ACUPUNCTURE
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the many skills that can be used by physiotherapists for the management of pain and inflammation and as a means of stimulating the body’s own healing chemicals in order to aid recovery and enhance rehabilitation.
Acupuncture consists of inserting very fine needles into certain sites in the body. It has origins in the Far East over 3000 years ago and increasingly in Western medicine since the 1970s with a growing body of clinical research and scientific evidence to support its use.
How does acupuncture work?
Recent evidence and research has found that when inserting an acupuncture needle, endorphins and oxytocin are released in the brain which are your natural pain and stress relieving chemicals. These chemicals can also help with healing your body. It may also promote sleep by stimulating the release of melatonin, and encourage a sense of well-being by stimulating the realise of serotonin.
Furthermore, acupuncture needles also stimulate nerve fibres to block pain signals and thus help reduce sensations of pain. Traditional acupuncture focuses on the belief that a life force called Qi or energy flows in channels in the body called meridians.
Traditional beliefs suggest that if this Qi does not flow freely that is when illness occurs and acupuncture can restore the flow of Qi.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes, when administered by a competent, trained professional. All of our physiotherapists are fully qualified and registered with the AACP (The Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists), adhering to strict safety and hygiene guidelines.
The more common side effects are very minor and pose very little risk. These include mild bruising, mild bleeding, mild pain/aggravation of symptoms, drowsiness dizziness and nausea.
What are the benefits?
Acupuncture can be used with other methods of physiotherapy or it can be used alone for treatment and is often explored as a treatment option when some manual techniques have not worked.
Acupuncture can help with:
- Decreased pain
- Decreased stress
- Decreased nausea
What sort of problems can be treated?
There are several different problems that can be treated with acupuncture. Your physiotherapist will carry out a full subjective and objective examination to see if acupuncture is a recommended treatment modality for you or if you may benefit from a different treatment method first or alongside acupuncture.
Some conditions where acupuncture is used include:
- Acute/chronic conditions
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Joint and muscle problems
- Back and neck pain
- Rheumatoid conditions
- Arthritis
- Sports injuries
- Pain
- Nausea
- Stress
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 persons response is different.
Will acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture does not normally hurt; some people may feel a slight discomfort when inserting the fine needles however this should go away, and you may feel sensations fo warmth or ‘heaviness’ during treatment. Some people do not feel the needles at all. Acupuncture needles are approximately the width of a human hair and thus do not feel the same as having an injection.
Don't let pain win...
Our Expert Physiotherapists specialise in providing the latest in physiotherapy treatments and techniques in order to get you pain free as soon as possible, cure the cause of your pain and help you to return to pre-injury levels of activity.
Furthermore, we'll also give you a bespoke exercise and rehabilitation program, and advise you on how to prevent re-injury and remain pain free.
Get in touch with us now on 01245 830280 or 07980 898212 or alternatively send us a message.
Insurance
At Farrell Physiotherapy we work with some of the uk's top insurance companies to ensure you're covered.
We can accept payment from AXA (PPP), Bupa, PruHealth, simplyhealth and Standard Life, if you have any questions about alternative payment methods, please get in touch with us using the contact form at the bottom of the page and we'll get back to you asap!
Where we are
We have two clinic locations within the Essex area, please use the map below to view contact details for the clinic that you would prefer to visit.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday
6am to 9pm
Saturdays
9am to 12pm
Same day & Emergency appointments available most times.
Chelmsford
Little Waltham Road,
Broomfield, Chelmsford
CM1 7TG
Witham
Spinks Ln, Witham,
Essex, CM8 1EP
Get In Touch
If you have any questions prior to booking just send us a message using the form and we'll be in touch asap.
If you would prefer to talk to us on the phone we can be reached on 01245 830280 or 07980 898212 during business hours.