Flaman Physiotherapy offers Classical Acupuncture Treatment in Saskatoon

Flaman Physiotherapy provides a comprehensive range of rehabilitation services for your injury needs. This includes classical acupuncture, which is a therapeutic technique used in physiotherapy to help reduce pain, promote natural healing, and restore normal function in injured tissues.


Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine involving the insertion of fine, solid filiform needles into specific points on the body to achieve a therapeutic effect. No medication is injected. The needles themselves stimulate the body’s natural healing response.


At Flaman Physiotherapy, acupuncture may be used to reduce pain, improve circulation, support healing, and restore function in affected areas of the body.

How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body known as acupuncture points or acupoints. These points are located along pathways known as meridians that traditional Chinese medicine describes as channels through which energy or Qi flows through the body.


Modern research suggests acupuncture may work by:


  • Stimulating nerves and muscles
  • Increasing blood flow to injured tissues
  • Activating natural pain-relieving chemicals in the brain
  • Influencing neurological responses involved in pain perception

What to Expect During Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, flexible, and rounded at the tip. Unlike hypodermic needles, they do not cut tissue and are designed to slide smoothly through the skin.

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Needles are typically stainless steel (sometimes gold or silver)

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They range from 13 mm to 70 mm in length

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They are extremely thin and flexible

During treatment the needles are inserted into selected acupuncture points and usually remain in place for 15 to 30 minutes. Your physiotherapist may gently manipulate the needles by lifting, twisting, or rotating them to adjust stimulation.

The De Qi Sensation

When the needle is correctly placed some patients experience a dull, heavy, or aching sensation known as 'de Qi'. This response is sometimes considered an indicator that the acupuncture point has been activated.


However many patients experience significant pain relief even without the de Qi sensation.

Other Acupuncture-Related Techniques

Electro-Acupuncture

Electro-acupuncture involves attaching small clips to acupuncture needles to provide gentle electrical stimulation.


Low frequency stimulation (2–4 Hz) produces gradual pain relief that may last hours or days.


High frequency stimulation (80–200 Hz) produces rapid pain blocking effects during stimulation.

Conditions That May Benefit From Acupuncture

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Back Pain

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Neck Pain

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Tendon injuries

Conditions That May Benefit From Acupuncture

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Back Pain

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Neck Pain

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Tendon injuries

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Muscle Tension 

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Chronic Pain

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Joint Inflammation 

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Sports Injuries

Is Acupuncture Safe?

When performed by trained physiotherapy professionals, acupuncture is considered very safe and well tolerated. The needles are extremely fine and atraumatic, meaning they rarely cause bleeding or tissue damage.

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Start Your Recovery Today

If you are experiencing persistent pain, muscle tension, or a sports injury, acupuncture may be an effective part of your physiotherapy treatment plan.

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Conditions That Benefit From Biomechanical Treatment

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Back pain

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Neck pain

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Sports injuries

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Joint pain

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Muscle strains

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Tendon injuries

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Workplace injuries

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does acupuncture hurt?

    Most patients feel very little discomfort because the needles are extremely fine.

  • How long does an acupuncture session last?

    Acupuncture needles are typically left in place for 15 to 30 minutes.

  • How many acupuncture treatments are needed?

    The number of treatments depends on the condition being treated and how your body responds.

  • Can acupuncture be combined with physiotherapy treatments?

    Yes, acupuncture is often used alongside physiotherapy treatments such as exercise rehabilitation and manual therapy.

Start Your Recovery Today

If you are experiencing pain, restricted movement, or a recent injury, a biomechanical assessment can help determine the cause and guide your treatment plan.