JC Veterinary Acupuncture
Acupuncture treatment has been used thousands of years as treatment for pain. Although most well documented in Ancient China dating back 3500 years ago, there is some evidence of is is use arising it many other cultures around the world and even suggestions of its use in a 5000 year old mummy.
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In Traditional Chinese Medicine it was developed through careful observation of how stimulation at specific point on the body could influence health and relieve pain.
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Over the last 40 years, acupuncture has been adapted and studied in modern medicine, including veterinary practice, where it is now recognised as a valuable tool in managing pain and supporting recovery in animals.
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Hi, I'm James. I am originally from Bristol and I graduated from Bristol University Veterinary School in 2014. I then moved to Banbury for my first job in a small animal hospital. In 2016 I went to Langford Veterinary Referral Hospital (the teaching hospital for Bristol University) to complete a one year, residential postgraduate diploma in clinical veterinary practice. Since then I have worked for various practices around Warwickshire, Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire. I now live in Rugby with my partner Emma and our three dogs.
Very quickly when I started my career I became passionate about the management of aging pets especially when it came to chronic pain. In practice I would often by guilty of overrunning with these consultations so that I could do everything possible to help my patient's. I have now been running a chronic pain clinic and acupuncture service since 2022 to be able to provide even more care to improve quality of life and wellbeing for my patients.
James Carrier BVSc PGDip(CVP) MRCVS
Acupuncture
What is chronic pain?
Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience that is associated with injury to our bodies, or when there is potential for injury. Chronic pain is long-lasting pain that continues beyond the normal expected healing time after an injury or illness that is medicated by the nervous system (nerves, spinal cord and brain)
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In pets it can be subtle and easily overlooked. Our pets are unable to tel us with words where is hurts. They may tel us with more obvious changes in mobility like a limp or inability to jump on to the sofa. But more often they tell us in quieter ways with changes in their behaviour or mood, like slowing down on walks, seeming less playful or just not being themselves.
Conditions like arthritis, past injuries, or nerve problems can all lead to chronic pain, and it can affect their happiness as much as it can their health.
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How it works...
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting a vert fine needle through the skin at specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system and promote the natural healing process.
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What it does:
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It can help to reduce pain
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Improves circulation
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Relaxes muscles
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Stimulates release of the the body's own anti-inflammatories
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Stimulates the release or pain relieving endorphins
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In the face of chronic pain, acupuncture can help "reset" the nervous system, which has become overly sensitised over time. By calming nerve activity and promoting natural healing, acupuncture helps break the cycle of persistent pain and restore comfort and function.
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What we want to achieve...
The goal of acupuncture is to reduce pai, imprpeve mobility, and enhance your pets' overall quality of life. while some pets may show improvement in just one or two sessions, most will benefit from a course of treatments.
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Initially, sessions are scheduled at weekly intervals for 3-6 weeks. depending on the individual pet and their condition. As their symptoms improve, the frequency of treatment can often be reduced.
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Acupuncture is rarely a standalone solution; rather, it works best as part of a comprehensive multi-modal pain management plan tailored to your pet's specific needs. ​Alongside their acupuncture treatment, a medication plan, supplements, diet and exercise plan will need to be considered.