What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the most effective treatments for pain relief, stress, and whole-body wellness — and at Spinal Solutions, it fits naturally alongside the chiropractic and massage therapy care our patients already trust.
Our acupuncturist, Laure Slade (R.Ac.), has been serving the St. John's area since 2011, practising out of our Paradise clinic just minutes from the city. Laure graduated with honours from the Acupuncture Program at Eastern College and has completed advanced specialty training in headache treatment, TMJ dysfunction, and musculoskeletal conditions. She takes a mechanical, physical approach to acupuncture — focused on the kinds of conditions that bring people through our doors every day: back pain, neck pain, nerve-related issues, and chronic pain.
Being part of a multi-disciplinary team at Spinal Solutions means Laure can work closely with our chiropractors and massage therapists to create a coordinated care plan for each patient. Many patients see Laure the same day as their chiro or massage appointment. Others book her separately. Either way, the goal is the same: get you feeling better, faster.
What Acupuncture Treats?
Acupuncture is effective for a wide range of physical conditions. Laure commonly treats:
- Back pain and neck pain
- Headaches and migraines
- TMJ (jaw) dysfunction
- Sciatica and nerve-related issues
- Chronic pain and joint stiffness
- Stress and hormonal support
Whether you're dealing with a recent injury, a flare-up of something chronic, or ongoing tension your body can't seem to shake, acupuncture can help address the root cause, not just the symptoms.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
This is the number one question we hear — and the honest answer is: not really.
When the needle goes in, most patients feel a small prick. Then, as the needle settles, you feel nothing. Many patients describe it as surprisingly relaxing — a subtle effect, but a very effective one. It's quite different from chiropractic or massage, where you're used to feeling pressure throughout the treatment. Acupuncture tends to be quieter and more gentle, and many patients find it a nice time to check out completely.
If you've been putting off trying acupuncture because you weren't sure what to expect, you're not alone. Most patients are pleasantly surprised on their first visit.
Cupping Therapy
Laure also offers cupping therapy as part of her acupuncture treatments. Cupping uses suction cups placed on the skin to improve circulation, release muscle tension, and support recovery. It pairs well with acupuncture and is also offered by our massage therapists at Spinal Solutions.
Why Spinal Solutions
Laure practises within a clinic that has been serving the St. John's area for over 26 years. That means you're not starting from scratch — you're joining a team that already has your records, knows your history, and can coordinate your care across disciplines.
Direct billing is available, and booking is easy through Jane App.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your condition and how your body responds. Many patients notice a difference after a few sessions. Laure will assess your situation at your first visit and give you a realistic expectation for your specific concern.
Absolutely, and many Spinal Solutions patients do. Chiropractic care and acupuncture work well together for back pain, neck pain, and nerve-related conditions. Massage therapy pairs naturally with acupuncture for tension relief and recovery. Your care team can help you decide what combination makes the most sense.
Yes. Laure has completed specialty training specifically in headache treatment and TMJ dysfunction, two of the conditions she sees most frequently. If you've been struggling with jaw pain, tension headaches, or migraines, acupuncture is worth exploring as part of your treatment plan.
No referral is needed. You can book directly with Laure through our online booking system at any time. If you're already a patient seeing one of our chiropractors, they may suggest acupuncture as a complement to your current care, but it's not required to get started.
Book Your Acupuncture Appointment in St. John's
Spinal Solutions is accepting new patients for acupuncture. Whether you're dealing with back pain, headaches, TMJ, or chronic tension that hasn't responded to other treatments, Laure can help you figure out if acupuncture is the right next step.
Booking is simple and direct billing is available for most extended health plans.
