Can Electroacupuncture Ease Chronic PAD-Related Rest Pain?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects one in every 20 people older than 50 in the United States. This circulatory condition occurs when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, often causing pain, especially in the legs. 

Rest pain is a common symptom of peripheral artery disease. Rest pain often worsens when lying down or sitting in a reclined position. Other signs of PAD include non-healing sores, gangrene, and shiny skin on the legs and feet. 

Kierstin Beaman, DACM, of Minnesota Integrative Medicine & Acupuncture in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, offers a natural alternative to medications and surgery when it comes to easing PAD-related rest pain. 

Read on to learn how electroacupuncture can help you find relief from PAD pain.

About electroacupuncture

Electroacupuncture is a modern variation of traditional acupuncture. In this technique, Dr. Beaman applies small electrical currents to the acupuncture needles. The electrical stimulation boosts the effects of traditional acupuncture and provides deeper stimulation to the muscles and nerves. 

By activating sympathetic nerve fibers, electroacupuncture triggers the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals like endorphins. This stimulation also helps decrease chronic pain sensations, making it an effective treatment for long-term pain, such as chronic PAD-related rest pain.

How electroacupuncture helps with PAD

If you have PAD, poor blood circulation is the primary cause of your pain in the legs and feet. Rest pain, which occurs when you’re not active, is often due to a severe lack of blood flow. 

Electroacupuncture helps by enhancing circulation and promoting vasodilation – widening of the blood vessels. The electrical stimulation from electroacupuncture helps increase blood flow to the affected areas, providing more oxygen to the tissues and reducing pain.

The treatment also stimulates your nerves, which can help block pain signals from reaching your brain. This can be incredibly effective in reducing chronic pain, even like that experienced with PAD.

As with traditional acupuncture, electroacupuncture promotes the release of endorphins – natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. This can help alleviate pain and provide a sense of well-being.

One study found that electroacupuncture to the outer ear can significantly improve blood flow in the lower extremities of patients with PAD. These findings show that electroacupuncture can offer a minimally invasive option for managing PAD-related pain.

What happens during electroacupuncture?

During an electroacupuncture session, Dr. Beaman inserts very thin needles into acupuncture points that correspond to your specific areas of pain or circulation issues. Once the needles are in place, she applies a small electrical current, which you’ll feel as a mild tingling sensation.

Most patients find the treatment relaxing, and sessions typically last between 20 to 40 minutes. Dr. Beaman usually recommends a series of treatments for optimal results.

Candidates for electroacupuncture

Electroacupuncture can be used as an additional therapy alongside conventional treatments to help reduce pain and improve circulation. Dr. Beaman works with your other health care providers, so you receive seamless, coordinated care.

If you’re struggling with PAD pain, especially during rest, call Minnesota Integrative Medicine & Acupuncture at 651-964-3868, or book an appointment online today. We specialize in using electroacupuncture to help patients with chronic pain conditions like PAD.