Acupuncture

Acupuncture may be offered to you as part of your rehabilitation and pain management programme. Acupuncture is one number of different types of treatment that the physiotherapist can offer and there is good evidence of its effectiveness. Often a physiotherapist will use acupuncture alongside treatments such as exercise, joint mobilisation and general rehabilitation.

Recent research is now supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture, particularly in the management of pain, suggesting that it is effective in the treatment of low back pain, neck pain and knee osteoarthritis.

All the Acupuncturists that work at Compass Physiotherapy are members of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP).

What does acupuncture treatment involve?

Your physiotherapist will use sterile, single use needles. The needles are fine (a lot finer than an injection needle) and they are inserted quickly through the skin and into the tissues. Acupuncture needling should not be painful although some people do experience a pinprick or scratch like sensation.

How many treatments are needed?

Research suggests that for a longstanding condition such as lower back pain, a course of 6 - 10 treatments is required to achieve the best results. If after a course of 4 treatments your symptoms remain the same, it is unlikely that acupuncture will help you.

Some people experience lasting relief of symptoms especially when used to manage a recent acute problem. Your physiotherapist will discuss your individual management plan. Acupuncture treatments may vary depending on the condition being treated and how you respond to treatment.

Your treatment will be tailor-made to you and your condition.

Is it safe?

Members of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP) are required to train to a minimum standard and are bound by professional codes of conduct through Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and Health Professions Council (HPC).

Acupuncture is safer than many of the drug treatments used. However, any procedure that involves inserting needles into the body has some potential problems, but these remain minimal.