Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine, originating in China over 5000 years ago. It is based on the principle that energy – known as “Qi” – flows through the body in specific pathways called meridians. When our energy flows freely, we are healthy; but when blockages occur, it can lead to pain or illness. Acupuncture aims to stimulate specific points along these meridians to restore balance, relieve pain, and stimulate the body’s self-healing processes. For thousands of years, acupuncture has been trusted to treat a wide range of health issues, ranging from headaches to musculoskeletal pain, with an emphasis on holistic healing.

At Sheffield Physiotherapy, we can integrate this time-tested technique into a broader physiotherapy treatment plan, ensuring your recovery is approached comprehensively and effectively.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

From a traditional perspective, acupuncture works by removing blockages along the meridians of the body to allow for free energy flow, which promotes healing and balance. Modern science has shown that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, prompting the release of chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin. These natural substances help to reduce pain, enhance mood, and accelerate the body’s healing processes.
Acupuncture also increases blood flow to targeted areas, further aiding in recovery and reducing inflammation. Whether you are looking for pain management or additional support for healing from an injury, acupuncture therapy can be a valuable addition to your treatment plan.

Conditions That May Be Helped By Acupuncture

At Sheffield Physiotherapy, we specialise in using acupuncture to complement our physiotherapy treatments, providing relief for a wide range of conditions:

How Acupuncture Complements Physiotherapy

At Sheffield Physiotherapy, we believe that acupuncture is most effective when used as part of a larger treatment plan. By combining acupuncture with targeted physiotherapy, we can provide a holistic approach that addresses both the root causes of pain and any underlying physical dysfunction. This comprehensive approach allows for faster and more effective recovery.

For example, if you suffer from lower back pain, acupuncture can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, while our physiotherapists work to correct postural imbalances and strengthen core muscles to prevent further issues. Acupuncture also works well alongside other physiotherapy treatments such as manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and shockwave therapy to provide you with the best possible care.

What to Expect During Your Acupuncture Session

Your first acupuncture session at our Sheffield acupuncture clinic will involve a thorough assessment of your health and specific symptoms. Our goal is to understand your overall health, medical history, and any particular issues you are dealing with. Once we have all the necessary information, our skilled physiotherapists will create a tailored acupuncture treatment plan specifically designed to meet your needs.

During the treatment, ultra-thin, sterilised needles will be inserted into specific points on your body. These points are selected based on your symptoms and areas of discomfort. You will typically lie down in a comfortable position, and the needles are usually left in place for 15 to 30 minutes. Many patients find acupuncture sessions to be relaxing, and often experience a sense of calm or even a boost in energy following treatment.