Fu’s Subcutaneous Needling
(Pain Acupuncture)
Fu’s Subcutaneous Needling (FSN). What is it?
Fu’s Subcutaneous Needling (FSN), a modern needling technique invented by Dr. Fu Zhonghua in 1996, targets musculoskeletal disorders such as stiff neck, shoulder, elbow, waist and knee pain. This procedure is performed by inserting a special trocar needle into the subcutaneous layer around tightened muscles. FSN has an anesthetic-like effect and can provide immediate, significant relief of trigger point pain.
How does it work?
Although FSN originated from traditional acupuncture, its theory diverges from classical concepts of meridians, acupoints, Yin-Yang, and Qi. There is also a distinct difference from “dry needling,” which refers to the insertion of a sterile needle into a trigger point for myofascial pain based on Western anatomical and neuro-physiological principles. Manipulation of the FSN needle involves a sweeping motion instead, focusing on reperfusion principles to relieve muscle contraction from trigger points followed by improvement of local circulation.
What can it treat?
- Arthritis & Joint Pain
- Chronic Pain Syndromes
- Disc Herniation
- Fibromyalgia
- Musculoskeletal Conditions
- Neck, Shoulder, Low Back Pain
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
- Spondylitis
- Sports Injuries
- Tenosynovitis
- Tennis Elbow
- ..and more!
Potential Side Effects
There are typically no adverse reactions when this treatment is performed correctly. Potential, temporary side effects may include:
- Bruising
- Syncope: Patients occasionally feel faint while undergoing FSN, especially at the start of their first treatment. This may involve feeling tired, dizzy, nauseous, and turning pale. Rarely, profuse sweating, flushing, and coldness of the extremities can occur. In most cases, the patient will recover within 3-5 minutes after lying down or drinking fluids.
Are you ready to try FSN?
Book your FSN (Pain) Acupuncture visit with our Registered Acupuncturist, Ming.