Acupuncture
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a treatment technique that involves injecting needles into specific points in the body that correspond with energy channels called meridians. It has been practised in China for many thousands of years but has become more popular in western culture within the last few decades. The aim of acupuncture is to use the needles in such a way as to aid the body in healing itself by stimulating nerves, relaxing muscles and encouraging blood flow to the areas it is needed. Generally used as part of an integrated treatment program, acupuncture enhances the body’s repair mechanism and enables improved healing time.
What Should I Expect?
Acupuncture involves injecting thin needles through the skin into specific acupuncture points that have been identified by the physiotherapist. You normally feel a warm achey sensation, the needle is then left in situ for 10-20 mins. Several needles are usually inserted during one session of acupuncture.
Will It Hurt?
The thought of any treatment that involves needles is normally always worse than the treatment itself. You will feel a warm achey sensation as the needle is initially inserted into the skin but once it is in, usually that ache dissipates and you don’t feel much more whilst the needles remain in place. Afterwards you may feel a mild ache as the treatment takes effect.
What Does Acupuncture Treat?
There is sound evidence that acupuncture is effective at reducing pain by stimulating nerves and enhancing the release of pain-relieving chemicals in the brain. It is therefore used in the treatment of any problem that is causing a lot of pain. This includes acute problems such as back spasms, neck sprains, and pinched nerves, as well as chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and whiplash.
How Many Sessions Will I Need And How Much Will It Cost?
Acupuncture is performed within a normal physiotherapy appointment so there is no additional cost. The number of sessions depends on the problem being treated but the aim of acupuncture is to settle the pain and enhance healing so that you can carry out your home exercises safely and effectively.
What Our Clients Say…
“I heard about Niall through family who all had great results with him. I travelled from Aberdeen to try him out and was so impressed with the results for multiple back problems, that all of my private medical health services have been unable to resolve, that I continued to visit from Aberdeen. He used the Guns IMS needle technique along with physical manipulation and an exercise program and achieved better results than all of the physios and chiropractors I tried in Aberdeen. He is also a very personable guy which helps when you are stuck in a small room with him for 30 mins at a time :)”
“I’ve had lower back trouble since I was 15, I’ve tried basic physio and massage for years (I’m now 37) but it was only ever short term relief from the pain and stiffness. After one 30 minute IMS session with Niall my back instantly felt more supple and loose and the stiffness had gone. I’m writing this 4 hours after and I can’t believe how well it’s worked. I’ve booked in for another session next week. I can’t believe what a difference one session has made after all these years of trying other therapies. Thanks for your amazing work!”
“Simply the best. I've tried many forms of massage therapy over the last 15 years, for stiff shoulders and neck (the usual computer-use-related things). Niall's physio work, plus the magic of Gunn IMS, has been a revelation. More effective and longer-lasting than anything else I've tried.”
More dry needling and acupuncture reviews here.