Clinical Therapies

Acupuncture is a therapeutic treatment that involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. These points are selected based on your symptoms, clinical assessment and treatment requirements. Modern practice often combines traditional principles with medical understanding of the musculoskeletal, nervous and immune systems — sometimes referred to as Western medical acupuncture.

Unlike ancient explanations about energy flow (Qi), in physiotherapy settings, acupuncture is used with a biological and clinical rationale.

Scientific evidence points to several ways acupuncture is effective:

Pain Modulation

Acupuncture stimulates sensory nerves under the skin and muscles, triggering the nervous system to release endorphins and other neurotransmitters that can reduce pain and promote a sense of wellbeing as a secondary effect of the chemicals produced via the stimulation.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Research shows acupuncture modulates immune-system signalling pathways and reduces pro-inflammatory chemicals, which can help with chronic inflammation and related pain.

Neurological Regulation

Needling specific points appears to influence nervous system circuits responsible for pain processing, motor activity and inflammation regulation.

These effects are thought to help explain why patients often report pain relief, reduced stiffness and improved function after treatment.

Outcomes can vary, and no treatment works for everyone, however, abundant clinical research supports acupuncture for a range of conditions, especially when combined with other physiotherapeutic care:

Musculoskeletal Pain

• Back and neck pain
• Shoulder and joint discomfort
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Osteoarthritis symptoms
• Chronic tension and muscle tightness

Headaches & Migraines

Acupuncture is often used to help reduce the frequency and severity of tension-type headaches and migraines.

Reduction of Stress, improved Sleep and Wellbeing

Some evidence suggests acupuncture may support relaxation, reduce stress and assist with sleep quality through the release of endorphins and serotonin.

An acupuncture session at Physiofusion is designed to be comfortable, safe and personalised:

• Your physiotherapist will assess your symptoms and medical history via talking through your condition and doing specific tests to gather further information / evidence.
• We’ll discuss what you hope to achieve from treatment.
• A small number of fine needles (typically between 5–12) are inserted into carefully chosen points.
• You’ll rest comfortably for between 10 & 30 minutes (dependent on various factors), often feeling relaxed or calm.

Some patients notice relief after a single session, while others benefit from a series of treatments alongside exercises / rehab and manual therapy to support longer-term improvement) e.g, muscle release techniques and joint mobilisation).

All of our physios who practice acupuncture have attended post-graduate training at university degree level to provide safe and highly experienced acupuncture treatment. We only use single-use, sterile needles. Minor side effects such as brief soreness, mild bruising or tingling are possible but usually transient.

At Physiofusion, our practitioners are qualified and experienced in integrating acupuncture with evidence-based physiotherapy, ensuring treatment is delivered safely and effectively.

While acupuncture itself can help reduce pain and improve function, it is most effective when used alongside other aspects of your personalised treatment plan. That might include:

• Movement retraining
• Strength and conditioning exercises
• Manual therapy
• Postural and lifestyle advice

This combined approach supports better outcomes long term and helps reduce the risk of recurring symptoms.

Available now at our Burnley and Padiham clinics.

Book your consultation online right here.