Yes. Acupuncture at Olive Physiotherapy is administered by CTCMA-registered acupuncturists using single-use, sterile disposable needles. Side effects are minimal — mild soreness or bruising at needle sites is the most common, resolving within 24 hours. Most patients experience ‘de qi’ — a sensation of heaviness, warmth, or mild tingling at the needle point — which is considered a positive therapeutic response. Treatment begins only after a thorough health intake and assessment.

Yes. Most major extended health plans include acupuncture coverage. Direct billing is available for most plans at olive physiotherapy. Acupuncture is included within ICBC Enhanced Care for MVA rehabilitation — claims billed directly. WorkSafeBC claims covering acupuncture for qualifying occupational injuries are also processed directly.

No physician referral is required. Patients in Langley and Brookswood can self-refer directly. However, some extended health insurance plans may require a physician referral for coverage reimbursement — confirming plan requirements beforehand is advisable.

Medical acupuncture uses neurological anatomy as its framework — needles modulate pain signalling pathways and reduce neurogenic inflammation. Traditional Chinese acupuncture uses a meridian-based framework to address systemic imbalances including chronic pain, digestive conditions, sleep disruption, and hormonal issues. At olive physiotherapy, both approaches are available — the most appropriate framework is selected based on your clinical presentation.

Dry needling/IMS targets myofascial trigger points in muscles and is typically administered by physiotherapists as part of physiotherapy treatment. Acupuncture uses a broader range of anatomical points — both muscular and non-muscular — and can address systemic conditions beyond soft tissue release. Both use sterile needles but differ in theoretical framework and clinical applications. At olive physiotherapy, both are available as complementary components of an integrated multidisciplinary plan.

Acute presentations often show improvement within 3-5 sessions. Chronic conditions — including long-standing pain, insomnia, or hormonal imbalance — typically require 8-12 or more sessions. Your acupuncturist establishes a realistic treatment timeline at your initial session and reviews progress at each stage.

Yes. A 2016 Cochrane systematic review concluded that acupuncture is at least as effective as prophylactic drug therapy for migraine prevention, with fewer side effects. At olive physiotherapy, acupuncture for headaches is combined with physiotherapy addressing cervical spine involvement — because most chronic headaches have both neurological and musculoskeletal components requiring both approaches.

Yes. Acupuncture is included in ICBC Enhanced Care as an approved MVA rehabilitation treatment in BC. Claims are billed directly to ICBC at olive physiotherapy — patients in Langley and Brookswood do not pay out of pocket. MVA rehabilitation plans integrate acupuncture alongside physiotherapy and RMT for comprehensive recovery.

Yes. Acupuncture promotes parasympathetic nervous system activation, reduces cortisol, and modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Clinical evidence supports its use for anxiety, stress-related tension, and insomnia — often combined with registered massage therapy to enhance the parasympathetic response.

Eat a light meal 1-2 hours before — avoid acupuncture on an empty or very full stomach. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing allowing access to the treatment area. Bring a medication list and relevant health history. Avoid alcohol and strenuous activity beforehand. Arrive 5-10 minutes early to complete the health intake form.