Chronic Pain Management in Vancouver
Living with chronic pain can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Qi Integrated Health, our Vancouver clinic offers evidence-based, integrative therapies that target pain at its root. From acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine to naturopathic treatments and orthopedic injections, we bring together modern science and holistic care to help you move freely and live fully.
What Is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is more than just an ongoing symptom, it’s a complex condition that affects the body, mind, and daily function. By definition, pain becomes “chronic” when it lasts longer than three months, even after the original injury or illness has healed.
Examples of Chronic Pain
Examples include:
Back pain
Migraines
Arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Post-surgical pain
Acupuncture and TCM for Chronic Pain Relief
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views chronic pain not as an isolated problem, but as a sign that the body’s systems have fallen out of balance. When circulation, digestion, hormones, and the nervous system are functioning smoothly, the body can better mobilize its own resources to heal and repair. Acupuncture, herbal formulas, dietary guidance, and lifestyle strategies all work together to restore this harmony by building and circulating blood, calming the nervous system, and reducing inflammation.
Research supports this holistic approach: a large meta-analysis of nearly 21,000 patients published in The Journal of Pain found that acupuncture significantly outperformed both sham and no-treatment controls for chronic musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis, headaches, and shoulder pain, with benefits that lasted for at least a year. This integration of modern evidence and ancient principles makes TCM a comprehensive framework for both relieving pain and supporting long-term health.
Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine complements orthopaedic injections by addressing the underlying terrain that influences healing and pain. A nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet can reduce systemic inflammation and provide the building blocks for tissue repair. Many supplements, including vitamins and herbal medicines, have been studied for their role in supporting joint health, reducing inflammation, and optimizing recovery. Lifestyle measures such as adequate sleep, restorative movement, stress management, and maintaining a healthy weight also play a critical role in long-term pain reduction and musculoskeletal resilience.
When combined, orthopaedic injections and naturopathic therapies form a truly integrative approach to chronic pain. Injections can provide timely relief and stimulate local healing, while diet, supplementation, and lifestyle practices support whole-body repair and reduce the risk of recurrence. This synergy not only enhances pain control and function in the short term but also promotes lasting improvements in mobility, strength, and quality of life, helping patients stay active and engaged in their daily lives.
Orthopaedic Injections
Orthopaedic injections are minimally invasive treatments that provide targeted relief for chronic pain when conservative measures are not sufficient. Cortisone injections help reduce inflammation and offer short-term relief for joint or soft tissue pain, allowing patients to stay active and functional. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections harness the body’s own growth factors to stimulate healing, making them particularly useful for degenerative conditions or slow-to-heal injuries. Prolotherapy stimulates a controlled repair response to strengthen weakened ligaments and connective tissues, improving stability and reducing pain. Viscosupplementation, also called hyaluronic acid, enhances joint lubrication and cushioning, especially in arthritic joints, to improve mobility and comfort.
Meet Your Chronic Pain Treatment Team
Relief is possible with the right support. Our practitioners combine evidence-based treatments with holistic care to help you take control of your chronic pain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Pain
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Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than 3 months (or beyond the usual course of an acute injury), or pain that recurs over long periods. It often persists after healing or without a clear injury, and can affect daily life, mood, sleep, and function.
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A multimodal approach tends to be the most effective. This may include acupuncture and TCM modalities, naturopathic medicine, orthopedic injections, movement-based therapies, dietary and lifestyle changes, manual therapies and somatic healing. Different modalities may be combined depending on individual needs.
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Several risk factors are known, including:
Previous injury or surgery
Repetitive strain or poor posture
Poor sleep or sleep disorders
High stress, anxiety, depression
Being overweight
Age — risk generally increases with older age
Genetics and inflammatory / metabolic disorders
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Yes. It’s very common for chronic pain to co-occur with mood disorders like depression or anxiety. Pain can interfere with sleep, reduce physical activity, and limit daily tasks, all of which can contribute to mental health burden. Effective treatment often addresses both physical and psychological aspects.
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Chronic pain isn’t always permanent. Many people experience significant improvement or even remission, especially with early, multidimensional treatment. The goal is often to reduce pain intensity, improve function, and improve quality of life. While some cases may require long-term management, there is often meaningful gain possible.
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