Acupuncture Treatment In Hertfordshire

At Harpenden Physiotherapy we believe we offer the best individually tailored Acupuncture in Hertfordshire. We have 2 highly qualified physiotherapists who also practice acupuncture. We like to ensure that our patients are fully informed about all of our treatments. Here you can find out what Acupuncture is, how it works and what it can treat as well as common questions about our sessions.

What is Acupuncture?

Our expert team practice Western acupuncture clinic in Hertfordshire to treat a wide range of conditions. Deriving from the Traditional Chinese Medicine approach, the original practising of acupuncture developed thousands of years ago. It involves the insertion of sterile, single-use needles for different therapeutic effects and is often considered to be a type of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM).

Western acupuncture is underpinned by evidence-based literature. This fits with the overall scientific and evidence-based approach to western medicine.

 

How Does Western Acupuncture Work?

Research indicates that acupuncture aids in the release of the body’s own natural pain reliever, Endorphin, into the bloodstream. Relevant acupuncture points are stimulated in and around the area in which we are feeling pain. As a result, Endorphins inhibit the transmission of pain locally.

Scientific evidence has shown that acupuncture points are points of high electrical conductivity. By stimulating these points, electromagnetic signals to the brain are relayed at a faster rate. This encourages the production of natural painkillers such as endorphins and immune system cells.

Pain-gate theory
There is a suggestion that acupuncture can stimulate peripheral nerves to shut the gate and prevent pain signals travelling through to the spinal cord to the pain-appreciating areas of the brain.


Research has also shown that there is a reduction of pain linked to several types of opioids released into the central nervous system during treatment. As the therapy does not involve the use of traditional medicine, it should not produce any adverse reactions.

What does Acupuncture treat?

Our ACPM and BMAS Hertfordshire based, registered physiotherapists at practice acupuncture for a variety of conditions. These include musculoskeletal conditions, chronic and/or acute muscular, joint or ligamentous pain.

  • Acute back pain
  • Cervicogenic headaches
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Sciatica
  • Temperomandibular Joint Pain/jaw

 

Acupuncture for non-musculoskeletal conditions

In addition to treating these conditions, we offer acupuncture in Harpenden for non-musculoskeletal conditions such as:

Bell’s Palsy, Eczema/Dermatitis, IBS, Insomnia, Jet Lag, Menopausal symptoms, Migraines, Morning Sickness, Sinusitus, Sleep Apnoea, Snoring, Stress, Tinnitus and Trigeminal Neuralgi

 

Frequently asked questions

We’ve collected the most commonly asked questions about our treatment to help put you at ease.

How much is a session?

Our treatment sessions are 30 minutes long and cost £45.00 per session.

How many acupuncture sessions will I need?

The length of the course of treatment depends on what your condition is and the severity of it. Often younger patients, or those with less severe injuries, require 2 or 3 sessions. Patients with chronic injuries will take longer to heal, with our practitioner designing a course of treatment to achieve the best possible results.

How far apart should acupuncture treatments be?

The frequency of treatments is linked to the nature of the condition and how well the patient responds to treatment. Often treatments are scheduled in more frequently to start with. This can be once a week, with the spacing between appointments generally increasing as the condition improves. Our lead acupuncture specialist Jo will put together a treatment plan following your initial assessment.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

There are several common sensations experienced by Acupuncture patients. Sharp pain, however, is not one of them. Often a warm or tingling sensation can be experienced depending on the acupuncture point being targeted. The area could also feel slightly heavier.

Another common sensation experienced during treatment is a feeling of warmth surrounding the acupuncture point. Each of these reactions is normal and our friendly team are happy to answer any questions you may have to make you feel reassured.

 

Find out more or book an appointment


If you’d like to find out more about acupuncture and how we use it in Harpenden, contact us on 01582 761448 to book an appointment.

How are we ensuring that our practice is safe during the COVID-19 situation?

According to current COVID-19 information and advice, Harpenden Physiotherapy are taking the following measures to protect all those visiting the clinic:

  • Screening all patients at the point of booking in line with Government guidelines.
  • Screening all patients, staff and visitors upon arrival into the clinic.
  • Providing all visitors access to alcohol-based hand sanitizer upon entry and exit.
  • Increasing the frequency and thoroughness of cleaning around the building.
  • Reminding all visitors of the importance of personal hygiene and best practices, such as regular handwashing, which are displayed on posters throughout the clinics.

For more information on our health & safety practices please read our COVID-19 information guide.

 

Patient Testimonials

There can be a level of apprehension regarding undergoing acupuncture treatment. Our dedicated team are vastly experienced and ensure that our patients are comfortable and informed throughout the treatment. Have a read through the below examples in which our clients have found acupuncture to have excelled in helping them

After a pretty stressful time at work and home, I was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy by my GP and was told that reducing my stress levels and time was the best thing to allow for symptoms to settle. I was quite sceptical when Jo discussed acupuncture when I sought her advice. But after 6 sessions over 7 weeks, the palsy had completely settled and I was back to normal even my GP couldn’t quite believe how quickly it settled. I would recommend this treatment to anyone in a similar position. David

Tom used acupuncture to help with my sciatica. He used it to help settle down a muscle in my buttock which he felt was contributing to the pain I was feeling down my leg. I can’t lie, it was sore at the time, but the result was fantastic 2 months of pain vanished almost overnight. With some exercises, I’ve kept things under control. I feel acupuncture was pivotal for sending me down the right path and would absolutely try it again. Jenna

Treating ankle sprains

Acupuncture Treatment In Hertfordshire

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HARPENDEN PHYSIOTHERAPY ACQUIRED BY CARTER & GEORGE

We are very proud to announce that Harpenden Physiotherapy has been acquired by The Carter & George Practice, co-owned by England Rugby International, Jamie George.

The Carter & George Practice look forward to building on the excellent reputation of Harpenden Physiotherapy, and are committed to ensuring minimal disruption in your care.

To find out more about The Carter & George Practice, please click here.

To book an appointment in Harpenden, please call 01582 761448 or email help@carterandgeorge.co.uk

You can also book online at any of our practices by clicking here.