Acupuncture means, literally, to puncture the skin with needles. It is a complementary therapy that is increasingly used by Physiotherapists for the treatment of many different conditions. Primarily, physiotherapists use it for reducing pain, but it can also be used to relax tight muscles, improve function and give patients a sense of well-being. Most patients find acupuncture beneficial and Biodynamics Physiotherapy specialises in this form of treatment.
Acupuncture is done under completely sterile conditions and all needles are disposable. The needles are in single sealed packets and for single-use only. All infection prevention measures are taken to reduce any risk to the patient.
Often, patients do not feel the needles being inserted. However, once the needle is in there might be a dull ache or feeling of heaviness which is called the 'needle sensation' and this is quite normal. Most people find the sensation of acupuncture very tolerable.
The main thing that people experience after acupunture is a feeling of relaxation, but occasionally patients can be a little light-headed or feel increased pain for a day or so. There is usually no bleeding after treatment but some people get a small bruise where the needle was inserted. There are some medical conditions where it is not safe to perform acupuncture. If your physiotherapist thinks that acupuncture will not be safe for you, she will explain why.
This is because acupuncture works on the theory of meridians, which closely follow the course of the nerves in our bodies. The needles stimulate the nervous system in different ways to get the body to effectively heal itself or to relieve the pain. Because nerves reach all parts of our bodies it is possible to stimulate them far away from the site of your pain and still achieve the desired effect; and sometimes the physiotherapist might place them on the opposite side of the body from your pain, for the same reason.
There is a great deal of information on the AACP website which you can reach via the following link: http://www.aacp.uk.com
Acupuncture means, literally, to puncture the skin with needles. It is a complementary therapy that is increasingly used by Physiotherapists for the treatment of many different conditions. Primarily, physiotherapists use it for reducing pain, but it can also be used to relax tight muscles, improve function and give patients a sense of well-being. Most patients find acupuncture beneficial and Biodynamics Physiotherapy specialises in this form of treatment. 
