What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine stainless steel needles into the skin. It has been used in China for over 2,000 years and increasingly in Western medicine. There is now a growing body of scientific evidence and clinical research supporting its effectiveness.
Acupuncture may be used alongside physiotherapy treatment modalities to treat a wide range of common health problems and to reduce pain.
How does acupuncture work?
- Stimulates the body to produce endorphins and oxytocin, its own pain and stress-relieving chemicals.
- It may promote sleep by stimulating the release of melatonin in the body
- It may encourage a sense of well-being by stimulating the release of serotonin.
- Stimulates nerve fibres to block out pain signals and helps to reduce the sensitivity of tender points in the body.
What happens during your session?
You should aim to have something to eat in the 2 hours before your treatment. This will help reduce the risk of you feeling faint during your session by keeping your sugar levels up.
When you first see your physiotherapist, they will take your full medical history and ask you about your current health problems. You will asked to complete an “Acupuncture in Physiotherapy Consent Form”.
The number of needles used will vary according to your condition and symptoms, but typically will range from 1 to 10 in your first session
The needles are inserted through the skin either at the sites where you feel pain, away from the pain or a combination of both. The needles are usually left in for as little as a few seconds or for up to 30 minutes. During the treatment, your physiotherapist may stimulate the needles by gently rotating them. The needles are removed at the end of the session. You will then be asked to rest for a few minutes before you leave.
How many sessions will I have?
Some people may require just one or two treatments and some a course of 6-10 treatments. Some people may want to receive occasional treatments as and when required.
The overall number of treatment sessions required will depend on you, your condition and your physiotherapist’s assessment. The frequency of treatments will be guided by how you respond. It is generally clear after around 3 sessions whether or not acupuncture will benefit you and if the treatment should be continued.
How long until I see an improvement in my condition?
Different people respond in different ways and at different rates. Some people may feel an immediate relief of their symptoms whilst others may see a gradual improvement after a few treatments. Some people may see no benefit.
Some people may find that their condition/symptoms flare up for up to 24 hours after the treatment but then see a marked improvement.
Although acupuncture can help reduce pain, particularly when other more conventional treatments have failed, it does not work for everyone.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture should not be painful.
The needles used are approximately the width of human hair, so having acupuncture does not feel the same as having an injection.
When needles are inserted, you may feel a temporary, sharp pricking sensation. During the treatment itself, you may have a feeling of warmth or ‘fullness’, heaviness, pins and needles, numbness, tension around the needle, or a mild ache or discomfort.
You may also feel a little light-headed or relaxed. It should not feel unpleasant. These are signs that your body is reacting to the acupuncture. Alternatively, you may not feel the needle at all.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is a safe treatment when administered by a competent AACP-registered chartered physiotherapist. This is because of the strict safety and hygiene guidelines that AACP members adhere to and the initial training and continued professional development that is required in order to remain
an AACP member.
The more common side effects are exceptionally minor in nature and pose very little risk. More significant side effects are exceptionally rare.
Your AACP-registered acupuncture physiotherapist is also bound by a Code of Members’ Professional Values and Behaviour through the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and is regulated by the Health and Care Professions
Council (HCPC).
The needles used by your physiotherapist are individually packaged, sterile and disposed of after one use. They may also be supplied in guide tubes for easy insertion which means that there is no risk of anything touching the needle during the process.
Are there any side effects to acupuncture?
Any side effects tend to be mild and short-lived. They may include: mild bleeding, bruising, mild pain/aggravation of symptoms, drowsiness, dizziness and nausea.
If you continue to feel tired after a treatment, it is recommended that you do not drive or operate machinery. If you have, or are concerned about any possible side effects, please speak to your physiotherapist
(Information taken from AACP Patient information booklet)
