Physiotherapy TAILORED SERVICES FROM CHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPISTS Acupuncture Physiotherapy Service Serious about health. Passionate about care.
All BMI physiotherapists are members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). We work closely alongside your consultant and other healthcare professionals to provide you with the best possible care. Our physiotherapy departments are open to everyone, not just those having surgery in our hospitals. Did you know you can self refer to the department? (Some insurance companies may not allow this, if you are insured, please check your policy.) Our independent patient satisfaction survey shows that 99.4% of patients stated they were likely or extremely likely to recommend recommending our service to family or friends. * *Based on a sample of over 15000 patient s completing a questionnaire during the period January to December 2016.
What is acupuncture? Acupuncture is one of the oldest recorded forms of medicine having been used in China for over 3,000 years. Traditional Chinese belief is that energy flows freely throughout the body, via channels. When there is a problem the energy stagnates. Stimulation by acupuncture, at various points, helps to restore the healthy flow of energy in the body. Modern science has shown that acupuncture stimulates the brain to produce natural pain relieving chemicals (endorphins). These assist the body to heal itself and give pain relief. What will it involve? Treatment will consist of the insertion of fine needles. These are sterile and disposable, ensuring strict hygiene practice. The needle insertion may feel like a mild pinprick and should only give temporary discomfort. The number of needles used will vary and may be left in place for up to 20 minutes or more. It can sometimes take several treatments to produce a noticeable benefit. Acupuncture needles are often inserted into trigger points (tight sensitive areas in the muscles) to relieve pain and restore movement. What are the benefits? Chartered physiotherapists use acupuncture to relieve pain and other symptoms and are in a unique position of being able to combine acupuncture with other treatment methods such as exercises, manipulation and stretching. This combined approach is more likely to lead to successful rehabilitation. What are the risks? There are only a few instances where acupuncture treatment requires caution or should not be used.
Please let your physiotherapist know: 1. If you are diagnosed with n Epilepsy n Diabetes n Heart condition 2. If you have a pacemaker or may be pregnant 3. If you are currently taking n Anticoagulants n Steroids 4. If you are frightened of needles Your physiotherapist will complete a checklist with you prior to commencing treatment. How will I feel? Initial treatments carry a small risk of temporarily increasing your symptoms. n You may also feel a bit tired on the evening of your treatment. Some people do feel extremely fatigued. n Very occasionally a bruise may occur at the needle site, this is nothing to worry about. n Rarely, you may feel faint for a few minutes. Please make sure you have eaten something in the two hours before your appointment and ensure you eat normal regular meals to reduce the risk of feeling faint. n It is advisable not to attend for treatment with acupuncture if you have a severe cold or flu. n If you are having acupuncture as an inpatient, please ask your visitors to use the alcohol hand gels provided when they enter your room and again when they leave. This protects you and them.
Frequently asked questions Will it hurt? You will usually feel no more than a mild discomfort on insertion of a needle, as they are very thin. Can I drive home after treatment? Yes, you may like to sit for 15 minutes before you go. Some people prefer to arrange a lift home after their first treatment. Do I continue to take my tablets? Yes - unless otherwise advised by your doctor. How do I know it s working? Be patient. Acupuncture is not a quick fix and the effects can build up over several treatments. How long do the benefits last for? This varies enormously. Your physiotherapist can advise you. Why have acupuncture with a physiotherapist? Physiotherapists work as part of the multidisciplinary team including GPs and consultants and are bound by their professional Codes of Conduct and Practice. Physiotherapists are able to use acupuncture alongside other treatments to offer you a range of options to manage your condition successfully. For more information Contact Physiotherapy Team Call 0808 404 6660
Your local BMI Healthcare hospital www.bmihealthcare.co.uk SPG826 / 6553 0800 MKT LFT / CL03.2017