Acupuncture for Pain Relief in Christchurch, Dorset: What to Expect and Why It Works
Pain can be complex, frustrating, and deeply personal. Whether it’s chronic back pain, neck stiffness, or discomfort following surgery, pain can affect every part of life. At my acupuncture clinic in Christchurch, Dorset, I regularly treat patients experiencing a wide range of pain conditions using acupuncture—a safe, time-tested approach that can offer meaningful relief. But like many effective treatments, it takes time, consistency, and a commitment to lifestyle adjustments to get the best results.
Understanding Pain: A Complex Puzzle
Pain is not always straightforward. It can be caused by old injuries, recent surgery, poor posture, or even emotional stress. Sometimes the area that hurts is not the root of the issue. For example, someone may experience shoulder pain because of long-term neck tension or misalignment in the spine. Pain also involves the nervous system, fascia, and musculoskeletal system—making it a complex picture to unpick.
How Acupuncture Can Help with Pain
Acupuncture works by stimulating the body’s natural healing response. It increases circulation, releases endorphins, and helps calm an overactive nervous system. Research supports acupuncture as an effective treatment for various types of pain, including chronic lower back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, and migraines (Vickers et al., 2018).
In addition to the Vickers study, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK have also recognised acupuncture as beneficial for certain types of pain, including chronic tension-type headaches, migraines, and severe musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. While not recommended for all MSK conditions, NICE does acknowledge that acupuncture may be helpful in managing severe or persistent MSK pain when other treatments have not been effective.
This growing body of evidence reinforces what many patients experience in clinic—acupuncture can be a powerful ally in pain management.
During my time at the Gateway Clinic in London—a specialist acupuncture service funded by the NHS and accepting referrals from GPs—each patient was given a structured course of 10 weekly acupuncture treatments. This model demonstrates the level of commitment required to achieve meaningful results and reflects how acupuncture is being increasingly integrated into mainstream healthcare for pain.
Trigger Point Acupuncture vs Traditional Acupuncture
It’s important to understand the difference between styles of acupuncture. Trigger point acupuncture (sometimes called dry needling) is commonly used by physiotherapists and osteopaths. It involves inserting needles into tight muscle areas to release local tension. While it can be effective, it is usually taught through short courses and is focused on specific muscular issues.
Traditional acupuncture, on the other hand, is taught to degree level over several years. It takes a holistic approach—addressing not just the site of pain but also the root cause, including emotional and systemic imbalances. In my practice, I integrate both approaches when appropriate, combining trigger point work with a deeper understanding of Chinese medicine.
What to Expect: Acupuncture Is Not a Quick Fix
It’s important to manage expectations. While some people feel a shift after one treatment, acupuncture is not a miracle cure. Most patients require a course of treatments to experience lasting relief. I recommend starting with 6–10 weekly sessions, in line with NHS-backed approaches.
A useful rule of thumb is: the longer you’ve had the pain, the longer it may take to resolve. Chronic conditions can take time and patience, especially for those experiencing extreme or persistent discomfort. But with regular treatment and an openness to lifestyle changes, acupuncture can offer significant improvements.
Checklist: Could These Be Contributing to
Your Pain?
Pain is often influenced by more than we realise. Consider whether the following might be playing a role:
Old injuries (e.g., whiplash, fractures)
Scar tissue from surgery or accidents
Emotional stress or burnout
Poor sleep quality or irregular sleep patterns
Menopause or hormonal changes
Digestive health issues
Age-related wear and tear
Sedentary lifestyle or lack of movement
Overuse of painkillers or anti-inflammatories
Checklist: Ergonomic Home Adjustments
Simple changes at home can make a big difference:
Is your mattress too soft or sagging? (Firm support is key for spinal alignment.)
Is your sofa deep and slouchy, forcing poor posture?
Do your work or dining chairs support your lower back?
Are your screens (TV, laptop) positioned at an angle that strains your neck?
Do you spend long hours seated without movement breaks?
Are you sleeping with too many or too few pillows?
Is your head turned regularly in one direction for work or leisure?
These adjustments are often overlooked but can be pivotal to long-term recovery.
Lifestyle Factors and Pain: What Else to Consider
Acupuncture works best when combined with lifestyle support. Here are a few real-life examples:
A patient with neck pain had been unknowingly sitting sideways to her television for years, straining her neck without realising.
A man with persistent lower back pain found relief only after replacing his overly soft mattress.
Past surgeries or injuries can also affect how and where we experience pain. Scar tissue, imbalances in the body, and tight fascia can all play a role. That’s why it's important to look at the whole person, not just the area that hurts.
Working Together: A Team Effort
In addition to acupuncture, I often recommend gentle strength-building exercises and seeking support from a physiotherapist—especially following surgery or injury. Acupuncture can help manage pain and support healing, but it works really well as part of a broader, integrated approach.
The Commitment: Time, Patience, and Support
If you’re ready to commit to a course of regular treatment and make small but important changes to your daily routine, acupuncture can be a deeply effective way to manage and reduce pain. It’s a collaborative process—and I’m here to support you at every step.
To book a consultation or learn more about acupuncture for pain in Christchurch, Dorset, please get in touch.
I always offer a free 15 minute consultation by phone or in person to see how I might be able to support you.
References:Vickers, A. J., Vertosick, E. A., Lewith, G., MacPherson, H., Foster, N. E., Sherman, K. J., ... & Linde, K. (2018). Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. The Journal of Pain, 19(5), 455–474. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2017.11.005Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (2016). Acupuncture for tension-type headache. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD007587.pub2National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2021). Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline [CG150]. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg150National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2021). Chronic pain (primary and secondary) in over 16s: assessment of all chronic pain and management of chronic primary pain. NICE guideline [NG193]. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng193