Expert: R. Scott Malone L.Ac. - 4/2/2009

Question
I've been getting acupuncture on two large head scars running from ear to ear (from two aneurysm surgeries in 1999 and 2001)because of headaches.  I've gone 5 times and the needle insertion is VERY painful and is not getting any better.  Therapist says scars are very tight, but it's to the point that I don't want to keep going because it's causing so much pain.  She said this is going to take awhile.  Is this normal??  How long can it take?

Answer
Hey Debi,

In school we were taught that you can use the needles to break up scar tissue. I don't know how long it should take as I've never used this technique.

Perhaps you could ask for a thinner gauge needle.

I would ask how long it will take before you see a noticeable difference. If you haven't already, voice your concerns.

It would seem to me that this is not something that can be treated in a short amount of time, especially if the scars are wide and long.

I apologize for not being as helpful as I'd like, but that's my 2 cents.

Good luck and be well,

R. Scott Malone L.Ac.