Acupuncture | Physio Island

What acupuncture is & why we use it

Our therapists provide medical acupuncture within physiotherapy care. Very thin, single-use needles are inserted into carefully chosen points to reduce pain, decrease protective muscle guarding, and stimulate the body’s self-healing processes.

Drug-free, minimally invasive pain control
Improves blood flow and modulates pain signalling
Reduces trigger point sensitivity and muscle tension
Works best combined with education and progressive exercise

What to expect

Most feel a dull ache/heaviness for a few seconds; many relax
Typical session: 10–20 minutes of needling within your visit
Mild soreness or fatigue for 24–48 h can be normal

Common conditions helped by acupuncture

Spine & Head

Neck pain, tension headaches
Low back pain, muscle spasm
Whiplash-related pain

Upper Limb

Shoulder impingement / rotator cuff pain
Tennis & golfer’s elbow
Wrist/hand overuse pain

Lower Limb

Knee pain (patellofemoral, tendinopathy)
Hip/gluteal pain, bursitis
Shin/ankle muscle tightness

Pain Modulation Muscle Relaxation Circulation

Is it right for me? (first visit & safety)

We always complete a full assessment first. If acupuncture is appropriate, your therapist will review benefits, risks, and alternatives and ask for your written consent. You can stop at any time—your plan will simply use other physiotherapy options.

Ask a physiotherapist

Who should avoid it or get medical clearance

Bleeding disorders or strong anticoagulants
Pregnancy: some points avoided; discuss with your therapist
Skin infection, open wounds, or active cancer over the area
Pacemaker (if electrical stimulation is considered)
Severe needle phobia or fainting history—tell us in advance

How we use acupuncture in your plan

Clean technique with single-use, pre-sterilized needles
Targeted points based on your assessment and goals
May be paired with gentle electrical stimulation (TENS/IMS)
Followed by 2–4 simple exercises to lock in the change
Education on pacing, posture, and flare-up prevention

Plan of care

Usually added to early sessions to settle pain, then tapered as exercise takes over. Frequency and total number of sessions vary with the condition and your response.

Insurance & Direct Billing

Acupuncture provided by licensed physiotherapists is billed as a physiotherapy service. In NL, no referral is required to be seen; some plans may request a physician’s referral for reimbursement. We offer Direct Billing to many insurers and provide detailed receipts for others.

FAQ

Is acupuncture painful?

Most feel a brief dull ache or heaviness. We adjust technique to keep you comfortable and can stop anytime.

Is it safe?

Yes when performed by trained clinicians using sterile, single-use needles. We screen for contraindications and obtain consent.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on your goals, how long you’ve had the problem, and tissue healing timelines. Most plans are organised in phases and we adjust as you improve:

Phase 1: Settle & Protect (Weeks 0–2) — 1–2 visits/week to calm pain, restore movement, and start a simple home plan.
Phase 2: Reload & Rebuild (Weeks 2–6) — weekly or bi-weekly visits to progress strength, control, and tolerance to activity.
Phase 3: Consolidate & Prevent (Weeks 6–12) — visits every 2–4 weeks to progress independence, return to work/sport, and prevent flare-ups.

Typical ranges: Many people complete care in 4–8 visits over 4–6 weeks. Long-standing or complex conditions may take 8–12+ visits over 8–12 weeks. We reassess every session; if you’re not improving within 3–4 visits, we’ll change the plan or coordinate with your physician.

Do you do dry needling/IMS?

We can use trigger-point dry needling when appropriate. Your therapist will explain the approach and how it fits your program.

Acupuncture (by Physiotherapists)