A centuries old treatment for pain relief and relaxation

Physiotherapists use acupuncture to provide pain relief and is sometimes referred to as ‘dry needling’. It is a therapy adjunct, which means we won’t just leap straight in and pepper you with needles!

We are not acupuncturists; we are physiotherapists who use acupuncture. This means we will still need to conduct a physio assessment first to determine the best course of treatment. Other services we provide, such as the K-Laser or shockwave therapy, may be more successful and suitable for your condition.

If we determine that acupuncture would be a good treatment for you, we can start a treatment programme.

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What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine stainless steel needles into the skin. It has been used in China for over 2,000 years and increasingly in Western medicine since the 1970s. Acupuncture may be used to treat a wide range of common health problems and to reduce pain.

How does it work?

Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce endorphins and oxytocin, its own pain and stress-relieving chemicals. It promotes sleep by stimulating the release of melatonin in the body. It encourages a sense of well-being by stimulating the release of serotonin. Acupuncture also stimulates nerve fibres to block out pain signals and helps to reduce the sensitivity of tender points in the body.

Although acupuncture treatments are often cumulative, a number of people will experience beneficial effects from their first treatment; however, do not be deterred if you feel little to no effects immediately; people respond at varying rates due to many other bodily factors playing a part. It is also not unusual in the first 24 hours post-treatment for symptoms to increase before experiencing a marked improvement.

A very small number of the population may not respond to acupuncture treatment; however this is extremely rare.

Acupuncture is considered a very safe treatment option when carried out by fully qualified professionals. The treatment session will be carried out by a qualified AACP (Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists) registered physiotherapist. All AACP members have completed comprehensive training and are fully qualified/insured to treat in addition to their chartered physiotherapist status.

Treatment needles are sterile and single-use, disposed of by the clinician after each use in a suitable sharps disposal unit.

Acupuncture can be considered safe when practised by a member of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP) because of the strict hygiene guidelines that must be adhered to.

In addition to this, all AACP members are required to undertake continued professional training, which they must evidence annually in order to maintain their membership.

Are there any side effects?

Generally, side effects are non-existent or confined to slight bruising. Possible side effects may include:

fatigue
light-headedness
bruising
localised blood spotting
tenderness or redness where needles were inserted

If you feel tired after a treatment, it is recommended that you do not drive or operate machinery and rest where possible. It is also advisable to drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.

Usually, a patient will require a course of 4-6 sessions of acupuncture.

Matt Hardy

05/09/2023

An amazing experience, the customer service from initial phone call to book, right through to consultation and treatment was exceptional. The level of professionalism is outstanding with such attention to detail in understanding my issue and finding resolution through to the treatment itself. I would highly recommend Back to Fitness for anyone

Rupinder Ashworth

03/09/2023

I’ve been a client at Back to Fitness for many years. Charlotte has helped me through a lifetime of back and neck problems as a result of car and skiing mishaps. I thought I’d never trust anyone else with my body BUT I can 100% recommend both McKenzie and Freya. Both amazing physiotherapists with a lovely manner - they really know what they are doing. Back to Fitness really is the best all round physio and sports health practice and now they have 3 top notch physios. 100% recommend. Rupinder

Kauser Shah

31/08/2023

Thoroughly recommend. Lovely, friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Nicola Casson

12/07/2023

I would like to say thank you on behalf of my dad, Martyn Widdop. He's finally had a diagnosis which without you would have taken a lot longer with more distress. Thank you Nicky

Adam Nowell

10/07/2023

I had been having problems with my knee, causing me pain at any given time, after sitting down, walking the dogs, moving / lift boxes, etc. It would talk to me and tell me to rest! Decided i needed to get it checked out. found back to fitness on a local chit chat site, read their reviews and booked an appointment and so glad i did. Freya was fantastic, talked about the knee, checked my posture, strength, then had a physical examination, prodding, pushing, pulling, etc. Told me that it was a patellofemoral issue (kneecap area) and what we were going to do, both now and in the future. I had a laser treatment, followed by strapping the knee to support and a deep tissue thigh massage. After thanking Freya and leaving the appointment, I almost immediately received the exercise plan that we had discussed on e-mail. this was accompanied by a link to a video on how i can strap the knee myself (if necessary) Over the weekend my knee has not spoken to me and told me to rest, which was great. The strapping around the knee has worked wonders. In fact, i have felt the massage much more than the knee pain ha ha Everything from booking an appointment, through to now was absolutely painless (apart from the massage!) and I would highly recommend Back To Fitness Physio to anyone who has any pain / physio issues, 100%.

Albert Morton

13/06/2023

It couldn’t have been better, had a thorough check over, Freya found the cause, proper job!

valerie nicholson

03/04/2023

Charlotte is extremely knowledgeable and understood what I was trying to explain. She gave me information I had never received before on how to improve my shoulder/back pain. I only wish I had gone to her years ago. Loaded with information, techniques and exercises I feel sure I can improve my posture and pain problems.