Acupuncture is carried out by specially trained Physiotherapist and involves the insertion of very fine stainless steel needles into specific points of the skin. It can be used to treat a number of different conditions or symptoms and can be combined with other therapies such as exercise, manual therapy and relaxation techniques.

Acupuncture works by stimulating the body to produce endorphins and oxytocin, which are natural pain and stress-relieving chemicals. It could also aid sleep through stimulating the release of melatonin in the body and help increase a person’s sense of well-being through encouraging the release of serotonin.

Can anyone have acupuncture?

Certain health conditions may prevent or restrict acupuncture treatment. Your therapist will conduct a thorough assessment before carrying out any treatment to ensure that it is safe to do so.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is a very safe procedure when carried out by highly trained professionals. Therapists must adhere to strict hygiene guidelines and must keep up to date with educational advancements in order to stay on the membership register for the Acupuncture association of Chartered Physiotherapists.

Are there any side effects to acupuncture?

Generally, any side-effects that are experienced after acupuncture are fairly mild and do not last long. Side-effects can include things such as; bruising, localised bleeding, fatigue and light headedness. Any concerns can be discussed with your physiotherapist before treatment.

How many sessions will I have?

The amount of sessions that is required to achieve the desired effects will vary depending on the person. For some individuals, 1 or 2 sessions may be enough to make a difference to symptoms or the presenting condition, others may require up to 6 sessions. Sometimes, 1 or 2 “top-up” sessions may be beneficial which will be carried out a number of weeks or months after the initial course of treatment. Generally, it will be clear after 1 or 2 sessions whether or not the treatment will be successful or not.