Acupuncture

‘Acupuncture’ simply means the insertion of small needles into the body. The purpose of this is to aid recovery by bringing about changes in muscle tension, pain and blood flow. This is achieved, not by the injection of substances through the needles, but by needling specific point locations throughout the body.

There are two approaches to acupuncture; a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach and a Western medical approach:

The TCM approach is based on a holistic concept of body-energy balance, which is known as ‘Qi’. TCM acupuncture seeks to return the normal flow of Qi within the body.

The Western medical approach links the science of anatomy and physiology to the needling of specific point locations within the body. Stimulation of muscle, nerve and skin can cause reduction of muscle tension, activation of the body’s pain-killing hormones and an increase in blood flow.

All therapists administering acupuncture are registered with the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP), follow a Western medical approach and undergo CPD regular training. Although acupuncture is generally used in conjunction with other Physiotherapy treatments to optimise the desired outcome, we can also offer it as a stand-alone treatment.

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Acupuncture is often used as part of a physiotherapy treatment session. Your AACP qualified physiotherapist will discuss the benefits and side effects of acupuncture to allow you to make an informed decision. You will be asked to complete an acupuncture consent form and asked a number of questions regarding your medical history, as this may determine whether or not acupuncture should be used in your case.

Once you are happy to proceed your physiotherapist will position you comfortably to allow you to relax throughout the treatment session. All needles are packaged individually in sterile packaging and are often administered through a plastic applicator. Your physiotherapist will select a number of relevant points for your condition and insert the relevant number of needles. Treatment duration can vary depending on each individual person but on average sessions last approximately 20-30 minutes. At the end of the session, the needles will be removed and safely discarded. We recommend that you then follow the advice from your physiotherapist.