Acupuncture is a medical technique used to treat a wide variety of conditions. Acupuncture-like techniques have been used for over 5,000 years. Acupuncture has a very important role to play in health care today.

During the past few years, acupuncture has become increasingly popular. When Acupuncture is used correctly in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it can be a very effective method of treatment. It is equally important to acknowledge its limitations, especially when conventional medicine may be the more appropriate method of treatment.

• What is Acupuncture
• Uses for Acupuncture
• Chartered Physiotherapy and Acupuncture

You can make an appointment for Acupuncture at Total Physio by calling the following number during our open hours:

What is Acupuncture?

• Acupuncture is a treatment, which can relieve symptoms of some physical and psychological conditions and may encourage your body to heal and repair itself.
• Acupuncture stimulates the nerves in skin and muscle, and can produce a variety of effects. We know that it increases the body's release of natural painkillers - endorphin and serotonin - in the pain pathways of both the spinal cord and the brain. This alters the way pain signals are transmitted.
• Acupuncture does much more than reduce pain; it has a beneficial effect on the health of the body and the immune system. Patients often report an improved sense of wellbeing after treatment.
• Modern research shows that acupuncture can affect most of the body's systems - the nervous system, muscle tone, hormone outputs, circulation, antibody production and allergic responses, as well as the respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.
• Our physiotherapists, with special training in acupuncture, will assess you and treatment will be tailored to suit you. Typically, fine needles are inserted through the skin and left in position for a short period of time. The number of needles inserted will vary.
• A typical course of treatment lasts 5 to 8 sessions; certain conditions may require a longer term plan.

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Uses for Acupuncture

• Acupuncture may be an effective choice of treatment in the following cases:
  • Pain relief for a wide range of painful conditions. It is commonly used to treat musculoskeletal pain, for example - back, shoulder, neck and leg pain
  • It has been used successfully to treat headaches, migraines, trapped nerves, chronic muscle strains, sports injuries and various kinds of arthritic and rheumatic pain
  • Functional bowel or bladder problems such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome or even mild forms of incontinence
  • Menstrual and menopausal symptoms, e.g. period pains and hot flushes

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Chartered Physiotherapists and Acupuncture

• Acupuncture is very safe and a potent therapy when used correctly. There is a strong link between Chartered Physiotherapists and Acupuncture, with its own large Clinical Interests Group within the ISCP (Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists). Acupuncture is now part of the under-graduate Physiotherapy programme and also post-graduate course being awarded from Irish Universities in the fields of Acupuncture up to Masters degree level.

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