Service
Acupuncture
Used alongside physiotherapy when appropriate, to support pain relief and healing.
Acupuncture can be a useful addition to physiotherapy treatment. It helps reduce pain, ease muscle tension, and encourage the body’s natural recovery processes. We sometimes recommend it for patients who have persistent pain, tight muscles, or nerve irritation that continues despite hands-on therapy and exercise.
At Complete Recovery Physio, acupuncture is provided exclusively by Rob Wood, our lead physiotherapist. Rob is a member of the AACP (Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists) and has completed extra training to deliver acupuncture safely and effectively in a clinical physiotherapy setting.
Please note that Rob is not a traditional acupuncturist, and we do not offer acupuncture as a stand-alone service. It is only used as part of a comprehensive physiotherapy programme when Rob determines it is appropriate for you after a thorough assessment.
If you think acupuncture might help with your recovery, the best next step is to book a physiotherapy appointment with Rob so he can assess your condition and discuss whether it would be a suitable part of your treatment plan.
We commonly recommend acupuncture for patients experiencing ongoing muscle pain, tension headaches, migraines, sciatica, joint stiffness, or long-term conditions such as fibromyalgia. It can also help lower stress levels and improve sleep quality. If pain is disrupting your nervous system or daily life, acupuncture may be a worthwhile option to consider.
It often works particularly well when combined with other physiotherapy techniques, especially when recovery has started to slow down or plateau. Acupuncture helps calm tight, overactive muscles, reduce stiffness, and soften persistent pain, making it easier for patients to engage more fully in their rehabilitation exercises and hands-on treatment.
We frequently incorporate it for runners, active professionals, women going through menopause, and anyone dealing with chronic muscle tension or inflammatory issues.
Your first acupuncture session is usually carried out as part of a standard physiotherapy appointment. Rob will take time to understand your symptoms, explain how acupuncture could benefit you, and make sure you’re fully happy to proceed before starting.
We use very fine, sterile, single-use needles that are gently placed into specific points on the body — commonly in areas of muscle tightness, near nerve pathways, or where pain is most noticeable. Most people feel little more than a mild tingling or dull sensation; it is generally not painful.
The treatment itself is quiet and relaxing. The needles typically stay in place for around 15 to 20 minutes while you rest comfortably. You may notice a gentle ache, warmth, or heavy feeling around the needles — these sensations are completely normal.
Depending on your needs, acupuncture can be used at the beginning or end of a session, or combined with manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, or other treatments such as shockwave therapy.
Acupuncture works by helping to reduce pain, release tight muscles, calm an overactive nervous system, and improve blood circulation to support the body’s healing process. Some patients notice an improvement after the very first session, while others find it takes a few treatments before the benefits become clear. It can be effective for both sudden flare-ups and long-standing conditions that feel stuck or overly sensitive.
Many people find it helps them rely less on pain medication, while also improving sleep, energy, and general wellbeing — particularly when pain and stress have been feeding into each other. Acupuncture is not usually a complete solution on its own, but it can be a very useful addition when included as part of a broader physiotherapy treatment plan.
FAQs
Acupuncture Frequently Asked Questions
Acupuncture involves the gentle insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. At Complete Recovery Physio, we use it as an adjunct to standard physiotherapy to help reduce pain, release muscle tension, calm the nervous system, and support natural healing — never as a standalone treatment.
Most people feel little to no pain. You may experience a mild tingling, dull ache, warmth, or heavy sensation when the needle is inserted or stimulated — these are normal and usually brief. The treatment itself is generally calm and relaxing.
We often recommend acupuncture for persistent muscle pain, tension headaches, migraines, sciatica, joint pain, and chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia. It can also help reduce stress, improve sleep, and support recovery when progress with hands-on therapy or exercise has slowed.
Acupuncture works well when combined with manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and other treatments. It can relax overactive muscles, ease stiffness, reduce pain sensitivity, and make it easier for you to engage more fully in your rehab programme.
Acupuncture is offered exclusively by Rob Wood, our lead physiotherapist. Rob is a member of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP) and has completed additional specialist training to deliver it safely and effectively within a clinical setting.
This varies from person to person. Some notice benefits after the first session, while others may need 2–6 sessions before seeing clearer improvements. Rob will discuss a realistic treatment plan with you after your initial assessment.
Your first session usually takes place within a standard physiotherapy appointment. Rob will assess your symptoms, explain the process, and gain your consent. Fine needles are inserted and typically left in place for 15–20 minutes while you rest comfortably. It can be used at the start or end of treatment, or combined with hands-on therapy.
Yes — when performed by a trained chartered physiotherapist like Rob, acupuncture is very safe. We only use single-use, sterile needles and follow strict clinical guidelines. Rob is not a traditional acupuncturist and will only recommend it if it’s appropriate for your specific condition following a full assessment.
No. Acupuncture is never offered as a standalone service here. It is used selectively as one tool within a wider treatment plan to support pain relief and healing, helping you get better results from manual therapy and exercise.
The best way is to book a physiotherapy assessment with Rob. He will evaluate your condition and discuss whether acupuncture could be a helpful addition to your care. If you have persistent or stubborn symptoms that aren’t fully responding to standard physio, it may be worth exploring.
Team
Meet The Team
I had a deep tissue massage focusing on my back and legs, and it was absolutely amazing! The pressure was perfect, and I left feeling so much lighter and completely relaxed. I’m really pleased with the whole experience and will definitely be coming back again. Highly recommend!
I have to say since seeing Robert I have made a full recovery and very pleased with the result, happy I went to see him and wouldn't hesitate to recommend. Thanks again Complete Recovery Physiotherapy.
Rob is great guy, friendly, sympathetic and a good listener. He clearly knows his stuff. I strongly recommend him.
The programme of exercises he developed for me has improved my symptoms tremendously.
I would highly recommend him.
Thank you so much Rob
Janet
The training app he uses is a great way to incorporate tech into customers rehab journeys as well.
Will continue to use and recommend to others 😀.
Of pain therapy natually causes.
Would recommend him to anyone.
After just 4 sessions, I've been given some strength-building and stretching exercises which have reduced my pain massively and reduced the effect on my day-to-day life. I'm now in a much-improved position where I can continue to self manage and I'm confident it will only continue to improve.
Rob is friendly and knowledgeable and his facilities are professional and welcoming. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him if you need any support!
and set me up on an app that gave me a neck program to complete each day, which does help. Rob is happy to answer any questions you may have and walk you through what he is going to do and how you can help yourself. If you're in pain, don't hesitate to contact Rob. You will thank yourself for it. Thanks for all your help, Rob.
Booked an appointment easily through the website and have had multiple appointments with Rob, who is brilliant, and is helping me to recover from a sporting injury.
There is a really useful triage assessment that you can complete on the website. I found this to be really good.
