Acupuncture

Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been used by the Chinese for many years to treat a wide range of problems. In recent years, acupuncture has become more popular in the West and is used in our physiotherapy clinic as a form of pain relief. It can be very effective on both acute and chronic conditions as it stimulates endogenous opioids (the natural pain killers) and other neurotransmitters such as serotonin (the ‘happy hormone’) produced within the body.

Many people report a reduction in pain, improved sleeping pattern and a general wellbeing boost with acupuncture. Research is also now showing very positive results for treatment of specific areas with acupuncture.

Physiotherapy and acupuncture

Our physiotherapists using acupuncture are registered with the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists. Initially, we will ask you a few questions about your symptoms and general health and once the decision has been made to use acupuncture, you have agreed and signed the consent form, decisions will be made as to the appropriate positioning of needles. This depends on the area to be treated and the sensitivity of the tissues, with points local to the area of treatment or further away.

Acupuncture is a useful addition to physiotherapy, particularly with the treatment of inflammatory joint conditions. Reducing a client’s pain can enable them to achieve more in the rest of their physiotherapy programme, such as an increased range of movement and exercise tolerance.

Is acupuncture safe?

All needles are sterile, pre-packed and disposable so there is no risk of infection. We have comprehensive standards of practice and procedures in place should an emergency occur. There are only a few cases in which acupuncture should not be used.

Our physiotherapists will run through a few safety questions before performing any treatment.