Background
Acupuncture may be offered to you as part of your rehabilitation and pain management programme. Acupuncture is one of a number of different types of treatment that the physiotherapist can offer and there is good evidence for it's effectiveness. Often the physiotherapist will use acupuncture alongside other treatments.
What is Acupuncture?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture developed out of a concept using needles inserted into the body as a means of balancing the movement and levels of "Qi" (energy life force) within the body - an imbalance of Qi leads to disease, pain or disability.
Recent research is now supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture, particularly in the management of pain. Suggesting that it is effective in the treatment of low back pain, neck pain and knee osteoarthritis.
Does acupuncture work?
Yes, but it does not work for all. Success can depend on a number of factors, which include:
- general health
- the severity and duration of the condition
- how the condition has been managed in the past
No two people are the same and it is one of the strengths of acupuncture that we treat people individually to get better results.
When should it not be used?
There are certain circumstances where acupuncture should not be used:
- if you have a known metal allergy, specifically stainless steel
- if you have a needle phobia
- is you have a known infection in the area to be needled
When should it be used with caution?
You should inform your physiotherapist if you:
- have haemophilia
- are pregnant or trying to conceive
- suffer from epilepsy
- have a deficient/weakened immune system
- have a heart pace maker
- are taking anti-coagulation (blood thinning) medication
- are diabetic
These conditions do not exclude you from having acupuncture but they will influence it's application.
What does acupuncture treatment involve?
Your physiotherapist will use sterile, single-use needles. The needles are fine (a lot finer than an injection needle) and they are inserted quickly through the skin and into the tissues. Acupuncture needling should not be painful although some people do experience a pinprick 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" and is a sign that the body's inbuilt pain relieving mechanisms are being stimulated.
How many needles will be used?
Most commonly a treatment will involve the insertion of between 2-16 needles.
Needle stimulation
Once the needles are in place, your physiotherapist may gently stimulate the needle until you experience De Qi. This may be repeated throughout the treatment.
How long are the needles in for?
Needles can be in place for as little as a few seconds or 1-2 minutes. More commonly, needles will be in place for between 10-30 minutes.
Where will the needles be placed?
Needles will be inserted:
- around the painful area
- away from it (hands or feet)
- on the opposite side of the body
How many treatments are necessary?
Research has shown that for a long standing condition such as low back pain, a course of 6-10 treatments is required to achieve the best results. Your physiotherapist will discuss your individual management plan. Acupuncture treatments may vary depending on the condition being treated and how you respond to treatment.
Is it safe?
Members of the AACP are required to train to a minimum standard and are bound by professional codes of conduct through the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and Health Professions Council (HPC). Acupuncture is safer than many of the drug treatments used. However, any procedure that involves inserting needles into the body has some potential problems, but these remain minimal. Acupuncture has been known to produce some mild side effects in some people:
- some discomfort at the needle site
- drowsiness and sleepiness following treatment
- bruising at the needle site
- temporary pain increase
- fainting
- feeling faint
Serious side effects are very rare, but include:
- damage to internal organ from insertion of a needle
- infection in the area where the needle was inserted
- infection from hepatitis or HIV
- infection which may infect previously damaged heart valves
- premature onset of labour in pregnancy
