years of clinical experience. She takes a whole-body view, so your plan considers your sleep, mood, digestion and energy as well as your recovery goals, and fits around your therapy schedule.
Learn more about Hong JiWhat to Expect
Your first visit includes a conversation about when your stroke happened, your current symptoms, your medications (including blood thinners) and your rehabilitation plan, followed by an individualized assessment and treatment. A family member or caregiver is welcome to come with you, and the clinic is on the second floor, reached by elevator. How often you come in is discussed and adjusted over time.
Recovery can affect sleep and mood. See our emotional well-being page for more.
When to Seek Medical Care
Call 911 right away for signs of a stroke: face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, sudden confusion, vision loss, a sudden severe headache or loss of balance. Every minute matters, so don't wait to see if symptoms pass. Talk to your physician before starting acupuncture if you take blood thinners, and tell your practitioner about any seizures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for Stroke Recovery Support in North Vancouver?
Book an appointment with AcuLife Wellness.