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Acupuncture/IMS

Acupuncture is viewed by physiotherapists as a complimentary rather than an alternative treatment. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the view is that QI (energy) flows around the body in channels. If the QI is flowing freely, the body is in a healthy state. If there is injury, disease or trauma then energy is imbalanced. The stimulation of relevant acupuncture points is thought to free this stagnation.

Acupuncture is used by physiotherapists, against a background of sound western research and evidence, as a means of enhancing pain modulation via the stimulation of the brain and spinal cord to produce natural pain relieving chemicals, such as endorphins. These assist the body's healing process and offer pain relief as a precursor for other manual or exercise therapy.

Your physiotherapist will use sterile, single use disposable needles of varying widths and lengths. The needles are fine (a lot finer than an injection needle) and they are inserted quickly through the skin and into the tissues.  Some people report a pin-prick or scratch like sensation.

Once the needles are in place you may feel a mild ache, numbness, warm or heavy sensation at and around the needle. This should not be unpleasant. This is referred to as ‘De Qi’ pronounced 'day-chee' and is a sign that the body’s inbuilt pain relieving mechanisms are being stimulated. Once the needles are in place your physiotherapist may gently stimulate the needle until you experience ‘De Qi’. This may be repeated again throughout the treatment.

A treatment will involve the insertion of between 1-12 needles. Needles may be in place as little as a few seconds to 20-30 minutes. Needles may be inserted around the area of pain, away from this area (hands or feet) or on the opposite side of the body.

If you would like any further information on acupuncture, then feel free to contact us. You can also visit the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists website (www.aacp.org.uk)