Acupuncture, a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is the insertion of fine needles into points on the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine is a discipline in itself (Please note we do not provide TCM). Acupuncture is also used in modern day physiotherapy and osteopathy. Terms that are used include Western Medical Acupuncture or Dry Needling.
Western Medical Musculoskeletal Acupuncture is mainly used to treat pain. There are two main effects that are at play when you have this type of acupuncture – local and central effects.
Western Medical Acupuncture, also known as dry needling, is an evidence-based adaptation of traditional acupuncture used by our HCPC registered physiotherapists and GOsC registered osteopaths. Rather than following traditional Chinese meridian theory, Western Medical Acupuncture uses current knowledge of anatomy, neurophysiology, and pain science to guide needle placement.
Fine needles are inserted into specific points in muscles and soft tissues to produce local and central nervous system effects. Locally, needling stimulates blood flow and promotes tissue healing. Centrally, it triggers the release of endorphins and modulates pain pathways in the brain and spinal cord. It is used at our Wandsworth Town, Clapham Junction, Putney and Battersea Nine Elms clinics to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions including back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, tennis elbow, knee pain, headaches, and sports injuries. Sessions are typically combined with physiotherapy or osteopathy treatment as part of a broader rehabilitation programme.
Stress Relief Acupuncture at Wandsworth Physiotherapy uses acupuncture points associated with calming the nervous system, reducing tension, and promoting a state of deep relaxation. It is suitable for patients experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, tension headaches, insomnia, or general physical fatigue related to a demanding lifestyle.
Sessions focus on points known to influence the parasympathetic nervous system – the body’s rest and recovery state – helping to reduce cortisol levels, ease muscular tension, and restore a sense of calm and mental clarity. Stress Relief Acupuncture is available in express and deluxe session lengths at our Wandsworth Town clinic on Old York Road, SW18, and is suitable for patients new to acupuncture as well as those who have experienced it before. No GP referral is required to book.
Cosmetic Acupuncture is a natural, non-surgical approach to facial rejuvenation using the principles of traditional acupuncture applied specifically to the face and neck. Fine needles are inserted into targeted facial points to stimulate collagen production, improve local circulation, and relax the fine muscles responsible for expression lines and wrinkles.
Unlike injectable treatments, Cosmetic Acupuncture works with the body’s own regenerative processes and produces gradual, natural-looking improvements over a course of sessions. It is commonly used to address fine lines, dullness, uneven skin tone, puffiness, and facial tension. Cosmetic Acupuncture is available through our Wandsworth Aesthetics team at our Wandsworth Town, Clapham Junction, Putney and Battersea Nine Elms clinics, in both express and deluxe session formats. For patients interested in combining cosmetic acupuncture with other facial rejuvenation treatments, our Wandsworth Aesthetics practitioners can advise on the most appropriate combination approach during your initial consultation.
