Acupuncture
Several of our Physiotherapists are qualified to provide acupuncture as part of you treatment programme. Acupuncture is often added to treatments to help with pain relief or to settle muscle spasm. It can be used alongside other physiotherapy modalities such as exercise, joint mobilisation, stretches and soft tissue work. Your physiotherapist will tailor your acupuncture treatment to suit you and your condition. Combining acupuncture with physiotherapy is widely accepted. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin, sterile, single-use needles into the skin and soft tissues. Acupuncture should not be painful, but patients are often aware of a mild ache, or heavy sensation around the area treated. The needles are sometimes gently stimulated to enhance the effect of the needles.
The intended benefits of acupuncture treatment:
Reduction of pain
• Alleviation of muscle spasm and tension
• Facilitation of the healing process
• Induction of local and general relaxation
• Promotion of general well-being
• Improvement of sleep pattern
More Info
It is a good idea to have eaten a couple of hours before your acupuncture treatment so that your blood sugar levels are not low. Occasionally people feel drowsy, dizzy or faint after an acupuncture treatment and you may wish to be accompanied for your first appointment so that you won’t need to drive. You are welcome to sit in reception and will be given a drink if you need a few minutes to recover. Many people sleep very well on the night after their first appointment.
Professional Conduct
All physiotherapists using acupuncture are bound by rules of professional conduct. They are required to train to a recognised minimum standard and adhere to the mandatory number of hours of continuing professional development.
Our Physiotherapists are either members of the AACP (Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists) or meet their membership criteria in terms of foundation course training and on-going training. Much of the information given here is taken from AACP literature.
There are some circumstances where the use of acupuncture is contraindicated or would not be advised. Your Physiotherapist will assess any patient carefully before discussing acupuncture as an option to include in a treatment plan.
If you require any further information, please phone and ask to speak to one of our acupuncture trained Physiotherapists