Our team uses Acupuncture and Dry Needling as an effective treatment technique. It's important that you are informed about what Acupuncture and Dry Needling is in order for us to gain your written consent. Please read the information below and complete the consent form (click the button below).
Acupuncture & Dry Needling Information &
Consent Form Please read the below information carefully.
Please ask your therapist if there is anything you do not understand.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of therapy in which fine, single-use, sterile disposable needles are inserted into specific points on the body. This assists with pain relief and tissue healing. Dry needling is a form of acupuncture, that typically targets trigger points or tight spots within a muscle.
Side effects?
Acupuncture is a safe treatment. Serious side effects are very rare – less than 1 per 10,000 treatments.
Possible side effects may include but are not limited to:
- Drowsiness occurs after treatment in a small number of patients. If affected you are advised not to drive.
- Minor bleeding or bruising
- Soreness or discomfort at the site may occur during or post treatment. This is particularly common with dry needling. You should notify your therapist if severe.
- Fainting can occur in some patients, particularly if you have never had acupuncture before
- Unusual and rare risks of acupuncture may include spontaneous miscarriage, nerve damage and organ puncture, including pneumothorax (collapsed lung). Please refer to the attached information sheet for more info.
Acupuncture/Dry Needling Patient Information Leaflet
Acupuncture is the insertion of needles into specific points around the body. The physiotherapist will select points that are close to the problem area and sometimes away from it ie hands, ears and feet. In some cases these may be on the opposite side of the body. The needles are sterile and disposable, used only on yourself in one treatment. You may feel a mild ache, numbness, warmth and heavy sensation as the needle is inserted. This is referred to as ’De Qi’. This is also a sign that the body is reacting to the acupuncture. The needles may be stimulated by a twisting motion at regular intervals throughout your treatment. Dry needling can be a more vigorous technique involving manipulating the needle until a jump or twitch is achieved in the muscle. This helps release “knots” in the muscles.
Acupuncture stimulates the nerves in skin, muscle and other tissues, and can produce a variety of effects. It is known to help increase the release of the body’s natural pain relieving chemicals or “endorphins” in the pathways of both the spinal cord and the brain. These help block pathways that relay pain messages from the body to the brain, resulting in relief of pain, general relaxation and biochemical restoration of the body’s own internal regulation systems. The resultant improved biochemical balance stimulates the body’s natural healing abilities, reduces inflammation, and promotes physical and emotional well-being.
Patients often notice an improved sense of wellbeing after treatment. Current research shows that acupuncture can have an effect on many of the body’s systems – the nervous, vascular and muscular systems as well as the respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems.
Treatment can be as little as a few minutes to 10-30 minutes. The number of needles may vary according to your condition and symptoms. At times it is possible an electroacupuncture unit may be used to further stimulate the acupuncture needles.
Before treatment
Have a meal or light snack prior to your appointment. It is possible that acupuncture can affect your blood sugar level.
During treatment
You will be positioned comfortably, usually in a lying position.
Sterile needles (single use) will be inserted. A sharp sting might be felt.
Sometimes the needles will be manipulated. For acupuncture techniques: the needles may be twisted or slightly raised or lowered. People experience the sensation differently, but typically it could be a feeling of heaviness, warmth, fullness, aching or numbness.
After treatment
Needles will be removed after treatment. If necessary, your therapist will discuss prolonged effects of needling you may benefit from and home care.
Continue to take all medications as prescribed by your doctor. It is advisable to rest post treatment, avoiding strenuous activity.
Relief may be noticed immediately with some people responding in hours, days or not at all. For condiions of recent onset, few treatments are normally required whilst longer standing conditions may require several session before an improvement is noted.
Beware, occasionally symptoms become worse before they improve. Note any side effects and inform your physiotherapist at your next appointment. An ice-pack can assist recovery (10-15 minutes).
NB: Pneumothorax (collapsed or punctured lung)
This is extremely unlikely with appropriate needle application occurring in less than 1 in 70,000.
If you experience increasing shortness of breath, chest pain or dry cough within 48 hours following any needle treatment over the shoulders or trunk region, please contact your physiotherapist directly and seek immediate medical attention.
Physiotherapy and acupuncture?
Acupuncture and dry needling are great complements to physiotherapy treatment.
We have undergone further training to develop these skills and are in a unique position of being able to combine acupuncture with other treatment methods such as exercise and manual therapy. Our physiotherapists regularly update their skills and maintain a high level of acupuncture safety and standards. Research supports the effectiveness of acupuncture for pain relief and it is therefore used by physiotherapists as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
