Listed below are some common diseases that respond positively to acupuncture. This list contains both chronic and acute problems. Acute problems will require a fewer number of visits/treatments, since the response is usually rapid and effective. Chronic, long standing and complex problems respond more slowly and will require more acupuncture treatments.  

As a general rule of thumb, we usually discuss a minimum of 3 – 4 weekly treatments, at which time we re-assess the effectiveness and on-going requirements. For chronic conditions we tend to ‘wean-down’ to the lowest frequency possible (which is usually every 3 – 4 months).  

The vast majority of conditions managed by acupuncture are musculoskeletal based; 

• Osteoarthritis 

• Spinal Disease 

• Pain Syndromes (chronic arthritis / muscular spasm / trigger point) 
  

There are many other times that acupuncture may be useful as an adjunct to conventional treatments. 

• Neurological Disorders (Vestibular / Central / Paralysis) 

• Seizure Management (in poorly responsive cases) 

• Gastrointestinal Disease (Motility Disorders / IBD) 

• Lick Granuloma / Scarring / Chronic Wounds 

• Urinary Disease (FLUTD  / Neurogenic Bladders / Incontinence) 

 
There are various types of acupuncture treatment. The most common is dry needling which involves placing acupuncture needles into relevant acupuncture points. Electroacupuncture is an alternative that uses low-level electrical activity to stimulate a response. We have found that this works much better for chronic diseases – particularly neurological based disease (paralysis / paresis) and for various pain syndromes (different levels of electrical activity stimulates the release of different types of endogenous opiods). Laser acupuncture is another option for those patients that do not respond or tolerate dry needling. It can be a good way to treat cats quickly and effectively.