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Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is used by Physiotherapists as a means of enhancing pain modulation via the stimulation of the brain and spinal cord to produce natural pain relieving chemicals, such as endorphins; melatonin to promote sleep, serotonin to promote well being, to name but a few. These assist the body's healing processes and offer pain relief as a precursor for other manual, electro or exercise therapies. When combined with knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, Physiotherapists are well placed to apply acupuncture effectively.

Acupuncture is one of the many skills used by Physiotherapists as an integrated approach to the management of pain, inflammation and as a means of enhancing the body's own healing chemicals in order to aid recovery and enhance rehabilitation.

The concept of Traditional Chinese Medicine [TCM] is an ancient system of written scripts as far back as 1000BC, founded on the holistic concept of treatment and an acknowledgement of the body's ability to return to its balanced state of health, given the correct stimulus to do so. The body has the ability to "self repair”. Acupuncture enhances the repair mechanism and enables an improved recovery time allowing other physiotherapy treatments such as manual therapy, ultrasound and rehabilitation to help achieve effective results. Are there any adverse effects or risks to the treatment? One of the most striking aspects of acupuncture is the almost complete absence of adverse effects and complications from its use. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.

Does it hurt?
People experience differing sensations with acupuncture. Most patients feel only minimal discomfort as the needles are inserted: some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there should be no significant discomfort.

Is there any special advice to follow before an acupuncture treatment?
Acupuncture treatment can be done at any time. Patients are advised not to eat unusually large meals before or after treatments. It is best to avoid alcohol or sedatives for four hours prior to treatment or stimulants (tea, coffee or alcohol) after treatment. Pain medications may be taken if required.