Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of therapy which involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body for pain relief, reduction of swelling and muscle spasm. The needles stimulate underlying nerves which send messages to your spinal cord and midbrain to release chemicals in the muscle, spinal cord and brain. The release of these chemicals helps to change or decrease pain and relax the surrounding soft tissue.

How is acupuncture used in physiotherapy?

Depending on the intended effect, your physiotherapist may use eastern (traditional Chinese) acupuncture and/or western (dry needling) acupuncture. Pain relief may develop over a few hours or days, but it often has an accumulative effect, with noticeable effects after a series of treatments. Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with other physiotherapy techniques in the treatment of back and neck pain, headaches, sports injuries, muscle and joint problems, acute and chronic injuries.