Acupuncture - My Experience by Karen Pritchard

I have been having acupuncture for several months now by our Physiotherapist Jonny Smith. This is a treatment that is available to clients at the NMC.
  
At first I was sceptical as I've had this sort treatment before and I didn’t gain from it as much as I thought I would.  Diane Hollister a lady with whom I attend hydrotherapy with had spoken highly to me of her acupuncture sessions with Jonny so, I thought I would give it a go! 

I was on edge the first few sessions.  I found it helpful if I closed my eyes and just simply switch off to everything.  Some days are harder than others but, the end result outweighs this. I feel very sleepy after the treatment, calm and relaxed and my level of pain feels better. I'm able to move my limbs with much more ease. But I would advise not driving home straight away, or if you have to, simply take a break before getting in your vehicle. 

I find that I'm sleeping much better at night since receiving the treatment.  

Diane has acupuncture on her leg and back every fortnight and sometimes her shoulder and finds she has a lot less pain following these sessions along with her hydrotherapy. Diane gains lots of benefits including better nights sleep.  

On one occasion Diane was unable to move her arm in any direction and after one acupuncture session around the neck/shoulder area she gained instant movement along with being pain free.  
I highly recommend this treatment on a regular basis. 

If you are interested please contact Jonny Smith Physiotherapist, NeuroMuscular Centre  
Telephone:  01606 861799 Email: jonathan.smith@nmcentre.com 

Acupuncture by Jonathan Smith

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of therapy in which fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body for therapeutic or preventative reasons. It originated in China over 3,000 years ago and is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat a variety of issues from morning sickness to fertility problems. In the Western Medical Model of acupuncture – the type practiced at NMC – acupuncture is used primarily for the treatment of pain.

How does it work?
The Chinese believe acupuncture is effective for the modulating effect it can have on the body’s natural energy, or Qi (Chee); imbalances in the harmony of this energy lead to medical problems and the correction of these imbalances through acupuncture can restore a body to health. Scientific studies have shown that acupuncture works by stimulating the body’s own natural pain-relieving mechanisms, releasing pain relieving hormones into the blood stream and reducing muscle tension. The needles remain in situ for 20-30 minutes and are stimulated to produce an ‘achy, heavy’ sensation known as De Qi.

Is Acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is generally very safe, especially when performed by a trained physiotherapist. However, as acupuncture is technically an invasive intervention there is the risk of infection; when performed by a trained professional this risk is extremely low. Serious side effects are similarly extremely rare, however some people experience some transient symptoms of sleepiness, light headedness etc. during or after treatment.

Does acupuncture work in MD?
Yes! Acupuncture has been an available treatment at NMC through different professionals for a few years and has been effective in the treatment of a variety of issues related to pain. It is especially effective at reducing muscular pain related to chronic tension which is very commonly seen in MD and has the side effects of improving sleep and movement following treatment. Acupuncture can also be used alongside other therapies such as stretching and exercise to improve outcomes and is especially useful in the treatment of multiple sites of pain at the same time.

Jonathan Smith MRes MCSP, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Neuromuscular Centre T: 01606 861799 E: jonny.smith@nmcentre.com