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Date issued: March 2023

Review date: March 2025

Ref: B-472/Physiotherapy/HCQ/Acupuncture v2

PDF:  Acupuncture final March 2023 v2.pdf [pdf] 278KB

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into different parts of your body to stimulate or relax the body.

Chartered Physiotherapists use it to specifically reduce pain.

There are different types of acupuncture:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) traced back to 1000BC, based on Qi, or energy flow.

• Western Medical Acupuncture (WMA) based on the release of chemicals in the nervous system, some of which are pain relieving and healing (Endogenous opioids). It also involves relaxation of the muscles being targeted, by Myofascial Trigger Point Release.

National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines and research currently support the effectiveness of acupuncture for pain relief and so it is used nationally by therapists as part of a holistic treatment plan, often including manual therapy and exercise prescription.

All therapists practicing acupuncture have a BSc in Physiotherapy, plus additional Postgraduate Foundation in Western Medical Acupuncture (AACP).

What does it involve?

The therapist will select points that are either close to or away from the painful area (i.e.: hands, feet), and sometimes on the opposite side of the body (graded motor imagery).

The needles are sterile and disposable. You may feel a pinprick, ache, numbness, warmth or heavy sensation as the needles are inserted (De Qi) a sign that the body is responding positively to the acupuncture.

The needles may be stimulated (twisted, or up/down motion) at regular intervals and only if you can tolerate this.

Treatment can last up to 30 minutes. The number of needles used will vary, depending on your condition and symptoms.

When should acupuncture not be used?

Please tell your therapist if you suffer from any of the following conditions:

• You are pregnant

• Uncontrolled epilepsy

• Inflammatory arthritis

• Needle phobia

• Allergy to metal

• Pacemaker

• Unstable heart condition

• Currently have cancer

• Lymph node removal

• Are taking immunosuppressant drugs

• Have a blood disorder/infection

• Have had an acute stroke

• Your skin is broken/infected at the site to be treated

• Are taking anticoagulants

• Are taking systemic steroids

• Are unable to give consent to treatment

Caution taken if:

• You are prone to fainting

• You are feeling systemically unwell

• You are in the 2^nd or 3^rd trimester of pregnancy

• You have high or low Blood Pressure

• You have impaired skin sensation

Normal side effects:

• Mild fatigue on the evening after you treatment

• Have an occasional bruise at the site of treatment

• Feel faint immediately after treatment

• The positive effects of Acupuncture can build up over several treatments. It will work best when combined with the exercises you have been advised to do.

• The treatment for your condition may require more than one visit. Please ask your Physiotherapist if you have any questions.

Further information:

• Physiotherapy Reception, level 7, Derriford Hospital  Tel (01752) 432233

• https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/

• https://www.aacp.org.uk/

• https://www.csp.org.uk/