What is the deal with these little acupuncture needles they put in my ears?

I went to Physiotherapy and the therapist is also an acupuncturist, she put these little tiny needles in my upper ears that she said will help with pain in my back/shoulder. Should I be feeling them? How do I know if there working? Will I wreak them if I'm always on the phone and constantly hitting them? Please help, I tried calling her but shes not in today! Thank you

The ear in Chinese medicine is very important as it reflects the whole body. Each point on the ear is related to a body's organ or a function, such as liver, hunger, heart, etc. Stimulating or massaging the point on the ear should help with that part of the body.

She used these as a way to extend your treatment outside of your short appointment time. A practitioner can put "ear buds," either tiny needles or tiny seeds taped onto the ear, on you so that you can continue helping yourself for the next several days. You should ask her how long to keep them on. Some say 1 week, some 3 or 4 days, some say until they fall off. It is safer to wear the seed type longer than the needle type.

Your practitioner also should have given you advice on what she wants you to do with the needles. In my clinic, we tell patients to gently press/massage the point 3 times a day. So I wouldn't worry about the phone hitting them, it is probably actually beneficial!

As for whether or not they are working, they are a small part of the treatment as a whole and not a cure-all. Persistant pain, as you know, is not easy to cure. It takes a lot of work from the doctors and a lot of work on your part! Massaging your ear points is one small way you can help progress your treatment at home.
Good luck! :-)

they wouldn't have put them in if they would break and they don't cause pain as they are used to relieve pain