Electroacupuncture Therapy For Chronic Pain
Find out how our electroacupuncture treatment can help reduce your pain.
What is Electroacupuncture?
Electroacupuncture treatment involves fine needles being inserted at certain sites in the body and connected to a device for electrical stimulation. The number of needles inserted varies and the therapy might require once a week treatment session to begin with, then at longer intervals as the condition responds. A typical course of treatment requires five to eight sessions. Each patient’s case requires an individual assessment and treatment tailored to the individual. Electroacupuncture works by stimulating the nerves in your skin, muscle and other tissues, producing a variety of effects. It releases the body’s natural painkillers such as endorphins and serotonin. It is likely that these substances are responsible for the beneficial effects experienced with acupuncture. Electroacupuncture often helps with more than just reducing your pain. Patients often notice an improved sense of wellbeing after their treatment. Current research shows that acupuncture can have an effect on many of the body’s systems – the nervous system, muscle tone, sleep, hormone production, circulation and allergic responses, as well as the respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems.
What sort of conditions responds to electroacupuncture?
Electroacupuncture is proven to be an effective way to manage a wide range of painful conditions. It is commonly used to provide short term relief of musculoskeletal pain, such as chronic low back and neck pain, knee osteoarthritis, migraine and tension–type, headache, temporomandibular (jaw joint) disorders and pelvic pain. Other situations where acupuncture has been found to be beneficial are: improvement in the symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome and vulvodynia.
Is there scientific evidence for electroacupuncture?
A considerable amount of scientific research has been carried out over the last few years. We now know much more about how acupuncture works and some of the myths about it can be laid to rest. Modern imaging techniques have demonstrated changes in brain activity – particularly those areas responsible for the processing of pain and suffering. As we learn more about it, the possibilities of using electroacupuncture alongside orthodox medicine get bigger.
How does electroacupuncture work?
Electroacupuncture works on three fronts: (1) Locally, in the tissues. The electrostimulation makes the muscles and nerves at the trigger point release chemicals - ATP and CGRP which in turn triggers release of nitric oxide (NO). NO is a vasodilator, hence increases circulation locally in the painful tissues, washing away pain inflammatory neurotransmitters such as Substance-P and Cytokines. (2) Segmental level at the spinal cord. Stimulation of the A-delta nerve fibres results in release of neuropeptides at the axonal synapse in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, slowing down of pain transmission up to the brain. Neuropeptides such as endorphins and dynorphins are our body's own opioids and produce pain relief. (3) Centrally in the brain. Electroacupuncture stimulation results in changes in Limbic System where constant pain produces learning and behavioural patterns. Descending inhibitory pathways from the brain down to the spinal cord are also modulated by electroacupuncture therapy, producing resistance to pain perception. Furthermore, neuropeptides and serotonin are released in the brain to produce natural pain relief, sedation and a euphoric feeling of wellbeing.
What to expect during a treatment session?
After the initial assessment you’ll be asked to lie down on a couch and expose the treatment area for an antiseptic clean. The needles are very fine, single use, pre-sterilised and disposable after use. These are inserted one at a time at the acupuncture points. Once the needles are in place, they are attached by clips to an electronic stimulation device. You will feel a tingling to pulsating sensation. The strength of the sensation increases as the current increases. The stimulating current will be kept at a comfortable level for the duration of treatment. You can relax during the treatment and listen to some background soothing music. You can also bring along your own music to listen to during the treatment, or ask for a specific playlist. It is not unusual for patients to feel drowsy during treatment.
Are there any side effects?
Electroacupuncture is considered a safe complementary medicine and serious complications are very rare (1:10,000 patients). On rare occasions, some people may experience mild, short-term side effects such as: - pain at needle insertion site, in about 1% of treatments - bleeding or bruising at 3% of needle insertion sites - drowsiness after treatment. If affected, you are advised not to drive immediately afterwards - feeling sick, dizzy or faint - worsening of pre-existing symptoms can happen in fewer than 3% of patients
If you have a bleeding disorder, such as haemophilia, or are taking anticoagulants, please let me know before you have acupuncture.
Acupuncture is also not advisable if you have a metal allergy or an infection in the area where needles may be inserted. Electroacupuncture may not be safe if you suffer from epilepsy or, have an implanted pacemaker device.
PRICE LIST
Electro-acupuncture Clinic
§ Registration & 1st Session…………. £60.00
A one-hour session for assessment, treatment planning and a taster-trial of electroacupuncture or Laser therapy.
§ Single 40-minute session…………. £50.00
For long-term conditions where electroacupuncture has been helpful. Individual sessions can be booked as required for 40 minutes of treatment.
§ Set of 6 sessions............................. £250.00
A block of 6 sessions at a discounted rate, suitable for weekly treatment to get the best response. One may even need twice a week sessions for severe pain.
§ Payment in instalments ................... £50.00 x 5
Pay for 5 weekly sessions and get 6th session free.
§ Home visit for 40-minute sessions…. £100.00 (within 10mi from AcuRelief clinic as per Google Maps)
Suitable for people with poor mobility, difficulty with transport or just to have the treatment in the comfort of your own home surroundings. Please book for two adjacent slots (2 hours) on the calendar and mention home visit. Please call or message for places further than 10mi.
§ Dry needling acupuncture…………. £40.00
This therapy is useful for oro-facial pain, allergic rhinitis and for those who are unable to tolerate electrical stimulation therapy. The therapy sessions may take up to 30 minutes.
