What Is Acupuncture, and What Does It Treat?
Acupuncture involves the careful insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system, reduce muscle tension, and support the body's natural healing processes. At West 4th Physio, we practice Western-style acupuncture, which is grounded in anatomy and clinical evidence rather than traditional Chinese energy theory. The goal is straightforward: reduce pain, improve mobility, and support recovery.
It is commonly used for musculoskeletal conditions including neck and back pain, shoulder tension, hip and knee pain, headaches, and tendon injuries. Patients often seek acupuncture when they're managing a slow-healing injury, dealing with persistent muscle tightness, or looking for a complementary approach alongside their physiotherapy treatment.
Acupuncture is also effective for stress-related muscle tension and post-surgical recovery, particularly when used in combination with hands-on physiotherapy and exercise.
How We Approach Acupuncture at West 4th Physio
Acupuncture at West 4th Physio is delivered by physiotherapists with advanced post-graduate training in acupuncture, holding the CAFCI (Certified Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute) certification. This means acupuncture is never offered in isolation, it is integrated into a broader understanding of your movement, injury history, and treatment goals.
Jennifer MacPherson and Marj Belot both hold CAFCI certification and have extensive experience using acupuncture alongside manual therapy, exercise prescription, and dry needling where appropriate. Marj also holds Level 2 IMS (Functional Dry Needling) certification, and can help you understand the difference between acupuncture and IMS if you're weighing options.
Because our practitioners are physiotherapists first, every acupuncture treatment is informed by a clinical assessment, not a generic protocol.
What to Expect at Your Acupuncture Appointment
Initial Intake
Treatment
Ongoing Care Plan
What Acupuncture Can Help You Achieve
Reduced pain and muscle tension. Acupuncture targets the nervous system and specific trigger points to decrease pain signals and release chronic muscle guarding, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and lower back.
Improved range of motion. By reducing tension in the surrounding soft tissue, acupuncture supports better joint mobility, which is especially useful during injury recovery or post-surgical rehabilitation.
Faster recovery when combined with physiotherapy. For patients already receiving physiotherapy, acupuncture can accelerate tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and help the body respond better to hands-on treatment and exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture
They use similar tools but have different applications. Acupuncture follows specific anatomical point protocols and is used broadly for pain, tension, and recovery. Dry needling (IMS) targets specific dysfunctional muscle bands, or trigger points, to release chronic tension and improve nerve function. Some of our physiotherapists are trained in both and can advise which is more appropriate for your condition.
No. You can book directly online or by calling the clinic at 604-730-9478. If you're unsure whether acupuncture is right for your condition, our team is happy to advise before your first appointment.
Many extended health plans cover acupuncture delivered by a physiotherapist. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend confirming with your provider before your appointment. We offer direct billing to most major insurers.
This depends on your condition and how your body responds. Acute injuries may improve in two to four sessions. Chronic or complex conditions typically benefit from a longer course of treatment. Your physiotherapist will reassess after your initial sessions and adjust the plan accordingly.
Yes, and this is often the most effective approach. Many of our patients use acupuncture alongside their regular physiotherapy sessions. Because the same practitioner handles both, your treatment is coordinated and consistent.
Book an Acupuncture Appointment in Kitsilano
Jennifer MacPherson and Marj Belot are accepting new acupuncture patients and bring decades of combined physiotherapy and acupuncture experience to each session. Book online or call the clinic at 604-730-9478 to get started.
West 4th Physiotherapy Clinic
2211 West 4th Avenue, Suite 216Vancouver, BC
V6K 4S2 View Staff & Treatments
