Acupuncture in Warrington — delivered by chartered physiotherapists
If any of these sound familiar, Acupuncture may be the treatment that finally makes the difference:
- Persistent muscle tension or trigger points that won’t release with massage alone
- Neck or back pain that isn’t settling with standard treatment
- Headaches and cervicogenic pain
- Support for pain management alongside a physiotherapy rehabilitation programme
What is Acupuncture?
The acupuncture practised at SHPW is Western medical acupuncture — also known as dry needling — delivered by chartered physiotherapists with specialist acupuncture training. It is evidence-based and grounded in neurological and musculoskeletal science rather than traditional Chinese medicine.
Fine, sterile needles are inserted into specific points in muscle tissue — typically into myofascial trigger points (tight, tender knots within muscles) or along the path of peripheral nerves. This stimulates local tissue changes, releases muscle tension, and activates pain-modulating pathways in the nervous system.
Most patients describe a mild aching or tingling sensation when the needle reaches the trigger point — a sign that the muscle is responding. Sessions typically last 20–40 minutes and acupuncture is most effective when used alongside hands-on physiotherapy and exercise rehabilitation rather than as a standalone treatment.
At a glance
What does Acupuncture involve?
01
A clinical assessment to identify appropriate acupuncture points for your condition
02
Fine, sterile, single-use needles inserted into specific muscle or tissue points
03
A mild aching, heaviness or tingling sensation — this is normal and a sign of response
04
Needles are typically retained for 15–20 minutes
05
Mild muscle soreness for 24–48 hours post-treatment is common
06
Acupuncture is usually delivered as part of a broader physiotherapy plan
What does the evidence say?
The evidence base for acupuncture in musculoskeletal physiotherapy is strongest for pain management in conditions including neck pain, low back pain, tension headaches, shoulder conditions and myofascial pain syndrome. NICE guidelines support the use of acupuncture for chronic primary pain and for tension-type headaches and migraines.
In a physiotherapy context, acupuncture works best as a component of a multimodal treatment plan — reducing pain and muscle tension to allow rehabilitation exercise to be performed more effectively. Our chartered physiotherapists integrate acupuncture into treatment plans where the evidence supports it.
Conditions Acupuncture is used for
Neck pain and cervicogenic headaches
Knee and hip pain alongside rehabilitation
Back pain and muscle tension
Tennis and golfer’s elbow
Shoulder conditions — particularly frozen shoulder and impingement
Post-surgical pain management
Myofascial pain and trigger points
Why choose Stockton Heath Physiotherapy & Wellness
Delivered by chartered physiotherapists with specialist acupuncture training — not a standalone acupuncture clinic but integrated clinical treatment
Western medical acupuncture with an evidence base — used where the clinical evidence supports it, as part of a structured physiotherapy plan
20+ years treating patients in Warrington — established, trusted, local
11 specialist clinicians across physiotherapy, sports therapy, women's health and more
CSP & HCPC registered chartered physiotherapists — fully qualified and regulated
Clear recovery plan from your first appointment — you leave knowing what's wrong and what happens next
Find out if Acupuncture is right for you
