What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the use of needles inserted into different points in the body to manage pain and treat certain conditions.
Acupuncture originated in China approximately 3000 years ago. It is thought that metal began to be used as needles in acupuncture around 400 BC, prior to this whittled stone and fish bones were used. In modern acupuncture single-use needles made of zinc and nickel are used. In some cases gold needles can be used if a metal allergy is present.
Traditional Chinese acupuncture uses a meridian-based system to determine which points the needles are inserted into. In Chinese medicine the system is based on correcting the flow and balance of Qi (energy) in the body.
In western medicine acupuncture has become a very popular modality of treatment, particularly for pain relief. There is a strong evidence-base for the treatment of particular conditions and ongoing research to better understand how acupuncture may help other ailments. Physiotherapists in the UK have been using acupuncture for over 40 years as part of their treatment. In western medicine, the traditional Chinese acupuncture points are used as needle insertion points, however methods of determining which points are used differs slightly from traditional Chinese medicine. Modern treatments are based on clinical evidence and scientific research.
How does acupuncture work?
There are two systems of the body which acupuncture has an effect on to decrease pain. When treating chronic pain, the stimulation in acupuncture is shown to have an effect on the limbic system. The limbic system is the part of the brain responsible for processing pain and managing emotional and behavioural responses and memories.
In acute pain, acupuncture sends signals to the brain via the spinal cord and this elicits a response whereby endogenous opioids (our bodies natural pain killers) are produced and descending inhibition occurs. Descending inhibition is the term used to describe increasing the pain threshold and reducing the transmission of pain signals in the body.
What conditions can acupuncture treat?
There is a good evidence base of the benefits of acupuncture for many conditions including Osteoarthritis, headaches, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy, lower back pain, cervical radiculopathy, de quervain’s tendinitis and frozen shoulder, to name a few!
What should I expect in an acupuncture session?
First of all your physiotherapist will carry out a thorough assessment. You will be asked questions to ensure that you are a good candidate for acupuncture. Once it has been determined acupuncture is safe and indicated for your condition and you are happy to proceed, single use sterile acupuncture needles will be inserted for approximately 30 minutes and in this time you can relax. Following this, depending on your diagnosis, your physiotherapist may also include another form of treatment or give you a home programme to follow. Generally for best results it is recommended that you complete 2 sessions within the first week of treatment and then as you are noticing improvement spread the sessions further apart.
What is the difference between acupuncture and Dry-Needling?
Dry-needling is a broad term used to describe any form of needle insertion into the body that does not involve fluids (injections or taking bloods). Technically, acupuncture is a form of dry-needling.
In western medicine the term dry-needling has evolved to describe using acupuncture needles to release ‘trigger points’ in muscles. In this case the needles are generally inserted deeper into the tissue than in acupuncture, but less needles are used and for a shorter period of time. The needles may often be stimulated a bit more vigorously than in acupuncture and may elicit a ‘twitch response’ in the muscle. This type of needling is especially useful for relieving tension in muscles. Your physiotherapist may recommend a combination of acupuncture and dry-needling.
Who may not be suitable for acupuncture?
Anyone who has had a seizure, any uncontrolled health conditions, active infection or disorders of the blood may not be a candidate for acupuncture. You may receive treatment if you are on anticoagulants but generally the joint spaces and muscles will be avoided. If you have had lymph nodes removed on a limb you can still receive acupuncture but that limb will be avoided.
How can I book a session for acupuncture?
We have a number of Physiotherapists in the clinic who are trained to use acupuncture as part of their physiotherapy practice. To get started we recommend you have an initial consultation with one of the team (please mention when booking you wish to try acupuncture) and once it has been deemed suitable and safe we can often start your acupuncture treatment program at your first appointment.
