Acupuncture is a technique in which very fine needles are inserted into regions of the body to stimulate your own natural processes of healing and pain relief. Trigger Point needling is a different form of acupuncture. It involves inserting the needle into a tight muscle to stimulate it to relax.

Acupuncture is just one of many techniques available to help recover from injuries. It can be used in combination with traditional physiotherapy or alone. Though it is often used to boost a treatment when progress is not satisfactory, it can also be used as the initial form of treatment.

Acupuncture is safe for virtually anyone to try. There is a variety of responses to treatment. Some people show immediate improvement whereas others take longer. If you have previously had a good response you will often respond well again.

The physiotherapist will position you in a comfortable position then insert a number of needles into your skin. These may be near your injury or quite some distance away depending on the effect they want. There are typically 3 to 7 needles used in a session. The needles will then remain there for 10 – 30 minutes. During this time the physiotherapist may stimulate them by twisting them lightly. They will then be removed then disposed of.

Safety At Bay Physiotherapy Centre we have Physiotherapists who are qualified as Registered Physiotherapy Acupuncturists. To become registered they have to complete a course recognised by the Acupuncture Group of the New Zealand Society of Physiotherapists and maintain their knowledge through regular educational updates. Only sterilised disposable needles are used.