Acupuncture at St Judes Clinic in Leighton Buzzard, UK.

Acupuncture is a very old therapy technique that can be quite beneficial in the treatment of many different illnesses. At St Judes, our practitioners are trained in Western acupuncture, for pain relief only.

We may, therefore, suggest this treatment as all, or part, of your physiotherapy treatment.

In this procedure, needles are inserted at individually determined points of the body where they are left for a while. During this period you should attempt to relax. We use only high-quality, disposable sterile needles.

You may feel quite relaxed during, or after your treatment. You may experience other sensations, such as feeling hot or cold. Any sensations you have during or just following treatment should be reported to you physiotherapist, in order that they can adjust your "dose" accordingly, or take appropriate action. A full assessment will be given and it is important that you give the physiotherapist a full medical history to ensure that acupuncture is a suitable treatment for you.

Should you be concerned about side effects?

Acupuncture is a procedure with few side effects; however, as with any other effective therapy, side effects may occur under unfavourable conditions, although severe complications are highly unlikely. However we feel it is important to keep you fully informed. By carefully completing our questionnaire/consent form, you help us to further reduce the already low risk.

The following list covers the conceivable side effects, with comments on their evaluation: After acupuncture almost all patients experience relaxation, which is usually perceived as beneficial. Please bear in mind that the ability to drive a car may be impaired, you are advised to allow someone else to drive.

Some people react to needle pricks with impaired circulation. To minimise the risk all patients are treated whilst in the lying position.

Very small bruises can occur at puncture sites occasionally, because of damage to the cutaneous vessels. Further treatment, as a rule is not required. if you take blood-thinning medication, eg: warfarin, please indicate this on the information form. Care is taken to assess the state of your skin, to determine whether you will bruise easily, or not and the situation addressed accordingly.

In principle, any invasive procedure can produce a localised or spreading infection. We minimise this risk by using sterile disposable needles and by carrying out disinfecting procedures. For this reason, please indicate on our questionnaire if you take medication which impairs the immune system or suffer from diabetes, or other chronic disease.

After the treatment, if you suspect an infection at a puncture site, please come to see us immediately, or seek medical attention elsewhere. Small nerves may very occasionally be damaged, which can result in transient, mild paraesthesiae.

Although damage to internal organs can be almost completely ruled out with our cautious needle technique, it has been reported in medical literature. In such a case, we would naturally respond immediately with adequate measures.

Although we use only high quality tested acupuncture needles, in very rare cases they can break off. In such a case steps would have to be taken to remove the rest of the needle.

During the consultation with your physiotherapist, feel free to air any queries or concerns you may have.

Moira D'Arcy MCSP
Practice Principal

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