Acupuncture
Acupuncture treatments are available at both of our Stoke-on-trent clinics in Talke & Stoke.
Acupuncture Explained
We are Acupunture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP) accredited, and our research proven acupuncture has been shown to be effective for migraines, headaches and back pain, just to name a few.
It isn’t painful, mostly you will feel a slight scratch as the needle goes into the skin and a deep dull ache when they are insitu. The needles stimulate the nervous system to cause local and global pain relieving effects.
Used by the Chinese for over 4000 years and is now accepted as a mainstream form of pain relief in the West, acupuncture’s popularity is backed by a strong evidence base to promote its effectiveness.
Acupuncture involves placing needles into the skin at various points and sometimes twisting them. The needles are very fine and should not hurt when they go into the skin. The needles are left in the skin for a short period of time to ensure maximum effect.
The deep sensation caused by the insertion of fine sterile needles into soft tissues helps the tissue to relax and reduces sensitivity and pain. Hawkes Physiotherapy is regulated by the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP).
Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the brain to produce natural pain relieving chemicals known as endorphins. These chemicals are stimulated when the needles trigger the nerve endings and help the body heal itself and give pain relief.
It is perfectly safe when practised by someone with appropriate training. The needles we use are disposable and pre-sterilised.
Chronic Pain
Acupuncture is especially effective for chronic, long term pain conditions such as Fibromyalgia.
Headaches & Migraines
There is good evidence to support acupuncture for the treatment of headaches and migraines.
Tendon Injuries
Acupuncture helps the rehabilitation process in tendons and may directly affect the tendon to promote recovery.
Spinal Pain
Neck and back pain can be helped with acupuncture according to multiple research papers.
At Stoke or Talke Clinic
Initial Assessment
- 45 Minutes
- £40.00
Follow Up Sessions
- 30 Minutes
- £40.00
People Often Ask...
Research has shown that most people gain relief from acupuncture. It does not work for everybody and every condition, but consistently good results are achieved. There is nothing spiritual about the treatment and you don’t need to believe in acupuncture for it to work for you. The effects of acupuncture are cumulative, with pain-relief building up as treatment progresses. Some people respond quickly, but others take a few more treatments to get desired effects.
Acupuncture is not used in the following circumstances:
- If you are on anti-coagulants (warfarin, heparin)
- If you are allergic to metals (stainless steel)
- If you have ever had an allergic response to a blood test
You may feel a slight scratch as the needle goes into the skin, but most patients don’t feel it. If your physiotherapist turns / twists the needles, you may feel an ache, tingling, tightening, warmth or a sting around the needles.
Acupuncture is a very safe form of treatment when used by qualified practitioners. However, like most forms of treatment there is a small risk of adverse effects.
Occasionally, the condition may become slightly worse at first. This is not a bad sign, as it usually means the condition will respond.
Other possible side-effects include infection or extreme sleepiness post treatment, fainting can occur in certain patients. Symptoms may worsen post treatment in up to 3% of all patients, including bleeding and/or bruising. Up to 1% of patients may experience pain post treatment.
