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Medical Acupuncture

 

 

What is western medical acupuncture?

 

A system of medical treatment where fine needles are inserted into specific area of the body.

 

 

How does it work?

 

v     By releasing the bodys natural pain killers (opiods and morphine like chemicals) causing an analgesic effect.

v     By changing the way that our body is able to transmit pain signals to the brain.  This is particularly useful in chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis.

 

 

Which conditions are commonly treated with medical acupuncture?

• Osteoarthritis
• Neck pain, torticolis, whiplash associated disorders
• Low back pain, sciatica, disc pain
• Arthritic knee and foot pain
• Arthritic elbow and hand pain
• Sports related overuse injury
• Tension headache, jaw pain

 

 

How does it differ from Chinese acupuncture?

 

Medical acupuncture is based on medical science and current medical knowledge with orthodox diagnosis.  The placement of needles is related to sound anatomical knowledge primarily affecting nerve pathways and myofascial trigger points.

 

 

Do doctors recommend it?

 

Doctors, anaesthetists, orthopaedic consultants and physicians interested in pain management train with the British Medical Acupuncture Society.  The courses are run by consultants and GPs expert in this form of treatment.

 

 

 

Who will administer the treatment at the Carew Osteopathic Clinic?

 

Osteopaths who have trained with the British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS) and who specialise in musculoskeletal pain.

 

 

Can anyone have acupuncture?

 

Most patients are able to have acupuncture but some patients, for instance those taking anti-coagulant medicine, patients with damaged heart valves for those in the first three months of pregnancy, may not be suitable.

 

 

How many treatments would I need?

 

Although there is no absolute cure, acupuncture may be of benefit in pain management in around 80% of the population.  Treatment would be evaluated after 3 sessions to ensure that acupuncture is an appropriate and effective treatment for you. A typical course of treatment would be between 6 to 8 sessions although further sessions may be needed dependent on the condition being treated and individual responses.

 

 

Is acupuncture safe?

 

Yes, acupuncture is generally very safe and serious side effects are extremely rare.  As with most treatments, for example, pharmacy and surgery, reactions to treatment can vary.

 

 

Does acupuncture have side effects?

 

You should be aware that:

 

Drowsiness may occur after treatment in a small number of patients and if affected you are advised not to drive.

 

Minor bleeding or bruising may occur after acupuncture in 3% of patients.

 

Pain may occur during treatment in 1% of patients.

 

Existing symptoms may get worse after treatment in less than 3% of patients.  You should tell your practitioner but this is usually a good sign.

 

Fainting may occur in some patients particularly at the first session. 

 

 

Is there any risk of infection?

 

Osteopaths at the Carew Osteopathic Clinic are certified for sterile needle technique.  Needles are single use and disposable.  Sterile procedures are employed at the clinic all times.

 

 

 

Registered Osteopaths at the carew osteopathic clinic who are bmas accredited:

 

Anthony Carew, Lara Evans