Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese practice of promoting healing and proving pain relief, whilst restoring the body’s natural energy flow (Qi). This is achieved by inserting needles into acupuncture points located on various channels that run up and down the body.
Can it be done by a Physiotherapist?
Yes if they are qualified. Both Richard and Charlotte are members of the AACP (Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists).
Most physiotherapists use acupuncture based on scientific evidence and clinical research that states acupuncture can reduce pain by stimulating the brain and spinal cord to produce natural pain relief chemicals in the body, such as endorphins.
How does Acupuncture work?
Conventional acupuncture involves the use of a single use, pre-sterilised disposable needles of different thicknesses, lengths and materials that will pierce the skin at the specific acupuncture points identified to help your pain.
The needles are usually left in position for about 20 to 30 minutes before being removed. In addition to the needles, trigger point acupuncture may be used to help relaxation in specific muscles. This is used where there has been a trauma, or where there is long term, unresolved muscle pain. It can be used to increase muscle length to aid stretching and rehabilitation. Trigger point needling often produces an effect more quickly.
How can it help you?
In recent years large studies of the benefits of acupuncture have begun to emerge and they have helped support the use of acupuncture in pain management.
- Tension headaches
- Pain from osteoarthritis
- Low back pain
If you are interested in learning more about how acupuncture can help with your pain management why not pop into the clinic and speak to Richard or Charlotte or drop them an email to arrange a consultation at info@fit4-physio.co.uk