Acupuncture

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 with a growing body of scientific evidence and clinical research supporting it's effectiveness.

Acupuncture may be used alongside physiotherapy treatment modalities to treat a wide range of common health problems and to reduce pain. For example in September 2012, NICE recognised acupuncture's benefits for migraines and tension type headaches. It can also be used when other more conventional treatments have failed.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture 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 and may encourage a sense of wellbeing by stimulating the release of serotonin.

Acupuncture also stimulates nerve fibers to block out pain signals and helps to reduce the sensitivity of tender points in the body.

What happens when I see my physiotherapist for acupuncture?

You should have something to eat in the two 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 he/she will take your full medical history and ask you about your current health problems. You maybe asked to complete "Acupuncture Treatment Consent Form".

The number of needles used will vary according to your condition and symptoms, but typically will range from one to ten in your first session.

The needles are inserted through the skin either at the site where you feel pain, away from the pain or a combination of both. The needles are usually left in for as little as few seconds or for up to 30 minutes. During the treatment, your physiotherapist may stimulate the needles by rotating them.

The needles may also be stimulated using electrical impulses, this is called electro-acupuncture. The needles are then 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 one or two treatments and some, a course of 6-10 treatments, whereas others 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 to the treatment. 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 whereas some may see no benefit, some people may find their condition/symptoms flare up for up to 24 hours after the treatment but then see a marked improvement.

Although acupuncture can reduce pain, particularly when other more convectional treatments have failed, it does not work for everyone.

Can anyone have acupuncture?

• Have ever experienced a fit, seizure, faint, or if you have epilepsy;

• Have a pacemaker or any other electrical implant;

• Have a bleeding disorder e.g. haemophilia;

• are taking anti-coagulants or any other medication;

• have any heart valve problems;

• have any risk of active infections;

• are pregnant or trying to conceive;

• have a known metal allergy - specifically to stainless steel;

• have needle phobia;

• have a known infection or poor skin condition in the area to be treated;

• have a deficient or weakened immune system;

• have diabetes;

• have low blood pressure;

• have been prescribed any medicine;

• have cold/flu symptoms or feel generally unwell.

There are certain health conditions that may stop you receiving acupuncture or mean from the treatments should be used with caution. It is important to let your physiotherapist know if you:

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 temporary, sharp pricking sensation. During the treatment itself, you may have 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 light 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 the 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 Professionals Council (HCPC).

The needles used by your physiotherapist are individually packaged, sterile and disposed of after one use. They may also be supplied by 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.

Recent research projects showed the following:

– A 2012 UK study of a number of research projects on acupuncture for osteoarthritis in the knee concluded amongst others: “…most studies were of acupuncture (11 trials) or muscle-strengthening exercise (9 trials); both interventions were statistically significantly better than standard care, with acupuncture statistically significantly better than muscle-strengthening exercise…” and “…acupuncture can be considered as one of the more effective physical treatments for alleviating osteoarthritis knee pain in the short term.” For the full article please click here.

– An extensive UK project analysing the safety of acupuncture in 2006 concluded: “In conclusion, acupuncture is a very safe intervention in the hands of competent practitioners.” For the full article please click here.

– A study of Acupuncture for Patients with Chronic Neck pain from 2006 concluded: “Treatment with acupuncture added to routine care in patients with chronic neck pain was associated with improvements in neck pain and disability compared to treatment with routine care alone.” For the full article please download here.

For information on the safety of acupuncture, please click here.