Acupuncture

What happens at an acupuncture appointment

Acupuncture is part of a normal physiotherapy appointment. Your physiotherapist assesses the problem first, then explains whether acupuncture is likely to help and why. If you agree, a small number of fine needles are placed and usually left for a few minutes while you rest. Most people feel a dull ache or tingling at the needle, rather than sharp pain. The rest of the session covers the exercises and hands on treatment your problem needs.

What can acupuncture help with

We use it to relieve pain in musculoskeletal problems, including long standing pain that has not settled with other treatment. NICE guidance on chronic primary pain (NG193) says a course of acupuncture can be considered for some people with this kind of pain. It can also help ease the pain of certain types of arthritis, and help patients suffering with nerve root irritation that is not settling with other measures. Whether it suits you depends on your assessment, and we will tell you honestly if we do not think it will help your problem.

Is acupuncture safe

In trained hands it is very safe. We use sterile, single use needles. Some people have minor bruising or feel a little drowsy afterwards, so it is worth not rushing straight off to drive. Tell us before treatment if you are pregnant, take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, have a pacemaker, have epilepsy, or are nervous of needles, as acupuncture may need adapting or may not be right for you.

What does it cost

Acupuncture is charged at our normal physiotherapy rates. An initial consultation is £72 and a follow up session is £62. There is no extra charge for the needles.