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.

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.

Acupuncture in Nottingham

PhysioDirect offers acupuncture and dry needling in Nottingham at our Mapperley Park, Beeston and Colwick clinics. Treatment is given by HCPC-registered physiotherapists trained in acupuncture, including members of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP). We offer both traditional Chinese and medical acupuncture to help ease muscle and joint pain, and no GP referral is needed.

We use three approaches. Traditional Chinese acupuncture selects points using the principles of Chinese medicine. Medical acupuncture places fine needles at points chosen from your anatomy and assessment. Dry needling targets tight, tender areas within muscle, often called trigger points. Your physiotherapist will explain which approach suits you, and we only use needles with your agreement.

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What Can Acupuncture Help With?

In physiotherapy, acupuncture is used to help ease pain and muscle tension so you can move more comfortably and get more out of your exercise and rehabilitation. It works best as part of a wider treatment plan rather than on its own.

NICE guidance supports considering acupuncture as one option for some types of long-term (chronic primary) pain, and it is also recognised as an option for preventing chronic tension-type headaches and migraine. How much it helps varies from person to person, so we review your progress at each session and change the plan if it isn't working for you.

Conditions We Use Acupuncture and Dry Needling For

Our physiotherapists may use acupuncture or dry needling as part of your treatment for:

Long-term neck and upper back pain
Muscle tension and trigger points in the neck, shoulders and back
Shoulder pain
Tension-type headaches and migraine (as a preventive treatment)
Tennis elbow and other tendon pain
Muscle pain during sports injury rehabilitation

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Acupuncture for Back Pain and Sciatica

Back pain and sciatica are two of the most common reasons people ask us about acupuncture. The evidence is mixed: NICE does not recommend acupuncture on its own for low back pain or sciatica, and we agree that advice, exercise and hands-on physiotherapy should come first. For some patients, adding acupuncture or dry needling can ease muscle spasm and pain enough to make rehabilitation easier. Your physiotherapist will tell you honestly whether it's worth trying.

Our Clinics

Beeston

17 Villa Street

Beeston

Nottingham

NG9 2NY

England UK

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Colwick

1 Mile End Road

Colwick

Nottingham

NG4 2DW

England UK

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Mapperley Park

15 Mapperley Park Drive

Mapperley Park

Nottingham

NG3 5BX

England UK

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Get in Touch

If you have any questions, click the support agent icon in the bottom right corner, and we’ll be happy to help. To book an appointment, just click ‘Book Now’ and choose from our treatment and clinic options.

Mail

physiodirect@gmail.com

Phone

Tel: 0115 969 1528

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Acupuncture in Nottingham — Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the questions we're asked most often about acupuncture and dry needling at our Nottingham clinics, including whether it hurts, side effects and cost. If your question isn't covered, call us on 0115 969 1528 and one of our physiotherapists will be happy to help.

Is acupuncture suitable for my condition?

It depends on your condition, medical history and preferences. We assess you first and only suggest acupuncture if we think it's appropriate and likely to help, and only with your agreement. We take extra care, and may advise against it, if you're pregnant, take blood-thinning medication, have a bleeding disorder or diabetes, or have a pacemaker or other implanted device.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most people feel very little. The needles are much finer than those used for injections or blood tests, so you'll usually notice a brief prick or tap, then a dull ache, tingling or heaviness around the needle, which is normal. Dry needling can cause a brief muscle twitch and some soreness for a day or two. Tell us at any point if you're uncomfortable.

What if I'm scared of needles?

You're in control. We'll talk you through each step, show you the needles first and only go ahead with your agreement. Many nervous patients find it easier than they expected, but if you'd rather not have needles, there are other effective treatment options and we'll use those instead.

Are there any side effects?

Acupuncture is generally safe when given by a trained, registered practitioner using single-use sterile needles. Common, short-lived side effects include minor bleeding or bruising, mild soreness, tiredness or feeling light-headed. Serious problems are rare. Please tell us if you have diabetes, take blood thinners, are pregnant or have fainted during a needle procedure before.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is thought to work mainly by stimulating nerves in the skin and muscle. This can encourage the body to release its own natural pain-relieving chemicals and change how pain signals are processed by the nervous system, which can help reduce pain and muscle tension.

What's the difference between traditional Chinese and medical acupuncture?

Traditional Chinese acupuncture is based on the idea of energy, or "Qi", flowing through channels in the body called meridians, with points chosen to restore balance. These are traditional concepts rather than established anatomy. Medical acupuncture uses the same fine needles but chooses points based on anatomy, the nervous system and your assessment findings. At PhysioDirect, both are used for the same purpose: to help ease pain and muscle tension as part of your physiotherapy.

What's the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?

All three use the same fine, sterile needles. Traditional Chinese and medical acupuncture place needles at recognised points, chosen either from Chinese medicine principles or from anatomy and your assessment, often leaving them in for several minutes. Dry needling targets specific tight bands or trigger points within a muscle, usually for a shorter time, to help release tension. Your physiotherapist may use one approach or combine them.

How should I prepare for my acupuncture appointment?

Wear loose clothing that lets us reach the area being treated, eat a light meal beforehand and bring a list of any medication you take. We'll go through your medical history before any needles are used, check in with you throughout, and give you a few minutes to rest afterwards before you leave.

Clinically reviewed by Tim Rickard, Founder and Clinical Director, Grad Dip Phys MCSP MSc, AACP. HCPC registration: PH43315.