What happens when I see my physiotherapist for acupuncture?

When you first come to physiotherapy, I will take your full medical history and ask you about your current health problems. You will be asked to complete a ‘consent to treatment’ form.

Between 5 to 40 needles may be used at a time at an acupuncture session. The number of needles used will vary according to your condition and symptoms.

The needles are inserted through the skin either at the sites where you feel pain, away from the pain or a combination of both. The needles are usually left in for a few minutes up to 20 minutes. During the treatment, your I will stimulate the needles by gently rotating them. This is done to increase the treatment’s effectiveness.

The needles are removed at the end of the session. You will then be asked to rest for a few minutes before you leave.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is one of the many skills employed by AACP physiotherapists as part of an integrated approach to the management of pain and inflammation. Scientific research and clinical evidence have shown that Acupuncture can reduce pain by stimulating the brain and spinal cord to produce natural pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins, melatonin (which promotes sleep) and serotonin (to promote well-being), to name but a few. These chemicals assist the body’s healing processes and offer pain relief as a precursor to other treatments such as manual therapy or exercise in order to aid recovery.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is a very safe procedure when carried out by fully qualified professionals. I am an AACP qualified acupuncturist and I am qualified to deliver this therapy. I have undertaken recognised accredited training courses in acupuncture.

The needles used by me are sterile and disposed of after one use.

Acupuncture is safe when practised by a member of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP) because of the strict hygiene guidelines that must be adhered to, and the training courses and educational updates that are required in order to stay on the membership register.

Acupuncture needles are the same width as human hair so having acupuncture does not feel the same as having an injection. The needles are disposable, pre-sterilised and individually packaged. These are often supplied in guide-tubes for easy insertion which means that there is no risk of anything touching the needle during the process. When needles are inserted, you may feel a temporary, sharp pricking sensation.

Are there any side effects to acupuncture?

Any side effects tend to be mild and short-lived. They may include: fatigue, light headedness, bruising, localised bleeding or soreness or redness or mottling of the skin around the needle sites. If you continue to feel tired after a treatment, it is recommended that you do not drive or operate machinery.

If you have or are concerned about any possible side effects, please speak to your physiotherapist.

Is there evidence that acupuncture works?

The use of acupuncture needling for the treatment of pain is supported by an ever-growing body of scientific evidence.

Scientific research has examined the effectiveness of acupuncture for various conditions. In recent years, large-scale studies have emerged which have helped to support the benefits of acupuncture treatment. For example it is accepted that acupuncture can help tension-type headaches and osteoarthritis of the knee, especially when used in conjunction with physiotherapy.

Acupuncture combined with physiotherapy is widely accepted within both the National Health Service (NHS) and private practice. This is evident in the recommendation by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) that acupuncture should be available as a cost-effective short-term treatment for persistent non-specific low back pain (source: NICE 2009).

AACP members are required to keep abreast of scientific evidence and do so by meeting their Continuing Professional Development obligations.

Acupuncture

What happens when I see my physiotherapist for acupuncture?

How does acupuncture work?

Is acupuncture safe?

Are there any side effects to acupuncture?

Is there evidence that acupuncture works? ​

Is there evidence that acupuncture works?