Acupuncture is more than just an ancient practice—it’s a modern, evidence-informed therapy embraced by physiotherapists around the world, including here at Auckland Physiotherapy. Whether you're recovering from injury, managing pain, or seeking improved function, acupuncture can play a powerful role in your rehabilitation.

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. Traditionally rooted in Chinese medicine, modern Western acupuncture—as used by physiotherapists—is based on anatomy, physiology, and scientific understanding of the nervous system, muscle function, and pain modulation.

At Auckland Physiotherapy, acupuncture is often integrated into a broader treatment plan that may also include manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

From a Western scientific perspective, acupuncture stimulates the nervous system and activates the body's natural healing processes. Here's how:

1. Pain Modulation

• Endorphin release: Acupuncture stimulates the release of the body’s natural painkillers, such as endorphins and serotonin.
• Gate Control Theory: Needling can activate A-beta sensory fibres that "close the gate" to pain signals at the spinal cord level, reducing your perception of pain.

2. Neuromuscular Activation

• Acupuncture can relax overactive muscles or activate underused ones, restoring balance in movement patterns.
• It’s particularly helpful for trigger point release, often referred to as “dry needling.”

3. Improved Blood Flow and Healing

• Needle stimulation increases microcirculation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues, promoting healing.

4. Reduced Inflammation

• Studies have shown that acupuncture may help down-regulate pro-inflammatory cytokines, potentially helping with conditions like tendonitis and arthritis.

What Does the Evidence Say?

While research into acupuncture is ongoing, there is growing scientific support for its use in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Some key findings include:

• A 2018 Cochrane Review found that acupuncture can provide clinically significant relief for chronic low back pain.
• The British Medical Journal (BMJ) published a meta-analysis showing acupuncture is effective for chronic pain conditions including neck pain, osteoarthritis, and tension-type headaches.
• The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, UK) includes acupuncture in its guidelines for certain chronic pain conditions.

These findings support acupuncture as a complementary tool for reducing pain, improving function, and supporting recovery.

Why Do Physiotherapists Use Acupuncture?

Physiotherapists are experts in human movement and rehabilitation. Acupuncture fits seamlessly into physiotherapy care when applied with clinical reasoning. At Auckland Physiotherapy, we use acupuncture to:

• Alleviate acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain
• Treat trigger points and muscle spasms
• Support recovery from sports injuries
• Improve outcomes in rehabilitation from surgery or trauma
• Reduce headaches, neck tension, or jaw pain

Our physiotherapists are certified in acupuncture and dry needling and always tailor the technique to suit your individual presentation and treatment goals.

Is Acupuncture Right for You?

Acupuncture is generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects when performed by trained professionals. Most patients report a sense of relaxation during and after treatment, and for many, it significantly contributes to pain relief and recovery.

It may be especially helpful if you:

• Have pain that isn’t responding fully to manual therapy or exercise
• Suffer from chronic tension or muscle tightness
• Are dealing with nerve-related symptoms or joint inflammation
• Want a non-medication-based approach to managing pain

What to Expect During Your Appointment

If acupuncture is recommended as part of your treatment plan, your physiotherapist will:

1. Explain the goals and benefits specific to your condition
2. Gain your informed consent before any needling
3. Perform the technique in a calm, hygienic, and professional setting
4. Reassess your response regularly to ensure the treatment remains effective and appropriate

Let’s Personalise Your Path to Recovery

At Auckland Physiotherapy, we believe in holistic, patient-centered care. Acupuncture is just one of many tools we use to help you recover, move better, and feel your best.

📅 Interested in exploring acupuncture as part of your physiotherapy care?
We have two certified Physiotherapists that incorporate acupuncture as part of their Physiotherapy practice. To read more and book a spot with them, click the link below.

👉 Clodagh Quilter - Senior Physiotherapist

👉 Kirsten Rose - Masters Physiotherapist