When physiotherapists in New Zealand use Acupuncture the needles they use are disposable, single use, pre-sterilised needles of varying widths and lengths. A number of needles may be used at each treatment and these are typically left in position for up to 30 minutes before being removed depending on the response required. A needle is manipulated until a QI sensation is felt (a tingling or often warm heavy sensation that can spread away from the area of the needle). Utilisation within the context of physiotherapy will include a diagnosis based on clinical reasoning as part of an overall management approach.

We use disposable, single use, pre-sterilised needles of varying widths and lengths. A number of needles may be used at each treatment and these are typically left in position from 10-30 minutes before being removed depending on the response required. A needle is manipulated until a QI sensation is felt (a tingling or often warm heavy sensation that can spread away from the area of the needle). Traditional acupuncture and dry needling techniques are easily and seamlessly integrated into our physiotherapist’s existing treatment skill set and enhance their clinical effectiveness, as well as broaden the range of conditions that we can treat effectively. The evidence base for acupuncture or dry needling in various areas of physiotherapy, has increased substantially over the past decade. In particular, research has grown to provide evidence-based support in the treatment of acute and chronic back pain, chronic neck pain, tension type and migraine headaches, pelvic girdle pain, knee osteoarthritis, lateral elbow pain and shoulder conditions.

We can treat within a Western scientific framework, within an Eastern traditional medicine framework, or a combination of the two. Utilisation of acupuncture within the context of physiotherapy will include a diagnosis based on clinical reasoning as part of an overall management approach.