MSK Rehabilitation, Patient Guide

Acupuncture, as part of your rehabilitation plan

Acupuncture is one of the tools in Elliot's musculoskeletal toolkit, used alongside hands-on treatment and strength work, not instead of it. Here's what it's typically used for, what a session involves, and how honest the evidence actually is.

What acupuncture is used for here

In a musculoskeletal setting, acupuncture is most often used to help take the edge off muscle tension and pain, particularly around the neck, back, and shoulders, so that manual therapy and exercise are more comfortable and more effective. It's offered as an adjunct within a physiotherapy session, never as a standalone treatment plan.

Honest evidence note: research on acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain is mixed, some studies show a modest, short-term benefit for pain relief, others show little difference beyond a good placebo response. It's offered here as one option among several, not as a guaranteed fix, and it's always used alongside the rehabilitation work that has the strongest evidence base.

What a session involves

Fine, sterile, single-use needles are inserted at specific points, usually near the area that's tight or painful, and left in place briefly, typically for a matter of minutes, sometimes with gentle manipulation. Most people feel very little: perhaps a brief pinprick, a dull ache, or a heavy sensation around the needle, then nothing. It's woven into a normal physiotherapy appointment rather than booked as its own separate session.

Is it right for you?

That depends on what's going on and how you respond to hands-on treatment generally. Acupuncture is discussed and offered where it's likely to help as part of a wider plan, not applied by default. If it isn't a good fit for your presentation, or you'd rather not have it, treatment carries on without it; manual therapy, exercise, and (where relevant) injection therapy don't depend on it.

What does it cost?

Included Acupuncture is offered as part of a physiotherapy assessment or follow-up session, at no extra charge, not as a separately priced service. See session pricing for the cost of the appointment itself.

Frequently asked questions

Is acupuncture painful?

Most people feel very little, sometimes a brief pinprick or dull ache as a needle is inserted, then nothing. The needles used are fine and single-use.

How many sessions will I need?

It varies by person and presentation. Acupuncture is used as part of your wider rehabilitation plan rather than on a fixed schedule, so how often it features is discussed and reviewed as your plan progresses.

Is acupuncture the same as dry needling?

They use similar fine needles and overlap significantly in modern MSK practice, both aiming to reduce muscle tension and pain. Acupuncture is offered here as one tool within a physiotherapy assessment and treatment plan, not as a separate discipline.

Do I need a GP referral for acupuncture?

No. You can self-refer for a physiotherapy assessment, and acupuncture is discussed as part of that if it's appropriate for what's going on.

Can I book acupuncture as a standalone session?

Not currently. Acupuncture is offered as part of a physiotherapy assessment or treatment session, included at no extra charge, rather than as a separately priced standalone service.

This guide is general information written by a physiotherapist, not a substitute for individual assessment. Acupuncture isn't suitable for everyone; this will be discussed as part of your assessment.