What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a holistic approach with origins in the Far East that involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body. This technique is used to stimulate the body's natural healing processes and restore balance. Many people regard it solely as a form of alternative or complementary medicine, yet it is a frequently used treatment by highly trained, professional physiotherapists.
In order to give acupuncture treatment you need to have the necessary qualifications. All of our physiotherapists are fully qualified and registered with the AACP (The Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists).
What are the benefits of Acupuncture?
Acupuncture can be used alongside other treatment modalities and is often explored as a treatment option when some manual techniques have not worked.
Acupuncture can assist with:
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Decreased Pain
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Decreased Stress
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Decreased Nausea
Will Acupuncture Hurt?
The thought of any treatment that involves needles is normally always worse than the treatment itself. You may feel a a slight discomfort when the fine needles are inserted. This is the body’s response to the release of energy that you can feel. However, once they are in, that discomfort usually dissipates and you don’t feel much more whilst the needles remain in place. Afterwards you may feel a mild ache as the treatment takes effect.
What Conditions can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is used widely to treat an extensive range of conditions. Your physiotherapist will carry out a full subjective and objective examination to determine what is causing your symptoms. You will be provided with a treatment plan which may include acupuncture and it is normally used alongside other treatment methods.
Some conditions acupuncture is used for include:
Currently acupuncture is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for chronic lower back pain, migraines and chronic headaches.
Many people report the benefits of acupuncture for other conditions though there is insufficient evidence to completely prove or disprove this and each person's response is different.
Musculoskeletal Pain
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Back pain
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Neck pain
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Shoulder pain
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Knee pain
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Arthritis
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Tennis elbow
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Carpal tunnel syndrome
Respiratory Conditions:
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Asthma
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Allergic rhinitis
Digestive Disorders
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
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Functional dyspepsia
Chronic Conditions
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Fibromyalgia
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Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME)
Sports Injuries
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Muscle strains
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Ligament sprains
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Tendonitis
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Shin splints
Headaches and Migraines
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Tension headaches
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Cluster headaches
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Migraine prevention
Sleep Disorders
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Insomnia
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Sleep disturbances
Post-Surgical Recovery
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Pain management
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Swelling reduction
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Scar tissue management
Stress and Anxiety
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Generalised anxiety disorder
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Stress-related tension
Women's Health Issues
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Menstrual cramps
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Menopausal symptoms
Neurological Conditions
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Sciatica
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Neuralgia
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Peripheral neuropathy
