Acupuncture is one of the many skills used within physiotherapy in 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.

It has been used for thousands of years in China to treat a wide range of problems. The Chinese believe disease is due to the blocked flow of energy around the body. Acupuncture is believed to relieve these blockages and restore health.

Western science has shown that acupuncture causes the release of various chemicals that help relieve pain, relax muscles and promote general well being.

Conventional Acupuncture involves the use of single use, pre-sterilized, disposable needles that pierce the skin at the Acupuncture points. The Physiotherapist will determine the locations of the Acupuncture points, based upon the assessment of the cause of the imbalance. A number of needles may be used at each treatment and these are typically left in position for some 20-30 minutes before being removed.

Trigger point Acupuncture may also be used to facilitate relaxation in specific muscles. Here the needle is placed into the affected muscle until it is felt to relax under the needle and then removed. Trigger point needling is often much quicker and therefore does not require the 20-30 minute treatment time.

Acupuncture can be used as part of your physiotherapy treatment programme or as a stand alone treatment option.