Conditions helped by acupuncture treatment.
Acute or chronic injuries
Arthritis or Rheumatism
Back and Neck Pain
Sports Injuries
Headaches
Muscle and Joint problems
Acupuncture is safe when practised by physiotherapists who are trained in its use to the strictest codes of hygiene. The needles used are single use, disposable and pre-sterilised.
In cases of some medical conditions, acupuncture is not recommended therefore a check list will be completed prior to commencing treatment.
Your Physiotherapist should be able to answer any further queries you may have.
References
AACP guidelines for safe practice
(1999 revised edition)
| Acupuncture is one of the oldest recorded forms of medicine, having been used for over 4000 years in China. The traditional view of how acupuncture works is that the QI (energy) flows around the body through channels (meridians). If the QI is flowing freely the body is in a healthy state. If there is a problem, the energy stagnates and can cause pain. The stimulation of appropriate acupuncture points frees this stagnation. Modern science has since shown that acupuncture stimulates the brain to produce natural pain relieving chemicals called endorphins. These assist the body to heal itself and give pain relief.
Benefits
Research has shown that most people gain relief from pain with acupuncture. It does not work for everybody and every condition, but frequently good results are achieved. The effects of acupuncture are cumulative, with relief building up as treatment progresses. Some people are particularly good responders, while others may see little benefit until they have had a few sessions; this is more likely with longstanding, chronic conditions. Occasionally the condition may become slightly worse at first, but this is not a bad sign as it usually means a good responce will follow. Acupuncture is not normally painful. The needles used are very fine and when inserted a small pin prick sensation may be felt. When the needles are turned once in situ, a deep aching sensation termed a "DeQi" may become apparent; it is thought to be caused by the movements of Qi through the meridian. It is advised that the patient eats in the 3 hours prior to the acupuncture and it is normally used in conjunction with other treatment techniques such as soft tissue release, joint mobilisation, exercise or electrotherapy. The number of needles varies dependent upon the site and distribution of your pain, all needles are inserted into the sof tissue and left for between 10-30 minutes. Following treatment you may feel relaxed and sleepy in which case avoid driving or operating machinery until fully recovered. It may also help to drink plenty of water. |
|||
