Acupuncture

Physiotherapists using acupuncture at Spire Fylde Coast Hospital have undertaken appropriate post-graduate training to practice and are members of The Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP), the professional body which regulates the use of acupuncture by physiotherapists in the UK.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of therapy in which fine needles are inserted into specific parts of the body, commonly used to relieve a variety of medical conditions.

Physiotherapists use acupuncture to produce pain relief from musculoskeletal conditions such as back/shoulder/neck pain, arthritis and soft tissue injuries.

Acupuncture is one of many skills used within physiotherapy as part of an integrated approach to the management of pain and inflammation, as a means of enhancing the body's own healing in order to aid recovery and enhance rehabilitation.

How does it work?

Natural pain relieving chemicals such as endorphins, melatonin and serotonin are produced when acupuncture needles stimulate different physiological mechanisms within the central nervous system and the tissues being needled.

These chemicals assist in healing and offer pain relief which is helpful when used in conjunction with other physiotherapy modalities such as exercise, rehabilitation and manual therapy.

Your therapist follows a strict code of conduct and hygiene guidelines, and will use sterile, disposable needles.

Does acupuncture work?

There is an increasing body of clinical and research evidence now for the efficacy of acupuncture, particularly when used alongside other physiotherapeutic interventions.

Acupuncture is now widely used by physiotherapists and is recommended in a number of clinical guidelines. Its effect builds over time, with a course of treatment usually consisting of 6-10 sessions.

All invasive treatments carry an element of risk and may produce side effects which are usually mild.