How does it work?

Research shows 70% of trigger "ouch" points on the body relate to defined Traditional Chinese Acupuncture points.

Stimulation of these points with needles can relieve pain.  These points have lower electrical resistance than surrounding skin.  The introduction of a needle affects the larger diameter nerve fibres which will inhibit the pain perception from small nerve fibres.

Also acupuncture causes a release of the bodies' natural endorphins and enkaphalins which act as painkillers.

 

Treatment

Fine, sterile metal needles are inserted into the soft tissue, usually not a painful procedure.  The needles can be left in situe from a few minutes to 30 dependant upon your condition.  Sometimes you may experience a worsening of your condition but this is indicative of an effective response.

A course of up to 6-8 sessions may be required.  As everyone is an individual so is their response to Acupuncture and treatment, frequency and number varies accordingly.

NICE guidlines support the use of Acupuncture in the treatment of back pain in combination with exercise and manual therapy (ref Z009p31 www.nice.org.uk)  for which Arfon Physiotherapy Clinic is renowned.

 

Contra-Indications

There are very few contra-indications to Acupuncture which, when the practitioner takes your medical history, may be found i.e. metal allergies.

Currently Acupuncture at Arfon Physiotherapy Clinic is predominantly for musculo-skeletal problems but we hope to expand the treatment range in the future.