Acupuncture in Physiotherapy

Acupuncture in Physiotherapy

If acupuncture is recommended, your physiotherapist will explain the process and gain your consent before beginning. Fine, single use, sterile needles are gently inserted into specific points on the body often around areas of pain or tension and are usually left in place for 10–35 minutes.

During the treatment you will be asked to remain still, not disturb the needles and ask for assistance if you have any concerns.

Following the treatment the needles will be gently removed and disposed of into a sharps box.

Intended benefits of treatment

• Reduction of pain
• Alleviation of muscle spasm and tension
• Facilitation of the healing process
• Induction of local and general relaxation
• Promotion of general well-being
• Improvement of sleep pattern

Possible adverse effects

The following are known (based on research evidence) as possible adverse effects associated with acupuncture. Your physiotherapist will discuss these with you and explain if you are at any enhanced risk.

• Bleeding and Bruising (3%)
• Mild aggravation of symptoms (3%, of which 70-85% show subsequent improvement)
• Mild Pain at the needle site (1%)
• Drowsiness (1%)
• Dizziness (0.6%)
• Pain not at needle site (0.5%)
• Nausea (0.3%)
• Feeling faint (0.3%)
• Stuck or bent needle (0.1%)
• Headache (0.1%)
• Allergy or infection (up to 0.2%)
• Pneumothorax (0.0002%/ less than 2 per 1 million)

Although acupuncture is an established procedure, there may be other adverse effects that have not been recorded. If you experience any of the above or notice anything unusual about your health following your treatment, then you should contact your physiotherapist or GP straight away.

Please ensure that you inform us if you have any of the following conditions:

• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Suffer from fainting fits
• Any heart problems
• Have a pacemaker or other electrical implant
• Have any problems with your circulation such as Deep Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary 

Embolism or a bleeding or clotting disorder

• If you are receiving anticoagulation therapy
• If you have or have you ever suffered from any form of cancer
• If you have any blood borne viruses such as HIV, AIDS, or Hepatitis
• If you have any allergies (specifically to metal or alcohol wipes)

Please also inform us if:

• You are pregnant or trying to conceive
• If you have a phobia to needles
• If you ever experienced any adverse effect to previous needling procedures such as acupuncture or injections
• If you haven’t eaten within 2 hours prior to your acupuncture treatment