What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a holistic approach with origins in the Far East over 3000 years ago.

Acupuncture is one of the safest medical treatments in England and consists of inserting fine needles into certain sites in the body. People often regard it as a form of alternative or complementary medicine though it is a frequently used treatment in physiotherapy.

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.

More recent evidence and research has found that when inserting an acupuncture needle, endorphins are released in the brain which are your natural pain relieving chemicals. These chemicals can also help with healing your body.

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 sort of problems can be treated with acupuncture?

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 necessary treatment modality for you or if you may benefit from a different treatment method first.

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 person’s response is different.

What are the benefits of acupuncture?

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

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. It is usually the body’s response to the release of energy that you can feel.

Why Farrell Physiotherapy?

We pride ourselves on providing excellent patient care ensuring you are always at the centre of what we do. We are committed to continuous education and development to make sure we are up to date with the latest practices and therefore you can feel confident you are getting the best possible advice and care when coming to Farrell Physiotherapy.

If you would like to book an appointment or would like further information regarding acupuncture please call 01245 615 051 or e-mail: infofarrellphysiotherapy@gmail.com.