Member of Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists
Treatment of muscular disorders
Effective for treating headaches & migraines
Blended with physio, chiropractic and osteopathy
8am - 8pm, weekend appointments available
What is acupuncture?
Western medical acupuncture is based upon traditional Chinese medicine theory, first documented in 1000BC, to stimulate the bodies natural ability to ‘right’ itself. It is the use of acupuncture following a medical diagnosis. It involves stimulating sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles.
Acupuncture has been shown to naturally activate specific neurochemistry within the brain and spinal cord to improve pain modulation and assist the natural healing processes that enhance recovery. This results in the body producing natural substances, such as pain-relieving endorphins. It's likely that these naturally released substances are responsible for the beneficial effects experienced with acupuncture.
It is used in many NHS practices, as well as in most pain clinics and hospices in the UK.
Uses of acupuncture
Acupuncture is used to treat pain, inflammation and other symptoms caused by muscular disorders.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends considering acupuncture as a treatment option for:
It's generally safe to have acupuncture when you're pregnant. However, let your acupuncture practitioner know if you're pregnant because certain acupuncture points cannot be used safely during pregnancy.
Acupuncture is used within physiotherapy following strict adherence to modern clinical research and evidence that is continually updated, and is usually used as an adjunct to exercise and guided rehabilitation. Acupuncture does not just address pain but can help sporting injuries by adding length and stretch to tight and painful muscles, which can further facilitate fitness and rehabilitation goals.
How it works
Step-by-step
Assessment
Your acupuncturist will conduct a thorough examination to fully assess your problem. During the session, you'll usually be asked to sit or lie down. You may also be asked to remove some clothes so the practitioner can access certain parts of your body.
If necessary, we will undertake an X-ray or an MRI scan in order to understand fully what's going on. Where we don't have facilities on-site, we will refer you to an external imaging partner.
Report of Findings & Treatment Plan
Having analysed the data from the assessment, movement analysis and scans, your acupuncturist will explain the diagnosis to you, and discuss the range of treatment options that are available.
They will design a treatment plan that is specific to your needs. It will include an estimated recovery time, number of treatments and how to minimise the chances of the problem reoccurring.
If they feel that another member of our team would be better placed to help, they will refer you to them.
Treatment
Your practitioner will use a wide-rage of acupuncture techniques. The needles are inserted into specific places on the body, called acupuncture points.
The needles used are very fine and are usually a few centimetres long. They are single-use, pre-sterilised needles that are disposed of immediately after use.
Acupuncture practitioners choose specific points to place the needles based on your condition. Several points may be used during a typical session, depending on the number of symptoms you have.
The needles may be inserted just under the skin, or deeper so they reach muscle. Once the needles are in place, they may be left in position for a length of time lasting from a few minutes up to around 30 minutes.
You may feel a tingling or a dull ache when the needles are inserted but you should not experience any significant pain. If you do, let your practitioner know straight away.
The practitioner may blend these techniques with physiotherapy, chiropractic or osteopathy depending on their range of qualifications and skillset.
Progress Review
Having gone through a course of treatment, your acupuncturist will track your progress by re-testing your injury using the 3D Movement Analysis system. The results will be discussed with you and we'll decide next steps together.
Award Winning, Quality Assured Acupuncture
Our acupuncturists are members of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP).
All of our physiotherapists are registered members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
