Acupuncture

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Western medical acupuncture is offered to help manage a wide variety of pain conditions such as headaches & migraines, lower back pain, arthritis and numerous persistent pain problems such as fibromyalgia. 

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have recognised the benefits of acupuncture for certain pain conditions and the scientific evidence base supporting acupuncture is growing.

At Acuphysio, acupuncture may be used in combination with physiotherapy to help your condition.

Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce endorphins and oxytocin, it's own natural pain and stress relieving chemicals. It can promote better sleep through the release of melatonin and a sense of wellbeing by stimulating the release of serotonin.  

To explain this further, Kate has written this article:

https://healthhubble.com/article/what-is-acupuncture-and-how-can-it-help-me.html

Your physiotherapist will conduct a thorough medical history to ensure acupuncture is suitable. Very fine, sterile, stainless steel needles are inserted into the skin at certain points. The number of needles will vary according to your condition and symptoms but typically range from 4 to 10 in your first session. Some points may be at the site of pain, away from the pain or a combination of both. 

The needles are left in for up to 20 minutes and sometimes your physio will stimulate the needles by gently rotating them.

Acupuncture should not be at all uncomfortable and in fact should be a pleasant and relaxing experience.

Everyone responds differently! Some people feel an immediate benefit, others may see an improvement over the course of a few sessions, for others it may not work. It is generally clear after 3 sessions if acupuncture has helped. After a course of treatment, some people find an occasional "top up" session helps keep their pain under control. 

All of this will be discussed and all your questions or concerns answered.

• "Absolutely amazing - acupuncture has really helped me with my injuries"
• "Kate is wonderful! Very professional, knowledgeable and approachable. I've seen a marked improvement in my sleep and anxiety since seeing her for acupuncture"
• "Thank you for your amazing treatment on my very painful, 'bone on bone' arthritic knees. I wasn't sure what to expect but after 2 treatments of acupuncture and guidance on easy exercises I am painfree and able to walk a short distance without my sticks"