Acupuncture Clinic Services

Here at first4physio we have a number of physiotherapists who have gained additional training in acupuncture treatment. We offer this service for all types of musculoskeletal conditions, including Low Back Pain, Sciatica, Neck Pain, Osteoarthritis, Tennis Elbow and Frozen Shoulder.


What is Acupuncture?

		Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine and can be used to treat a great variety of problems. In recent years acupuncture has become more popular in the West and is used within Physiotherapy as a form of pain relief. It can be extremely effective on both acute and chronic conditions due to its effect of stimulating endogenous opioids (the natural pain killers) and other neurotransmitters such as seratonin (the "happy hormone") produced within the body.

Acupuncture and Physiotherapy
Acupuncture is a useful adjunct to Physiotherapy, particularly in the treatment of chronic inflammatory joint conditions. Reducing pain can enable you to achieve more in the rest of your Physiotherapy programme, such as increasing range of movement and improving exercise tolerance. This can have a very positive effect on improving your quality of life.

Physiotherapists using acupuncture at first4physio are registered with the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP) indicating that they have had additional training and gained the appropriate skills to become more specialised in this area.


What to expect from Acupuncture Treatment

		Initially you will be asked a few questions about your symptoms and general health. Once the decision has been made to use acupuncture and you have agreed and signed a consent form, decisions are made as to appropriate positioning of needles. This depends on the area to be treated and the sensitivity of the tissues. Points can be local to the treatment area or placed further away from the injury site.

Does it hurt?
You may feel a mild ache, numbness, warm or a heavy sensation ('De Qi') once the needles are in place - this should not be unpleasant and is a sign that the body's inbuilt pain relieving mechanisms are being stimulated.


Is Acupuncture safe?
As members of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP) we are required to train to a minimum standard & are bound by professional codes of conduct through the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and Health Profession Council (HPC).

Acupuncture is safer than many of the drug treatments used to combat pain. However, any procedure that involves inserting needles into the body has some potential 'side effects'. There are only a few instances where acupuncture should not be used. These will be discussed and explained to you by your physiotherapist.

If you have any questions about any aspects of Acupuncture or would like to speak to one of our expert therapists please feel free to contact us on 01482 342685 or alternatively email us at info@first4physio.co.uk.