Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine which uses small, sterile needles to access points on meridians – energy channels, which flow around the body. The Chinese believe that the energy – Chi, helps the body to heal and that injury, pain & disease are as a result of blocked or excessive energy in the channels. Acupuncture is believed to work by releasing this “Chi” energy, thereby allowing the body to heal.
The more Western view of acupuncture is that it affects certain chemical levels in the brain which stimulate pain relief and the body’s natural healing processes. It also stimulates an increase in blood flow to the affected area which promotes healing. There have been many medical studies done on acupuncture which show it be effective, though it is still not completely understood how it works.
Our Senior Physiotherapist, Ann Bullen, has been using acupuncture in the treatment of musculoskeletal problems and sports injuries since 1996 and was initially trained in the NHS. She has since trained to the Advanced Level and uses acupuncture to help treat a wide variety of problems from acute tennis elbow to chronic back pain. Acupuncture has been shown to be highly effective in the management of osteoarthritis as it helps with pain relief and reduces inflammation. It is not painful, all you will feel is a slight prick and possibly an achy sensation.
Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of problems, if you are interested to know if it will help you, please call on 01282 868796.