What is Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a highly effective skill utilised within modern physiotherapy as part of an integrated approach to managing pain and inflammation. By stimulating the nervous system, acupuncture enhances the body’s own healing mechanisms to aid recovery and boost the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes. At Richmond Physiotherapy, our AACP-registered clinicians provide a logical and detailed application of medical acupuncture, ensuring it serves as a powerful precursor or companion to manual and exercise therapies. Based at Lawton Gate House, we provide a high-authority clinical environment for those seeking evidence-led pain relief.
Specialist Medical Acupuncture vs Generalist Care
Feature
Generic High-Street Care
Richmond Physiotherapy Specialist Care
Clinical Background
Often standalone therapy
Integrated with degree-level Physiotherapy
Assessment
Symptom-focused only
Full MSK and neurological examination
Practitioner Vetting
Variable
AACP-registered Chartered Physiotherapists
Technique Focus
Traditional meridian focus
Western Medical Acupuncture integrated with selected traditional meridian techniques
Goal
General relaxation
Specific recovery of function and tissue healing
Common Conditions Treated with Acupuncture
Acupuncture is often recommended when pain or inflammation prevents a patient from engaging fully in their physical rehabilitation. You may benefit from our specialised acupuncture in Richmond if you experience:
Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
Persistent aching in the back, neck, or large joints.
Inflammatory Conditions
Swelling and heat in tissues following injury or due to chronic overload.
Muscle Spasms and Tension
Highly sensitive “trigger points” that restrict normal movement.
Sleep Disturbances
Difficulty resting due to persistent physical discomfort or nervous system arousal.
Reduced Wellbeing
Feeling overwhelmed by long-term pain, requiring a boost in natural mood-regulating chemicals.
Limited Mobility
When pain is too acute for manual therapy or intensive exercise to begin.
Evidence-Led Pain Management
Our acupuncture service is strictly aligned with modern research and national clinical guidelines. We utilise acupuncture against a background of sound evidence as a means of enhancing pain modulation through the stimulation of the brain and spinal cord. This process generates pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins, melatonin to promote sleep, and serotonin to support wellbeing. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends acupuncture for various chronic pain conditions, and our clinicians follow these high-authority frameworks to ensure your treatment is safe, purposeful, and justified by your medical history.
Who We Help
We support a broad range of individuals across Richmond and South West London seeking a holistic yet medical approach to recovery:
- Chronic Pain Patients: Those seeking long-term relief from persistent spinal or joint discomfort.
- Post-Injury Athletes: Runners or sports enthusiasts managing acute inflammation and muscle guarding.
- Tension Headache Sufferers: Individuals seeking to reduce the frequency and intensity of cervicogenic headaches.
- Surgical Recovery Patients: Using acupuncture to manage post-operative pain and enhance the healing environment.
- Nervous Patients: Individuals seeking a gentle, therapist-led introduction to needle-based therapy in a safe clinical setting.
Our Acupuncture Specialists
Acupuncture services at our clinic are delivered by senior clinicians with decades of combined experience. Pippa Rollitt, Co-Director and Chartered Physiotherapist, is AACP-registered and has 34 years of clinical expertise. She is joined by Joy Tesan & Breanna Walker, a Chartered Physiotherapist with a background in Kinesiology and Pilates. Both clinicians integrate acupuncture seamlessly into broader physiotherapy programmes, ensuring that the stimulation of your body’s natural healing chemicals is precisely timed to support your overall rehabilitation goals.
Our Richmond Clinic
Richmond Physiotherapy is located at Lawton Gate House, 7 Hill St, Richmond, TW9 1SX. We serve as a central hub for medical acupuncture for residents in Twickenham, Kew, Sheen, and Teddington. Our clinic is situated just moments from Richmond Station, making it highly accessible for those travelling from Kingston, Barnes, or Isleworth. Whether you are looking for recovery support after a day in Richmond Park or seeking specialist care near St Margarets or Brentford, our Hill Street centre provides a professional and caring environment for your recovery.
Pricing & Insurance
We provide a transparent fee structure for all acupuncture treatments, which are typically integrated into a standard physiotherapy session. We are recognised by all major insurance providers, including Bupa, AXA, Vitality and Aviva. For these providers, we offer a seamless direct billing service. Please note that an initial assessment is required to ensure suitability and safety. You can contact our team at 020 8332 1132 to discuss your needs or book your appointment.
FAQs
What is the difference between traditional and medical acupuncture?
Traditional acupuncture focuses on “Qi” and meridians. Western Medical Acupuncture, used by our physiotherapists, focuses on stimulating the nervous system to release natural pain-relieving chemicals based on anatomical and physiological research.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most patients feel only a tiny pinprick as the needle is inserted. Once in place, you may feel a dull ache or a heavy sensation, which is a sign that the treatment is working on the nervous system.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes, when performed by a qualified AACP-registered physiotherapist. We use single-use, sterile, disposable needles and conduct a thorough medical screening to ensure the treatment is appropriate for you.
How many sessions will I need?
The effects of acupuncture are often cumulative. While some feel immediate relief, a course of 4 to 6 sessions is typically recommended to achieve significant and lasting changes in pain levels.
Can I have acupuncture if I am pregnant?
Acupuncture can be very effective for pregnancy-related back pain, but certain points must be avoided. It is essential to be treated by a specialist like our women’s health-trained clinicians.
Will I be sore after the treatment?
It is common to feel slightly tired or have a mild ache at the needle sites for a few hours. Most patients find this is quickly followed by a significant reduction in their original pain symptoms.
Glossary of Terms
- AACP: Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists.
- Endorphins: The body’s natural “feel-good” and pain-relieving chemicals.
- Pain Modulation: The process by which the body alters or inhibits the sensation of pain.
- Contraindication: A specific situation or condition that makes a particular treatment inadvisable.
