Acupuncture in Nottingham
Acupuncture is increasingly used in Physiotherapy & Osteopathy to promote recovery and enhance treatment outcomes. However, be aware that two types of acupuncture are commonly used within clinical practice today: 'TCM and Dry Needling'.
TCM stands for Traditional Chinese Medicine. This type of Acupuncture is frequently used as a stand-alone technique.
Dry needling is sometimes called IMS, Trigger Point needling or even Anatomical Acupuncture.
Our therapists qualified as acupuncturists have the flexibility to do both. We will discuss with you which approach is most likely to work best. We only allow qualified staff recognised by the 'Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists' or equivalent scope of practice qualifications.
What are the Benefits of Acupuncture?
Acupuncture, a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine, offers a holistic approach to health and well-being. By stimulating specific points on the body, it promotes natural healing and enhances physical and mental harmony. Key benefits include significant pain relief, from chronic conditions such as arthritis to muscular discomfort. It's also highly effective in reducing stress and anxiety, aiding relaxation and improving sleep patterns. Furthermore, acupuncture supports overall wellbeing by boosting the immune system, enhancing circulation, and addressing digestive issues. This therapy adapts to individual needs, providing a tailored approach to various health concerns, making it an invaluable addition to holistic health practices.
What Conditions Does Acupuncture Treat
Acupuncture is commonly used to relieve pain in various body parts, including:
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Lower back: For chronic lower back pain and sciatica.
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Neck: To address neck pain and tension headaches.
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Shoulders: For frozen shoulder syndrome and other shoulder pains.
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Knees: Especially for osteoarthritis knee pain.
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Head: To treat migraines and tension headaches.
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Hands and wrists: For carpal tunnel syndrome and general hand or wrist pain.
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Elbows: Including tennis elbow and other forms of tendonitis.
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Feet: For plantar fasciitis and foot pain.
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Abdomen: To alleviate menstrual cramps and some digestive discomforts.
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Joints: Addressing pain in various joints, including those affected by arthritis.
These are some of the most common areas targeted by acupuncture for pain relief, contributing to its effectiveness in managing and treating chronic pain conditions across the body.
Acupuncture FAQs
Is Acupuncture Suitable for My Condition? There are few conditions which would fail to benefit from acupuncture. The deciding factor is frequently down to you. Acupuncture will only be used through agreement and where there is a clear indication that it will not compromise your treatment or recovery path.
Is It Uncomfortable? Clearly, we would not deny that using a needle is free from any appreciation of awareness of sharp sensation. However, we are experts. We can genuinely say, even for patients who are fearful of needles, it is an anticlimax. The needle gauge is so small the most you will feel is a ‘Tap’ sensation as the needle is delivered to its target location.
What if I am Phobic? At PhysioDirect you are in control. We will not force or use a treatment technique without first gaining your agreement. However, even phobic patients have received this treatment approach without disaster. Under the right conditions and patient therapist trust and where there is a clinical promise of benefit the fear of needles can often be overcome. But remember - you are in control and you have the last say.
Are There Side Effects? Acupuncture has been practised for over 2000 years without any significant problems. There are some minor issues but these are even less than you would expect when compared to giving blood which we all have to do from time to time. This includes minor bleeds and/or bruising. If you are Diabetic please let us know. Blood sugar levels can drop as well as blood pressure. Acupuncture can make you feel tired or even hungry. On the flip side we frequently receive patient reports of euphoria and a sense of happiness! It has been known for some time that endorphins and enkhaplines are produced during acupuncture treatment. The effects are: Endorphins act as analgesics, which means they diminish the perception of pain. They also act as sedatives. Enkephalins are small peptides that can serve as neurotransmitters in the brain. Enkephalins act to attenuate substance P release in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and inhibit afferent pain fibers. Opiates inhibit transmission at sympathetic and locus caeruleus synapses.
What our clients say
"As a builder for more than 60 years and suffered more than my fair share of back problems. When you are struggling to get out of bed and you have to rely on your wife to put your socks on you know you're in trouble! Tim was able to tell me what the problem was but also predicted how I would respond almost day-to-day through treatment. He didn’t pull any punches. He said it like it was. I will remember just how professional, kind and considerate his approach was. This helped me through one of the most painful experiences of my life. I couldn't have managed this on my own!"
Joseph
Get in Touch
For general enquiries, use the contact form, and a member of our team will get back to you. To book a session, please follow the link below.