Acupuncture in Physiotherapy: How It Helps Reduce Pain and Improve Recovery

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years as a natural way to relieve pain and promote healing. Today, it’s widely integrated into modern physiotherapy practice as an evidence-based treatment for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.

As a physiotherapist, I often use acupuncture or dry needling alongside exercise therapy, manual treatment, and education to help patients manage pain, reduce muscle tension, and accelerate recovery.

​

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. These points can stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissues, helping to:

• Reduce pain

• Relax tight muscles

• Improve blood flow and tissue healing

• Trigger the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms

While acupuncture has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine, modern physiotherapists use an approach based on Western medical principles — targeting anatomical trigger points, nerve pathways, and physiological responses.

 

How Does Acupuncture Work?

There are several ways acupuncture is believed to benefit the body, including:

​

1. Pain Modulation

Acupuncture stimulates sensory nerves, which leads to the release of endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers) and other neurotransmitters that reduce the perception of pain.

​

2. Muscle Relaxation

Inserting needles into tight or overactive muscles can help them relax, restoring normal function and reducing stiffness — especially useful for conditions like neck tension or back spasms.

​

3. Improved Circulation and Healing

Acupuncture promotes local blood flow, helping to deliver oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues and assisting with the healing process.

​

4. Nervous System Regulation

It can help calm the nervous system, reducing stress, anxiety, and the “pain response” — particularly beneficial for people with chronic or persistent pain.

​

Conditions Physiotherapists Treat with Acupuncture

Physiotherapists commonly use acupuncture to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal problems, including:

• Low back and neck pain

• Shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries

• Knee osteoarthritis

• Tennis or golfer’s elbow

• Headaches and migraines

• Muscle tension and myofascial pain

• Post-surgical or chronic pain conditions

In many cases, acupuncture complements other physiotherapy techniques to enhance results.

​

What to Expect During a Session

Your physiotherapist will first complete a comprehensive assessment to determine if acupuncture is suitable for you.

During the treatment:

1. Fine, sterile needles are gently inserted into specific points.

2. You may feel a mild ache, warmth, or tingling — this is normal and indicates the body’s natural response.

3. The needles are left in place for 10–20 minutes while you relax.

Some patients feel immediate relief, while others notice gradual improvement over several sessions.

​

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Yes — acupuncture is very safe when performed by a qualified physiotherapist who has undertaken accredited training.
All needles are single-use, sterile, and disposable, and strict hygiene protocols are followed.

Mild side effects such as slight bruising or temporary soreness can occur, but serious complications are extremely rare.

​

Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling — What’s the Difference?

Both involve the use of fine needles, but their approaches differ slightly:

• Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles and focuses on stimulating specific “meridian” points to balance energy flow.

• Dry Needling is a modern, evidence-based technique that targets trigger points in muscles to relieve tightness and pain.

Many physiotherapists are trained in both, allowing them to combine techniques depending on your needs.

​

Combining Acupuncture with Physiotherapy

Acupuncture works best as part of a holistic treatment plan. Physiotherapists often combine it with:

• Exercise therapy to restore movement and strength

• Manual therapy to mobilise joints and tissues

• Posture and ergonomic advice

• Education and pain management strategies

This approach ensures both short-term relief and long-term recovery.

​

Final Thoughts

Acupuncture is a gentle, effective, and scientifically supported tool that can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and promote natural healing. When used within physiotherapy, it complements exercise and manual techniques to help patients recover faster and feel better.

If you’re curious about whether acupuncture could benefit your condition, talk to your physiotherapist. They can assess your needs and create a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.

​