Acupuncture Information leaflet
Please click on the following link to read or print our Acupuncture Information leaflet: acupuncture.pdf
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the oldest recorded forms of 
medicine. It has evolved over the last 2000 years and forms part of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM). Your physiotherapist may choose to use acupuncture as part of your rehabilitation and pain relieving treatment.
The use of acupuncture for the treatment of pain is supported by an ever-growing body of scientific evidence which has shown that it can stimulate the release of endorphins, (natural pain relieving chemicals), serotonin and other nerve transmitter chemicals that can have a powerful effect on reducing pain. Acupuncture is known to give short term relief of pain in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee, to relieve tension type headaches and combined with physiotherapy is widely accepted within both the National Health Service 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).
Your physiotherapist will be happy to discuss the value of acupuncture in the treatment of your presenting symptoms.
Why a Physiotherapist ?
Chartered Physiotherapists who are members of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP) have all attained a national standard of training and are regulated by the Health Professions Council. We work closely with GP’s and hospital consultants. We are uniquely positioned to use acupuncture to complement other aspects of physiotherapy.
Who can have acupuncture ?
People of all age groups are suitable for acupuncture but it will not be suitable for you if you have a needle phobia or are allergic to certain metals, especially stainless steel.
Certain medical conditions call for caution. They are:
* Epilepsy
* Haemophilia
* Heart Pacemaker
* Diabetes
* If you are on blood thinning medication
* If you are pregnant
Does Acupuncture work ?
Research has shown that most people gain relief of pain with acupuncture. It can be immediate or may take a few sessions to take effect. You do not have to believe in it for it to work! Occasionally your pain may worsen at first, this is usually a good sign but do talk to your physiotherapist about it.
How is it done ?
Your physiotherapist will insert very fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific acupuncture points. These may be at the site of pain, away from the pain (in your hands or feet) or even on the opposite side of the body.
Once the needles are in the physiotherapist will gently stimulate them until you experience a sensation known as “De Qi” .This sensation varies from person to person but it should not be painful.
The needles are left in for anything from 1-2 minutes to 10-30 minutes. A typical session will last 30 minutes.
You are likely to need several sessions.
Your physiotherapists will talk to you about how you may feel afterwards.
Are there any side effects ?
You may feel a little drowsy after treatment. You are advised not to drive long distances 
following acupuncture.
You may develop a small bruise at the needle site.
Very occasionally people feel light headed or faint. You should tell your physiotherapist if you experience any of these side effects.