Acupuncture - How Do Physiotherapists Use It?

I have had so many people ask me, physiotherapy and acupuncture how does that work? I have been using acupuncture within my physiotherapy treatment for various issues presented by the client ranging from pain, loss of range of motion and muscle tightness.

Acupuncture is a part of Chinese medicine, which incorporates the use of needles. In traditional acupuncture, needles are used to balance the Chi (energy) through the meridians, by opening or closing the channels which in turn helps increase or decrease Chi. In traditional Chinese medicine every problem and issue in the body happens due to decreased or increased Chi. Acupuncture in traditional medicine is used to treat pain, strains and sprains, systemic diseases, stress and more.

Physiotherapists can use acupuncture to help our clients with a lot of issues ranging from pain, anxiety, muscles tightness and muscle imbalance. Then the question would be how?

Pain is one of the most treated symptoms by physiotherapists. Acupuncture can be used to control pain in a very effective way. Acupuncture is used to calm the nervous system, decreasing pain, muscle tightness and anxiety; helping to improve the outcome of the treatment on the whole. Acupuncture can also be used in a non-traditional way to help physiotherapists achieve the needed outcome in the treatment sessions by decreasing pain and helping improve muscle balance.

Acupuncture is not a very painful procedure compared to other needling techniques. It can be very effective as an adjunct to all physiotherapy treatment if used properly.  

By Anant Chilimbi
Registered Physiotherapist
Certified Acupuncturist