Pain & Arthritis Relief in Downtown Vancouver

Relief that addresses the root

Pain is one of the most common reasons people try acupuncture. Your acupuncturist will look at where the pain is, what makes it better or worse, and the bigger picture, sleep, stress and how you move, then build a treatment plan around it. Trace-Ace's practice focuses on pain and stress relief, and cupping is often added to release deep muscular tension.

Commonly treated

• Low back pain and sciatica
• Neck and shoulder tension
• Headaches linked to muscle tension
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Sports and repetitive strain injuries
• Arthritis and joint pain

Back pain and sciatica

Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people come to us. Sciatica is pain that travels from the low back or buttock down the back of the leg, often with tingling or numbness, usually because a nerve root is irritated. Clinical practice guidelines, including those of the American College of Physicians, list acupuncture as one non-drug option for chronic low back pain.

Treatment usually combines points near the area of pain with distant points along the related meridians, and may include cupping or gentle heat to release tight muscles. Your acupuncturist may also suggest simple ways to move and rest that support healing between sessions.

When back pain needs urgent care

Go to an emergency department right away if back pain comes with loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, leg weakness that is getting worse, or a fever, or if it follows a serious fall or accident.

Where there is blockage, there is pain

Traditional Chinese Medicine has a simple saying: where there is blockage there is pain, and where there is pain there is blockage. Your acupuncturist looks at what is behind it, such as muscle tension, misalignment, poor circulation, or the patterns TCM describes as wind, cold, heat or fluid build-up, and treats the root rather than only the sore spot.

Using acupuncture, acupressure, tui na massage, moxibustion and cupping, we work to restore the flow of Qi and blood. Better circulation helps clear what is congested and brings oxygen and nourishment to the tissues so they can repair.

Arthritis and joint pain

Acupuncture is commonly used to help ease the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis and other joint pain, alongside the care you receive from your doctor or physiotherapist.

Other ways we can help

Fire cupping

Cupping draws out stagnation and eases muscle tightness, and can be added to an acupuncture treatment. About fire cupping

Craniosacral therapy

A gentle, non-invasive hands-on technique that releases deep-seated tension and may help ease pain and stress. About craniosacral therapy

Herbal salves

Our herbalist, Natalia, makes custom topical salves for muscle pain, strains and arthritis that you can use at home between treatments. About herbal medicine

Acupuncture is a complementary therapy. It works alongside, not instead of, care from your physician or specialist. Please tell your practitioner about any diagnoses, medications or pregnancy.