Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of ancient Chinese medicine in which fine needles are inserted into the skin at specific points on the body in order to enhance the body’s production of its own healing chemicals and re balance energy levels.

It is used with other physiotherapy treatments to ease pain and improve movement in a variety of conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, limb pain, osteoarthritis, headaches/migraines, and neurological conditions.
Acupuncture that is given as part of the physiotherapy treatment is covered by most insurance companies. It uses very find sterile needles which are disposable.

In a conventional acupuncture treatment needles are carefully put in place and then left in for 20-30 minutes to achieve pain relief. Trigger point acupuncture is sometimes indicated. In this method the needles stay in for a much shorter period of time.
All the Bury Physio physiotherapists are registered with the governing body Association of Acupuncture Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP) This body ensures acupuncture is provided within the background of clinical and research evidence. For further information see www.aacp.org.uk

Currently, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends acupuncture as a treatment option only for lower back pain. Read the NICE 2009 guidelines on low back pain (PDF, 980kb).