The Zipperfoot Journals: EHL Severed Tendon and Acupuncture.

Acupuncture was the next venture into my rehabilitation campaign. I didn't have a shred of knowledge on the subject of acupuncture. No one in my inner circle had ever required that type of alternative medicine. I knew it had something to do with really fine needles being inserted into specific pressure points of the body. The thought gave me anxiety.. I mean all those needles pushed into my body. Unthinkable.

I wanted to go in blind; I didn't want to know about side effects or risks. I was going to take a chance, go out on a limb, and go all the way with no reservations. I was introduced to the Acupuncturist, Keith who has a gentle nature and is well educated as a Physiotherapist. He prefers the holistic alternative like acupuncture as a means to rehabilitate. A belief that the points of energy reached during the process acts both as a pain reliever and stimulator of joint and tissue.

The way Acupuncture works: It’s an understanding that the neurophysiologic pain relief mechanisms (eg. Endorphins) are stimulated and will assist the body in strengthening the immune system; it decreases muscle and tissue tightness and can increase joint flexibility. Originating in the Orient (however there is a dispute that it actually originated in Central Europe) the traditional understanding is that the body is divided into 12 energy channels (or meridians) that run vertically within the body. If any of these channels are affected by illness or injury the energy flow is interrupted, the belief that acupuncture (shallow needling or deep needling) into the specific channel will stimulate energy flow and healing back into the body.

As the small hair like needles pierced my skin (they are in a fine sterile tube which is slightly shorter than the needles themselves- they are positioned over the desired area and tapped into place- shallow needling in my case), there was a slight prickly sensation. He put them in various points of my foot and calf. We started with about 6 needles in our first session. I tried shifting my leg while the needles were inserted. Those little suckers were wielding quite a power beneath the surface and were almost paralyzing upon any movement. I felt an awkward pain in each of the points where the needles lay. Keith advised that being still would enhance their healing effects. Best not to move around or it will hurt! I was left to relax on my own (more like a Zen type of relaxation) for about 15 mins.

Removing them was effortless (a few spots of blood from the top of my foot area). There was some slight bruising the next day, and a bit of soreness in the areas punctured, which I’m told is normal.

I’ve done quite a few sessions now, tackling different areas of my foot to stimulate the tissue around the scar. I have to say that I am a believer. The numbness at the top of my foot has subsided and I am actually feeling a bit of sensation now.

By no means is my Zipperfoot fully mobile at this point, but we’re still working on it one day at a time.