WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture has been used as part of traditional Chinese medicine for over 4000 years, and was based on the belief that the body can heal itself and return to a balanced state of health if it is given the correct stimuli. The traditional view is that in the healthy body QI (energy) flows through the body through special channels (meridians). In the unhealthy state there is a blockage of this flow which can be corrected by stimulating appropriate points along the affected meridian. The points are usually stimulated by the insertion of very fine, sterile needles, but laser, electro acupuncture, or acupressure may also sometimes used.

Modern research shows that acupuncture stimulates the brain via the nerves in skin and muscle, and thus stimulates the body's own healing and pain relieving chemicals which aid recovery by enhancing the body's ability to ‘self repair'. Because of sound research evidence Acupuncture is now widely used by physiotherapists, GPs and in hospital Pain Clinics to relieve pain and as an adjunct to conventional medicine.

SOME CONDITIONS HELPED BY ACUPUNCTURE INCLUDE

Acute and chronic injuries

Back and neck pain

Arthritis and joint pain

Sciatica

Sports injuries

IS IT SAFE

Chartered Physiotherapists using acupuncture are members of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (A.A.C.P.) and to remain on the membership register they must adhere to it's strictest codes of practice including, hygiene guidelines training courses and educational updates. Only sterile, single use disposable needles are used, and a full assessment of your condition will be made to determine that acupuncture is safe and appropriate to use during your treatment.

Check our practitioner profiles for details of physiotherapists using acupuncture at Grosvenor Physiotherapy.

For more detail about acupuncture and its uses in physiotherapy follow the AACP link below

Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (A.A.C.P.)