When pain strikes suddenly, whether from a sports injury, inflammatory condition, post-surgical recovery, or dental problem, finding quick relief becomes a priority for the patient. Acupuncture proves to be a valuable ally in treating acute conditions, offering a natural, non-pharmacological therapeutic approach that acts promptly on pain and supports the body's physiological healing processes.
Definition and basic principles
Acupuncture, through sterile, single-use, ultra-fine needles inserted at specific points on the body (acupoints), stimulates the central and peripheral nervous system, promoting the release of natural pain-relieving substances such as endorphins and enkephalins. This ancient therapy from Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on the principle that the body possesses self-healing mechanisms that can be activated through stimulation of acupoints present on the body's surface.
In acute situations, acupuncture therapy aims to rapidly block pain signals, through inhibition of nociceptive nerve fibres, to reduce inflammation and improve local circulation to facilitate repair of damaged tissues.
Difference between acute pain and chronic pain
Acute pain is a sudden alarm signal indicating recent tissue damage: it has a rapid onset and generally resolves within three months. Chronic pain, on the contrary, persists beyond the normal healing time and requires a multifactorial, long-term therapeutic approach. Acupuncture proves particularly effective in controlling pain, whatever the cause, especially in controlling the acute phase thanks to the transitory nature of the symptom and the possibility of intervening early in the inflammatory process.
Immediate pain reduction
In sports injuries such as sprains, muscle contractures or acute tendinitis, acupuncture offers rapid relief without the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs. Acupuncture, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, muscle-relaxing and pain-relieving activity, activates antinociceptive nerve pathways that modulate pain perception at the spinal and cerebral level, allowing athletes to better manage discomfort in the early stages of injury.
Support for muscle recovery
Beyond pain control, acupuncture promotes functional recovery by accelerating haematoma reabsorption and reducing muscle spasms. It also improves tissue elasticity and joint mobility, fundamental elements for returning to sporting activity. Many athletes now integrate acupuncture both in rehabilitation protocols, to shorten recovery times, and to manage workloads and competition stress.
Inflammation control
After surgery, the body triggers a natural inflammatory response that, if excessive, can slow healing and intensify pain. Acupuncture modulates this response, reducing the release of inflammatory mediators and promoting tissue repair. This allows reduction of painkiller dosage and minimises the risk of complications.
Improved healing
Acupuncture, thanks to its vasomodulating activity, increases blood flow to the operated area, bringing a greater quantity of oxygen and nutrients essential for new tissue formation. Clinical studies have documented how patients undergoing acupuncture in the post-operative period present more elastic scars and fewer adhesions, with faster functional recovery.
Rapid relief without drugs
Toothache represents one of the most intense and difficult forms of acute pain for patients to bear. Acupuncture acts by modulating the response of cranial nerves involved in orofacial pain transmission, offering relief whilst awaiting dental intervention or as support during recovery from extractions and implants. Stimulation of specific acupoints on the face, hands and feet proves particularly effective in relieving dental pain.
Stress reduction during dental care
Anxiety associated with dental procedures can amplify pain perception. Acupuncture has demonstrated significant anxiolytic effects, helping patients face dental care with greater serenity. Some studies indicate it can reduce gag reflex and hypersalivation, facilitating the dentist's work.
Natural and safe approach
Acupuncture presents an excellent safety profile when practised by qualified operators. Unlike painkiller drugs, it carries no risk of dependency or gastrointestinal or cardiovascular side effects. It can also be used in patients with contraindications to traditional medications, such as pregnant women or people with hepatic, renal pathologies or coagulation disorders.
Integration with traditional therapies
Acupuncture does not propose itself as a substitute for conventional medical care, but as a complement that enhances its effectiveness within a modern integrated medicine perspective. Integration with physiotherapy, pharmacotherapy and other treatments indeed allows achievement of superior results compared to using a single therapeutic modality. This synergy allows personalisation of the treatment pathway according to the patient's specific needs.
Does acupuncture work for acute pain? Yes, several studies show that acupuncture reduces acute pain, modulates inflammatory response and accelerates recovery times.
In which cases is acupuncture used for acute pain? It is effective in cases of sports injuries, inflammatory pain, post-operative pain and dental pain.
How long does it take to feel the benefits? Many patients report relief after the first session, especially in acute conditions.
Does acupuncture replace painkillers? It can reduce medication use, but in many cases is integrated with traditional therapies for a more complete effect.