As a complement to Osteopathy I frequently use medical acupuncture. I imagine that what you are looking for is something that really works for your pain, or the discomfort of a friend or loved one, and you will find it reassuring to know that medical acupuncture has now been formally recognised by the medical establishment in the NICE guidelines, as a treatment for lower back pain. In my experience acupuncture has two main effects, controlling your pain and relaxing your muscles. This makes it an ideal addition to treatment if you are in chronic discomfort, or if you have an acute injury where manual therapy may not be inappropriate.
Different people respond in various ways to acupuncture, and it is not for everyone. However it may be that you are one of the patients for whom acupuncture is particularly effective, which would make it an important part of resolving your problem. Along with operating on specific muscles and joints, acupuncture is also thought to operate at a more general level. This works well with the Osteopathic approach which also boosts the bodily systems, improving your ability to adapt and heal.
The following conditions have been successfully treated at the Exeter Osteopathic Clinic using a combination of Osteopathy and Acupuncture
- Piriformis syndrome
- Plantar faciitis
- Diverticulitis
- Shoulder pain
- Lower back pain
- Headaches related to neck pain
Although patients have reported good results, it should be noted that this doesn’t mean that all of these have been scientifically proven to work. Lower back pain is well validated, but clinical trials have yet to be conducted which may or may not validate the reported successes of the other conditions listed.
At the Exeter Osteopathic Clinic our experience suggests that you can benefit greatly from a combination of Acupuncture and Osteopathy. Some patients respond exceptionally well and you may find that it is well worth a try.