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Used by the Chinese for over 3000 years
Acupuncture has become one of the many
skills used by physiotherapists as part of an
integrated approach to the treatment of
pain and inflammation.
I have been using acupuncture for many
years in my practice and have found it most
beneficial to patients.
So here is a brief guide.
How does it work?
Acupuncture can reduce pain by stimulating
the brain and spinal cord to produce
natural pain relieving chemicals such
as
endorphins,
melatonin(promotes
sleep),serotonin(promotes
wellbeing)
and cortisol. These chemicals assist in the
bodies healing process and offer pain relief.
Physios are increasingly using this ancient
treatment alongside other more traditional
forms of treatment like manual therapy and
exercise.
What to expect?
Very fine single use sterilised needles are
inserted into the skin. Initially the patient
will feel a quick pricking sensation, followed
by a deeper ache that some patients
describe as warm tooth ache. This ache is
called de Qi (pronounced Chee) and is an
essential sign that the needle is in exactly
the right place and stimulating the nervous
system as it should. Usually your therapist
will select 4 to 6 points for a first treatment
but these may not always be at/near the site
of the pain. Treatment time lasts anything
from 10 to 30 minutes and you can expect
3 to 4 treatments in succession to see if you
respond favourably.
Afterwards!
Most patients carry on as normal although
some do complain of tiredness. Some
patients have worse pain for a short while
afterwards but this is short lived.
Who can have Acupuncture?
Most people!
I will go through a thorough health check
and rule out any contraindications and
examine the skin condition to make sure
inserting needles is safe.
So why not give it a go. Most patients who
say they don’t like needles are pleasantly
surprised by how fine and gentle the
needles are and often they cannot see the
needles going in which helps.
For advice or to make an appointment call
Anna Simons on 01952 811525 or 07887 930642
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A is for Acupuncture
By Anna Simons MCSP - Chartered Physiotherapist