Acupuncture
Acupuncture is performed by a qualified physiotherapist, with further training through an APA (Australian Physiotherapy Association accredited course). Strict hygiene rules are followed and single use disposable needles are used. The needles used are very fine. You may feel a slight pin prick, which gives only temporary discomfort. The deep needling sensation may be an ache, warmth, heaviness or tingling and is known as the 'de qi' effect. This is part of the successful response to acupuncture.
About acupuncture
Acupuncture is practiced at Maitland Physiotherapy and Sports Injuries to compliment other forms of treatment. Acupuncture is not for every patient, and like all treatments is recommended for patients on a case by case basis.
Acupuncture involves inserting very fine needles at specific points of the body that are left in briefly. Sometimes they manual or electrical stimulation is used once the needles are in place. The number of needles varies but may be only two or three.
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 modifies the way pain signals are received. But acupuncture does much more than reduce pain, and has a beneficial effect on health. Patients often notice an improved sense of well-being after treatment.
The traditional Asian explanation of acupuncture is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. Known as meridians they act as pathways through the body to help nourish tissues. Obstruction in the movement of these energy pathways is what acupuncture treats. The meridians can be influenced by needling acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the blocks, to re-establish a regular flow through the meridians.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.
In physiotherapy, typical conditions acupuncture is used to treat include, but are not limited to:
- Pain relief associated with musculoskeletal pain such as back, shoulder, neck and leg pain,
- Trapped nerves,
- Chronic muscle strains,
- Sports injuries, and
- Various kinds of arthritic and rheumatic pain.
The practitioners
At Maitland Physiotherapy and Sports Injuries acupuncture is performed by physiotherapists who are trained and qualified in acupuncture. The practitioners keep abreast of acupuncture procedures through continual professional development.
The equipment
The needles used within the practice are disposable and subject to the highest hygiene standards.