Acupuncture in Physiotherapy: Enhancing Your Well-being
Acupuncture is an important component of my treatment approach to pain and inflammation management. As an acupuncture physiotherapist certified by the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP), I use single-use, sterile needles - this helps to stimulate your body's natural healing chemicals, fostering recovery and rehabilitation.
Evidence-based approach
I follow evidence-based western medical acupuncture research, ensuring a cutting-edge and effective integrated approach to pain and inflammation management.
I offer various acupuncture techniques tailored to your needs:
How acupuncture works?
Acupuncture is a tool used within physiotherapy. It stimulates the body's healing chemicals, aiding recovery and rehabilitation. By inserting needles at specific points, we can activate natural pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins (which can relieve pain and improve your mood), melatonin (to promote better sleep), and serotonin which promotes wellbeing and healing.
What happens during the treatment?
The initial consultation includes a review of your medical history, physical assessment, and risk assessment. Only then I determine which acupuncture points will be the most beneficial for your condition. In the first treatment, only a few needles will be used. Additional needles may be used in the following sessions based on clinical reasoning and your response to the treatment.
Each treatment lasts approximately 20 - 30 minutes. However, treatment duration may vary, as the optimal duration is based on your individual complaint and response.
At the end of the treatment, the needles are removed and disposed of appropriately. Any further advice or feedback from the treatment will be discussed at the end of each session.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of sessions varies based on your condition. Musculoskeletal and acute pain conditions may require 4-6 treatments, while persistent pain or bladder and bowel conditions may need 8-10 sessions. Together will assess your progress and adjust the frequency accordingly.
Conditions Treated with Conventional Acupuncture
Acupuncture is beneficial for a range of conditions, including:
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Sciatica
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Arthritis
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Shoulder, knee, and hip pain
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Neck, back and tailbone pain
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Recovery from ankle sprains
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Plantar fasciitis
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Headaches, including Migraines
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Sinus problems affecting breathing
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Stress & Anxiety
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Pregnancy-related Pelvic Pain (PGP)
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Morning sickness during pregnancy
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Bladder and bowel problems
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Pelvic floor pain or dysfunction (Male & female)
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Painful periods & PMS
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Menopausal symptoms, hot flushes, and more
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Endometriosis related symptoms
Electro-Acupuncture for Chronic Pain
As evidenced by research, electro-acupuncture is particularly effective for chronic pain, addressing issues like prolonged knee pain, hip pain, back pain and more.
In electro-acupuncture, the inserted needles are coupled to the electrodes of an electro-acupuncture unit.
These units are designed to deliver low frequency electrical impulses that contribute to the mechanism of pain reduction, analgesia, relaxation, and sleep.
Once all needles are inserted and connected to the unit, no manual stimulation of the needles is carried out. You will be in charge of the intensity of the stimulation, and we will progress at your own pace to improve and lower your pain levels.
PTNS Electro-Acupuncture for Bladder, Pelvic Floor and Bowel Dysfunctions
Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) is a beneficial treatment for bladder and bowel conditions such as constipation, pelvic prolapse, pelvic pain and more.
The bladder and bowel functions are regulated by a group of nerves called the Sacral Nerve Plexus. The treatment involves inserting a thin acupuncture needle just above the ankle, to affect these nerves through gentle electrical impulses. This can result in improved bladder and/or rectal activity. For optimal results, the treatment requires 8-12 sessions, once or twice a week.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is a type of acupuncture synonymous with 'trigger point needling'. It focuses on myofascial pain and is termed ‘dry’ as it doesn't involve fluids or injections. The needle is inserted into specific muscular points for several seconds and up to 10-15 min and helps to release the tension in the painful area.
Acupuncture for Scar Tissue Healing and Recovery
Cesarean Section Acupuncture
The use of acupuncture needles to treat scar tissue marks a pioneering field in acupuncture therapy.
Acupuncture serves as an effective method for enhancing scar quality, alleviating scar tissue pain, and addressing adhesions that may have formed.
In cases of abnormal or prolonged healing, various types of scars like hypertrophic or keloid scars may emerge. While most scars tend to indent, keloid scars grow outward, often causing discomfort and restricting tissue mobility. Some scars ‘anchor’ themselves to other tissues, this is termed ‘adhesions’, and this can lead to pain, reduced tissue mobility and organ dysfunction at times.
Acupuncrure, by strategically placing needles near or within the scar, can notably improve its thickness, color, and texture, providing relief from itching and pain. Mechanical and chemical processes influenced by needling contribute significantly to scar tissue healing and recovery.
To learn more about the benefits of acupuncture in scar tissue management, feel free to reach out. Your journey towards healing and recovery awaits.
Safety First: Can Anyone Have Acupuncture?
Your safety is a priority. While acupuncture is generally safe, there are contraindications and precautions. A thorough screening process ensures you a safe and tailored treatment plan.
Acupuncture treatment does not come alone, as it is only part of my comprehensive approach. Each treatment starts with an assessment of your condition then a combination of several techniques will be applied.
A combination of acupuncture, advice for changing daily habits, exercises and/or manual therapy can give you an optimal and safe environment for recovery.
WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY
"I've been one of Deb's Pilates students for years, after being recommended to her by my osteopath. She is endlessly cheerful and seems to know what her student's bodies are capable of better than they do themselves, which enables her to tailor exercises to allow for any specific problem you may have.
Her physiotherapy skills are exceptional - my rotator cuff problem was improving well under her ministrations."
MO