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Acupuncture - A supplemental Treatment

Acupuncture -  A supplemental Treatment
December 23, 2025

Veterinary Recommendation on Acupuncture as a Supplemental Treatment

Many veterinarians view acupuncture as a valuable complementary therapy when used alongside traditional Western medicine, not as a replacement. When performed by a trained and licensed veterinarian, acupuncture can be a safe and effective option for pain management and functional support in pets.

Veterinary acupuncture is commonly recommended as part of a multimodal treatment plan, meaning it works together with medications, physical therapy, surgery, and lifestyle adjustments to improve a pet’s comfort and quality of life.


How Acupuncture Can Help Pets

Acupuncture may help by:

  • Stimulating the nervous system

  • Increasing blood flow

  • Encouraging the release of natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory substances

  • Supporting the body’s own healing responses

Many pets tolerate acupuncture very well, and some even become relaxed during treatments.


Practical Uses of Acupuncture in Pet Care

Veterinarians often use acupuncture to help manage:

  • Chronic pain and arthritis

  • Mobility issues and stiffness, especially in senior pets

  • Post-surgical recovery

  • Back and neck pain

  • Neurologic conditions (such as weakness or nerve-related pain)

  • Muscle strains and soft tissue injuries

  • Supportive care for chronic conditions, where reducing discomfort improves daily function

It can be especially helpful for pets who:

  • Cannot tolerate certain pain medications

  • Need additional pain control beyond medication alone

  • Benefit from a more holistic, whole-body approach


Acupuncture at Our Practice

Dr. Grimes, based at our Kaka?ako location and also practicing in Kahala, offers veterinary acupuncture treatments in addition to traditional Western medical care. This allows for a personalized, integrative approach, combining modern diagnostics and treatments with complementary pain-management techniques when appropriate.

If you’re interested in whether acupuncture could benefit your pet, a consultation can help determine if it’s a suitable addition to their current care plan.


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What does your vet recommend regarding accupuncture aas a supplemental treatment for pain management in pets? As a additional treatment to aid in western medicine and what are some of the practical uses in pet care? Dr. Grimes is in our Kaka'ako location and works out of Kahala and is able to see patients for acupuncture treatment in addition to traditional western medicine. And the use of cold laser treatments in pets as well.

Here is a polished, client-friendly explanation that covers both acupuncture and cold laser therapy as supplemental treatments, while clearly reinforcing their role alongside Western medicine:


Veterinary Recommendations on Acupuncture and Cold Laser Therapy for Pets

Many veterinarians recommend acupuncture and cold laser therapy as complementary treatments to traditional Western medicine for managing pain and supporting healing in pets. These therapies are not replacements for medical care, but rather additional tools used as part of a comprehensive, multimodal treatment plan tailored to each pet’s needs.

When provided by a trained veterinarian, both therapies are considered safe and can improve comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life.


Acupuncture as a Supplemental Treatment

Veterinary acupuncture involves the placement of fine needles at specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system and support the body’s natural healing processes. It is often used in conjunction with medications, surgery, rehabilitation, and other therapies.

How Acupuncture May Help

  • Encourages the release of natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory substances

  • Improves blood flow and circulation

  • Helps reduce muscle tension and stiffness

  • Supports nerve and musculoskeletal function

Practical Uses of Acupuncture in Pet Care

Acupuncture is commonly used to help manage:

  • Chronic pain and arthritis

  • Mobility issues, especially in senior pets

  • Back, neck, and joint pain

  • Neurologic conditions, such as weakness or nerve-related pain

  • Muscle strains and soft tissue injuries

  • Post-surgical recovery

  • Supportive care for chronic conditions where pain control improves daily function

Many pets tolerate acupuncture very well, and some become relaxed during treatments.


Cold Laser Therapy (Low-Level Laser Therapy)

Cold laser therapy uses targeted light energy to stimulate cells and promote healing at a tissue level. It is non-invasive, painless, and typically well tolerated by pets.

How Cold Laser Therapy May Help

  • Reduces inflammation and swelling

  • Promotes tissue repair and healing

  • Improves circulation

  • Helps relieve pain by affecting nerve signaling

Practical Uses of Cold Laser Therapy in Pet Care

Cold laser therapy is often used for:

  • Arthritis and joint pain

  • Soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains)

  • Post-surgical healing

  • Wound healing

  • Chronic pain conditions

  • Muscle soreness or stiffness

It is frequently used alone or in combination with acupuncture, medications, and rehabilitation for enhanced results.


Integrative Care with Dr. Grimes

Dr. Grimes practices at our Kaka?ako location and also works out of Kahala, offering both veterinary acupuncture and cold laser therapy in addition to traditional Western medical treatments. This integrative approach allows for personalized care plans that combine modern diagnostics and therapies with complementary pain-management options when appropriate.

If you’re interested in learning whether acupuncture or cold laser therapy could benefit your pet, our team can help determine the best options based on your pet’s condition and overall health.

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