Physiotherapy - Acupuncture and Physiotherapy

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of a number of different types of treatment that your physiotherapist may offer. It is viewed by physiotherapists as a complementary, rather than as an alternative therapy.

Acupuncture has been used in China for over three thousand years. Traditional belief is that energy flows freely throughout the body via channels. However, when there is a problem the energy stagnates.

Stimulation by acupuncture at various points helps to restore the healthy flow of energy in the body.

Acupuncture combined with physiotherapy is now widely used for painful musculoskeletal conditions.

When should it not be used?

There are certain circumstances where acupuncture should not be used, for example if you have:

• A needle phobia
• A known metal allergy, specifically stainless steel
• A known infection in the area to be treated by the needles
• An unstable medical condition 

When should it be used with caution?

You should also inform your physiotherapist if you:

• Have haemophilia
• Are pregnant or trying to conceive
• Suffer from epilepsy
• Have a deficient/weakened immune system
• Have a heart pacemaker
• Are taking anticoagulant (blood thinning) medication
• Are diabetic

Your physiotherapist needs to know if you have any of these conditions because you may not be suitable for acupuncture, or it may affect the way in which this treatment should be given to you.

It is advisable to eat within two hours before acupuncture.

Do not attend if you are suffering with a severe cold or flu.

Does acupuncture work?

Yes, but it does not work for all. Success can depend on a number of factors, which include:

• Your general health
• The severity of the condition
• The duration of the condition

What does acupuncture involve?

Treatment will consist of the insertion of fine needles.

These are pre-sterilised and single use, ensuring strict hygiene practice. The needle insertion will feel like a mild pinprick and should only give temporary discomfort.

Once needles are in place you may feel a mild ache, numbness, or a warm or heavy sensation at or around the needle. This should not be unpleasant.

This is referred to as “De Qi” and it is a sign that the body’s inbuilt pain relieving mechanisms are being stimulated. Your physiotherapist may gently stimulate the needle until you experience the De Qi.

This may be repeated again throughout your treatment.

Most commonly a treatment will involve the insertion of between two to sixteen needles. Needles can be in place for as little as a few seconds or for one to two minutes. More commonly needles will be in place for up to forty minutes.

Where will the needles be placed?

Needles may be inserted:

• Around the painful area
• Away from the painful area (hands or feet)
• On the opposite side of the body

Is acupuncture safe?

Chartered physiotherapists are fully trained in the management of a wide range of conditions.

Physiotherapists using acupuncture are required to train to a minimum standard and are bound by professional codes of conduct through the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) and Health Professions Council (HPC).

Acupuncture is safer than many of the drug treatments used. However, any procedure that involves inserting needles into the body has potential problems, but these remain minimal.

Acupuncture has been known to produce some side effects in certain people.

Minor side effects

• Some needle discomfort
• Drowsiness and sleepiness following treatment
• Bruising at the needle site
• Temporary increase of pain
• Fainting
• Feeling faint

Serious side effects (these are very rare)

• Damage to an internal organ from the insertion of a needle
• Infection in the area where the needle was inserted
• Infection from hepatitis or HIV
• Infection which may infect previously damaged heart valves
• Premature onset of labour in pregnancy