What is western medical acupuncture?

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

How does it work?

It works by :

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

2 changing the way that our body is able to transmit pain signals to the brain( resetting pain gates) This is particularly useful in chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis.

Which conditions are commonly treated with medical acupuncture?

1. osteo-arthritis
2. neck pain, torticolis, whiplash associated disorders.
3. low back pain, sciatica, disc pain
4. arthritic knee and foot pain
5. arthritic elbow and hand pain
6. sports related overuse injury
7. tension headache, jaw pain

Where is the treatment used?

Kings hospital and other dedicated pain management clinics across the country.

How does it differ from Chinese acupuncture?

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

Do doctors recommend it?

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

Who will administer the treatment?

Osteopathic physicians who have trained with the British Medical Acupuncture Association (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 or in the first three months of pregnancy, may not be suitable.

A full case history will be taken and you will have the opportunity to discuss your case individually with your physician.

Is acupuncture a cure

Although there are no absolute cures acupuncture may be of benefit in management to around 80% of the population.

Treatments results are re-evaluated after around 3 sessions with a typical course of sessions being 6-8.Further sessions may be needed dependant on the condition being treated and individual responses.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes acupuncture is generally very safe and serious side affects are extremly rare.As with most treatments, including pharmacy and surgery, patients may react differently to treatments.

Does Acupunture have side effects

Drugs often have side effects and with acupuncture you need to be aware that;

Drowseness occurs 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 treatments, you should tell your practitioner but this is usually a good sign. 

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

A full case history is taken and if there are particular risks please discuss these with your practitioner

Is there a risk of infection?

Physicians at the Carew Osteopathic Clinic are certificated for sterile needle technique. Needles are single use and disposible.Sterile procedures are employed at the clinic at all times.