and Sports Injury Clinic

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine and dates back to 1000BC. It is used to return the body to health via the insertion of very fine needles into specific Acupoints around the body. At the core of traditional Chinese medicine is the philosophy that health and wellbeing is achieved through balancing the energy both in and around the body.
Through the insertion of needles it is believed that the internal energy of the body, Known as 'QI' (vital life energy), can be manipulated in order to, free blockages in the flow of energy, increase the energy in areas that are deficient and remove energy from areas of excess. In doing this, acupuncture can return the body to a state of harmony, restore balance and therefore promote health.

The complexity of the human body is such that any one aspect of a person's health, be it physical, emotional or psychological, will always influence and be influenced by the health of that person as a whole. Illness and injury will upset the balance within the body and so impacts on the wider being. The global effect that acupuncture has means that it can be used for many different health complaints. The common cold, bronchitis, arthritic conditions, digestive dysfunction and pain anywhere in the body to name a few. Acupuncture aims to restore the natural balance of the body's energy and so although treatment can be tailored to help with specific health complaints, a general feeling of health and wellbeing is felt throughout the body. Most people find that as a result of receiving acupuncture their sleep will improve, energy levels increased and they feel more relaxed and at ease with themselves.

How does acupuncture fit into Physiotherapy?

Acupuncture is one of a number of different types of treatment that a Physiotherapist can offer and is viewed as a complementary rather than an alternative therapy. This means that more often than not, physiotherapists will use acupuncture alongside other treatments such as exercise, joint mobilisation and other manual therapies, in order to support and enhance their effects. The holistic nature of acupuncture means that it not only works to restore the physical disturbance of energy, for example as a result of trauma, but can help to restore the emotional, psychological and spiritual aspects that can influence the rate of recovery. Therefore acupuncture can often succeed where other therapies have failed.

Acupuncture and the management of pain.

Traditional acupuncture is based on philosophical theories and experience of success, with no scientific evidence to support the mechanisms in which it is traditionally believed to work. However there is an ever-growing evidence base that supports western theories of mechanism by which acupuncture works. Scientific research shows that by stimulating specific nerve endings, acupuncture can increase the production of naturally occurring painkillers such as endorphins and serotonin. These chemicals can impact on the way in which pain is transmitted through the spinal cord to the brain and act to reduce and even alleviate pain.
When pain becomes chronic the physical disorder which is causing pain is not the only factor to consider. The holistic nature of acupuncture, means that the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual aspects of dysfunction are restored and so attacks the possible causes of chronic pain from all directions.

What does treatment involve?

During the acupuncture session you will be required to either sit or lye for the duration. A combination of points will be selected that are appropriate for you and will most commonly involve the insertion of between 2-16 needles. The needles can be in for as little as 1-2 minutes but are more commonly left in place for between 10-30 minutes.
Depending on the nature and severity of your condition, points may be selected around the painful area, away from the painful area, or in the opposite side of the body to the area effected.

Acupuncture needling should not be painful although some patients experience a pinprick or scratch like sensation. Once the needles are in place you may feel a mild ache or warm and heavy sensation at and around the needle. This sensation is referred to as 'De-Qi' and is necessary for the pain relieving mechanisms to be stimulated.
Once the needles are in place they may need stimulation in order to bring on the De-Qi sensation.

Is Acupuncture safe?

Members of the AACP are required to train to a minimum standard and are bound by professional codes of conduct through the CSP and the HPC.
Acupuncture stimulates the body to heal its self through natural means and avoids the need to take drugs and medication. Therefore the chance of possible adverse side effects is reduced.
The most common side effects include drowsiness and sleepiness, minor bleeding or bruising (<3% of patients), temporary increase in pain (this is a good sign), fainting or feeling faint (which should soon pass).

Any procedure involving the insertion of needles can result in potential problems. These include damage to internal organs and infection in the area where the needle is inserted. However, serious side effects are very rare due to the standards of practice that are observed.

If your physiotherapist decides acupuncture is appropriate you will be required to fill out a health screening form to ensure you are fit and healthy for treatment.
It is advisable that you have eaten within the past 4 hours prior to treatment due to the effects that it can have on your digestive system. This will help to reduce the risk of feeling faint post treatment.