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Western Medical Acupuncture

Western Medical Acupuncture is mainly used to treat pain. There are two main effects that are at play when you have this type of acupuncture – we term these local and central effects.

Local Effects

The insertion of the needle has numerous local effects. The insertion of a foreign object in to a muscle or tendon will increase blood flow to that area. The blood flow increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to that area, and removal of waste from that area. This is aimed at speeding up and aiding injury healing. There is also increased cellular activity in the area where the needle is inserted. These cells could be fibroblasts that produce collagen or macrophages, an immune cell, that clears inflammation and debris.

The insertion of the needle can also mechanically stimulate the muscles into which it has been inserted, this stimulation, often referred to as dry needling, can be quite painful and is believe to mechanically deactivate tension points in the muscles.

We also know that acupuncture causes stretching of the fascia that can aid tissue healing and flexibility

Ready to Make a Change?

At Wandsworth Physiotherapy & Osteopathy we're focused on getting you out of pain and back to what you love doing, from simply sitting comfortably to playing with your kids, getting back into the gym or being able to run 5k again, our expert Physiotherapists, Podiatrists & Osteopaths are here to help!

 

All appointments are secured with payment. All appointments cancelled within 24 hours of the start time or not attended will not be refunded.

Central Effects

MRI studies have demonstrated that acupuncture changes the activity in the brain. One of the areas that is affected is the pain areas. Pain is a multimodal output from the brain, and acupuncture can modulate this output, thus reducing the pain that you experience.

The second main central effect that acupuncture stimulates is the production of brain chemicals. These include endorphins, endomorphins and serotonin. These chemicals make you feel happier, more relaxed and experience less pain.

Acupuncture is very useful for low back pain and sciatica, neck pain, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow and runners knee. It usually takes a number of sessions to see a marked improvement in symptoms.

Dry Needling

 Dry needling is a form of acupuncture where needles are inserted into trigger points in the muscles. Trigger points are painful taught palpable tension points in muscles commonly described by people as ‘knots’. Needling them causes a muscle fibre contraction after which the muscle relaxes.

The dry needling technique also stimulates blow flow into the area, and stimulates the brain to releases endomorphins, your own natural painkillers, thus having an analgesic effect.

Dry needling can be a little uncomfortable – you will feel a scratch as the needle goes through the skin and with the right needle stimulation you will feel a sensation of ache where the needle has been inserted – but it is not extremely painful or as bad as an injection or blood draw. The needle will then be stimulated which can increase the sensation of ache and also cause some minor muscle contractions.

It is not unusual to feel a little tender where the needles were inserted for about 24 hours after the session. This is quite normal and that sensation will pass.

Brilliant all round experience. After sustaining a marathon injury during training Wandsworth Physiotherapy managed to fit me in the next day and was back up and running within 2 weeks after three 30 minute sessions. Gave me exercises to go away and do in my own time too so felt like I was making the most of their and my time too.

Marina Williams

These guys are fantastic! Really quick to reply and they found me an appointment on the same day. I've since had regular treatments with Alessio who is excellent, and my torn IT band, shoulder and other ailments are much improved. Brilliant for both sports injuries and wellness.

Gerry Sweetland

Booked an appointment for the same day on a Saturday. Adele has been very welcoming and helpful, providing useful advice as well as efficient treatment. Great local clinic, will definitely come back and recommend.

Jean Reverdy

Steve was excellent. Long term/complex shoulder injury treated over a number of sessions - patient, curious and methodical. Great treatments and programme of exercises and I'm back to pain free swimming.

~ Nick Outlaw

I've been several times for several different problems and Steve has always been excellent. He listens really carefully and asks good questions to find out exactly what's wrong, and is very clear with follow-up exercises to continue the therapy at home. Highly recommend him!

Vanessa Harriss

Meet The Team

Andreas

Andreas

Senior Osteopath and Massage Therapist

Chara
Chara

Practice Manager

Christina

Christina

Senior Chartered Physiotherapist

Jack

Jack

 Senior Podiatrist

kim-stanford
Kim

Advanced Senior Chartered Physiotherapist

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Kitti

Massage and Beauty Therapist

Khushboo
Khushboo

Chartered Physiotherapist

Melinda-Bernath

Melinda

Reflexologist and Massage Therapist

prapti
Prarthi

Chartered Physiotherapist

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Shreya

Senior Chartered Physiotherapist

steve-001

Steve

Clinical Lead Chartered Physiotherapist

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Sandra

Clinical Administrator & Receptionist

Wilson
Wilson

Senior Chartered Physiotherapist

Get In Touch

Request a call back - tell us about your problem… if you’re not sure what physiotherapy or osteopathy are and whether they can help your problem request a call back from one of our expert therapists.

We can listen to your problem and let you know if we can help... just leave your details using the contact form and we'll be in touch as soon as possible!

Please note: Enquiries are checked daily and will be responded to within 24 hours during clinic open hours.

Cancellation Policy

Please note we have a 24 hour cancellation policy. Please respect our therapists and give them more than 24 hours notice if you need to change or cancel an appointment. All appointments are secured with payment. All appointments cancelled within 24 hours of the start time or not attended will not be refunded. Failure to make payment on request will affect future appointments that we are able to offer you.
Thank you.

Telephone Reception

We have reception cover most of the time we are open, however if you can't get through it's quick and easy to book online. Please be aware that calls to Wandsworth Physiotherapy & Osteopathy are recorded to comply with ICO data protection and the recordings are stored for 3 months then deleted. All stored information is password protected.

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 21:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 21:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 21:00
Thursday 08:00 - 21:00
Friday 08:00 - 20:30
Saturday 09:00 - 16:00
Sunday 10:00 - 15:00

No reception cover on Sundays - please book online, the door may be locked so ring the bell.

338 Old York Road, SW18 1SS

0203 322 9455

Open 7 Days