Orthopedic mobility testing helps identify the root cause of pain before starting acupuncture treatment
Functional Mobility & Strength Testing
Movement Metrics at Big Easy Acupuncture | Metairie, LA
Many treatments focus only on where pain is located. At Big Easy Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine, we focus on how your body is functioning.
Pain often develops when joints lose mobility or when certain muscles stop supporting movement the way they should. Over time, other muscles begin to compensate. This can lead to irritation, weakness, and recurring injuries.
These changes often show up during normal activities such as reaching overhead, lifting objects, walking, exercising, or sitting at a desk for long periods of time.
To understand what is happening in your body, we measure functional mobility and strength.
Why Movement & Strength Metrics Matter
Mobility and strength testing provide objective information about how your body is functioning.
Instead of relying only on symptoms, we measure where movement or strength falls outside normal ranges. These metrics help guide treatment and allow us to track changes over time.
As mobility improves and inhibited muscles begin activating again, patients often notice improvements in pain, movement confidence, and daily function. continue reading »
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Do any of these scenarios sound like your life: a stubborn knot between the shoulder blades, a low-back flare that keeps returning, or a neck that feels “stuck” after long hours at a desk? Acupuncture needles can calm the nervous system and change pain signaling and cupping can mechanically decompress tight tissue and improve local circulation. Used together thoughtfully and safely they’re often paired to help pain move from “sharp and guarded” to “dull and workable,” and then to “resolved or manageable.” continue reading »
The clinic was quiet except for the soft hum of a small device on the treatment table. A runner lay comfortably, acupuncture needles placed along her calf and lower back to address chronic pain that kept her from her regular running routine.
Because of the chronic and nagging injury, she turned to acupuncture to find healing. But it wasn’t quite what she expected. Rather than simply resting with the needles inserted, the practitioner gently attached thin leads to several of the needles and turned on a device that sent a gentle electrical current through them. A subtle pulsing sensation began, almost like tiny waves moving through her muscles. Within minutes, she felt her body responding, warming, releasing.
This therapy was electroacupuncture, a technique blending the longstanding principles of traditional acupuncture with modern electrical stimulation.continue reading »
Minor bleeding can occasionally occur with acupuncture, but it is uncommon. If it does happen, it is usually just a small amount of blood that stops quickly.
Acupuncture needles are extremely thin and solid. They are very different from the hollow needles used for injections or blood draws. Because of their size and design, they gently pass through the skin rather than cutting through tissue.
Some people may notice mild soreness or a small bruise at a needle site. These effects are temporary.
Before treatment begins, it is helpful to inform your practitioner about any medications you are taking or medical conditions you have. Bringing an updated list of medications and relevant medical history helps ensure treatment is planned safely and appropriately.
Overall, acupuncture has a long history of safe use when performed by a licensed practitioner. If you have any questions or concerns, discussing them beforehand can help you feel more comfortable and prepared for your session.
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Many healing journeys begin in unexpected places. For some, recovery starts not in the muscles of the back or the ligaments of a knee, but in the quiet landscape of the scalp, an area often overlooked except for styling, washing, and the occasional headache. Yet, for many people seeking relief from neurological, physical, and emotional challenges, scalp acupuncture is becoming a compelling bridge to healing.continue reading »
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arms, legs, neck, shoulders, and lower back.
Good options include:
Loose pants, sweatpants, or shorts
T-shirts or tops with flexible necklines
Clothing you can easily roll up or adjust
Comfort helps your body relax and allows your acupuncturist to treat the areas that need care.
What should I avoid wearing to acupuncture?
Try to avoid:
Tight or restrictive clothing
High-collared shirts or turtlenecks
Sports bras that cannot be loosened or unclasped
Tight sleeves or wrist cuffs
Heavy jewelry, watches, or rings
These can limit access and make it harder to get comfortable during treatment.
Should I remove jewelry or accessories?
Yes. Removing rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces, and large earrings is recommended. Accessories can interfere with treatment or feel uncomfortable when lying down.
Do I need to tie my hair back?
If you have long hair, tying it back is helpful, especially for neck, shoulder, or back treatments. This keeps hair from interfering with needling and positioning.
What kind of shoes should I wear?
Wear shoes that are easy to remove. This allows easy access to the feet or ankles if needed during treatment.
Can I come straight from work or exercise?
You can come straight from work or exercise, but comfort and access are important.
Some work clothes can be restrictive or harder to adjust during treatment. Gym clothing is often fine, as long as it allows easy access and is not overly tight.
If needed, we will give you a few minutes to change before treatment begins so you can be comfortable.
What if I am not sure what to wear?
That is okay. Your acupuncturist will guide you during your visit and help you adjust clothing as needed. You can also call the clinic if you have any other questions. Comfort and ease of movement are always the priority.
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Acupuncture needles are used to reduce pain, improve circulation, and help reset nerve and muscle patterns
What Kind of Needles Are Used in Acupuncture?
Acupuncture uses very thin, sterile, single-use needles designed specifically to work with the body’s muscles and nerves. The most common type used in treatment is called a filiform needle.
Many people are surprised to learn that acupuncture needles are very different from the injection needles used for shots or blood draws.
Filiform Needles
The main type of needle used in acupuncture is called a filiform needle. These are the standard needles used in modern acupuncture clinics and are designed for comfort and precise treatment. These needles are used every day to treat muscle pain, nerve irritation, and mobility problems.
Acupuncture uses very thin, solid, spring-loaded stainless steel needles that are single-use and sterile. Unlike medical injection needles, acupuncture needles do not have a cutting edge and do not inject anything into the body. The skin is gently separated rather than cut, which usually results in minimal discomfort during insertion compared to a shot.
Injection needles are hollow to deliver medication or draw blood, while filiform needles are solid and designed only to gently puncture the tissue. Most acupuncture needles are about 10–20 times thinner than a typical injection needle, which is why the sensation feels very different.
These needles are used to help:
• Relax tight muscles • Improve circulation • Reduce nerve irritation • Restore normal movement
The length and thickness of the needle depends on the area being treated. Larger muscles, such as the hip or back, may use longer needles, while thinner needles are used in more sensitive areas.
Sometimes, these same filiform needles may also be connected to a gentle electrical stimulation device to enhance the treatment effect. This does not change the needle itself.
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable acupuncture feels, and many find the treatment relaxing.
Other Types of Acupuncture Needles
While filiform needles are used in the vast majority of treatments, there are a few other specialized needles and tools that may be used depending on the situation.
Facial rejuvenation needles These are thinner versions of filiform needles designed specifically for use on the face. Their smaller size allows for comfortable treatment in more sensitive areas.
Intradermal needles These are very small needles that sit just under the surface of the skin and can be retained for longer periods to provide continued stimulation between treatments when appropriate.
Press needles These are small, short needles typically held in place with a small adhesive, often used on the ear.
Plum blossom needles These consist of multiple small needles clustered together and gently tapped onto the surface of the skin rather than inserted. This technique is used to stimulate the skin and underlying tissue.
Filiform needles remain the standard and most commonly used needles in acupuncture treatment.
Most acupuncture needles are placed shallow, often just under the skin. In some areas of the body, needles may be placed deeper, sometimes up to around 2 inches, such as when treating larger muscles like the glutes.
Smaller muscles and superficial structures usually require very shallow placement, while larger muscles may require deeper placement to reach the target tissue for proper activation and treatment. Needle depth is selected carefully based on the area treated, anatomy, muscle size, individual body type, and patient comfort, following established safety guidelines.
In some cases, electro-acupuncture may also be used. Electrical stimulation can be applied through handheld stimulation devices or through small units that attach directly to the needles. This stimulation helps activate targeted muscles, improve neuromuscular communication, and support better movement and recovery.
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Five Element Acupuncture is a classical style of East Asian medicine that organizes diagnosis and treatment around the dynamic interplay of five phases/elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each element is associated (in this framework) with organ networks, emotions, sensory patterns, and seasonal cycles. Treatment aims to restore harmony among these elements when one becomes predominant or deficient. continue reading »
Stimulates the nervous system – Needle insertion activates sensory nerves, signaling the brain and spinal cord to release natural painkillers like endorphins and serotonin.
Nerve compression and acupuncture: When nerves are compressed, stretched, or irritated due to muscle tension, poor posture, internal masses, scars, or injury then they can cause localized pain or radiating discomfort. Acupuncture helps relieve this pressure by relaxing surrounding muscles, improving circulation, and restoring proper nerve signaling, which can reduce pain along the affected nerve pathways.
Improves circulation – Needling increases blood flow to injured or stagnant areas, delivering oxygen, nutrients, and immune support to promote healing.
Reduces inflammation – Acupuncture can lower inflammatory markers and reduces inflammation in surrounding areas of affected tissue, easing swelling and discomfort.
Regulates body systems – Helps balance the autonomic nervous system, reducing stress, improving sleep, and enhancing digestion.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
In TCM, acupuncture works by restoring the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), the body’s vital energy through channels called meridians. Qi movement allows for blood to move fluidly and not stagnate and impure fluids and waste to move through our body and be disposed.
When Qi is blocked, deficient, or unbalanced, it can lead to pain, fatigue, or illness. By gently inserting sterile, hair-thin needles into specific acupuncture points, we can clear blockages, nourish deficiencies, and restore balance between Yin and Yang. These are complementary forces that maintain health but also act as symbols for comparison or balance. This process supports your body’s natural ability to heal and function optimally.
How Traditional Chinese Medicine Understands Balance
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture works by supporting the smooth movement of Qi, or functional energy, through the body. Qi is closely linked with circulation, nerve signaling, and tissue health.
Qi travels along pathways called meridians, which connect to organ systems and influence muscles, joints, and nerves throughout the body. When this movement is steady, the body can adapt, recover, and maintain balance.
Stress, injury, overuse, poor sleep, illness, or prolonged strain can disrupt this system. When regulation breaks down, pain, fatigue, tension, or other symptoms may appear. Acupuncture helps restore balance by supporting normal communication between body systems and improving circulation to affected areas.
Why Restoring Balance Matters
Biomedical View: Poor circulation, chronic inflammation, nerve dysfunction, and muscle tension can prevent full recovery.
TCM View: Physical trauma, stress, diet, overwork, and environmental factors can disrupt Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, weakening your body’s defenses.
Whether explained as restoring nerve communication and blood supply or harmonizing Qi flow, the goal is the same. Acupuncture helps your body regain its natural balance, resilience, and bring it out of a state of mental/physical pain.
Blockage of the flow of Qi can be detrimental to a person’s health and leads to various signs and symptoms or health concerns.
Read our full article discussing an overview of acupuncture:
Do any of these scenarios sound like your life: a stubborn knot between the shoulder blades, a low-back flare that keeps returning, or a neck that feels “stuck” after long hours at a desk? Acupuncture needles can calm the nervous system and change pain signaling and cupping can mechanically decompress tight tissue and improve local circulation. Used together thoughtfully and safely they’re often paired to help pain move from “sharp and guarded” to “dull and workable,” and then to “resolved or manageable.” 
Does Acupuncture Cause Bleeding?
How Deep Do Acupuncture Needles Go?
