Acupuncture is one of the many techniques I use as a physiotherapist to help manage pain, inflammation and overall wellbeing. It works by stimulating your body’s natural healing responses, supporting recovery and enhancing rehabilitation.

At my clinic in Aylesbury, I often use acupuncture alongside physiotherapy treatment plans to support a wide range of conditions — from musculoskeletal injuries to pelvic health issues, hormonal imbalances, and pregnancy-related symptoms.

As a Chartered Physiotherapist and member of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP), I’m fully qualified to offer acupuncture, trigger point needling, electro-acupuncture, and PTNS (Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation).

What to Expect from Your Appointment

Your first appointment will last 60 minutes and will begin with a detailed consultation where I’ll take time to understand your symptoms, medical history, and what you’re hoping to achieve from treatment.

Based on this, I’ll recommend the most appropriate type of acupuncture and explain how it works, so you feel fully informed and comfortable before we begin.

Your treatment may include:

Conventional Acupuncture

I use fine, single-use, pre-sterilised needles, placed into carefully selected acupuncture points. These are typically left in place for 20–30 minutes while you rest.

Trigger Point Acupuncture

This technique is used to release tight or overworked muscles — such as after injury, postural strain or repetitive use. The needle is placed directly into the affected muscle until it relaxes, then removed. This process usually only takes a few minutes.

Electro-Acupuncture

Low-frequency electrical impulses are applied to the needles to help stimulate the nervous system and promote the release of endorphins. This can be helpful for managing pain, encouraging relaxation, and improving sleep.

PTNS (Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation)

This is a specialist technique I offer as part of a treatment programme for certain bladder and bowel conditions. A fine needle is inserted just above the ankle to stimulate the tibial nerve, which communicates with the pelvic organs.

Acupuncture for Women’s Health

Supporting women’s health is a key part of my physiotherapy practice. can be a powerful, drug-free way to support women’s health across all life stages — from regulating menstrual cycles to easing symptoms during pregnancy, menopause, and beyond.

Fertility Support

Fertility challenges are increasingly common, with around one in six couples in the UK experiencing difficulty conceiving. A growing body of research suggests that acupuncture may be beneficial for:

• Supporting natural conception by regulating the menstrual cycle
  
• Improving blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
  
• Reducing stress and promoting hormonal balance
  
• Supporting implantation and outcomes during IVF treatment
  

Acupuncture can be used as a standalone treatment or alongside assisted reproductive technologies.

Acupuncture During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of rapid change, and acupuncture provides safe, drug-free relief for many of the common discomforts women may experience. It can also help prevent minor issues from developing into more serious conditions.

Conditions that may be supported with acupuncture during pregnancy include:

• Lower back pain and sciatica
  
• Pelvic girdle pain
  
• Neck and shoulder tension
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  
• Constipation
  
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
  
• Anxiety or poor sleep
  

Treatments are always tailored to your stage of pregnancy, with your comfort and safety as the top priority.

Pelvic Health, Menopause & Hormonal Symptoms

Acupuncture can help support both physical and emotional symptoms related to hormonal shifts or pelvic health issues. This may include:

• Pelvic or vulval pain
  
• Menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, insomnia, or mood changes
  
• Anxiety and low mood
  
• Bladder urgency, frequency, or incontinence
  
• Constipation or discomfort due to pelvic floor dysfunction or prolapse

PTNS (Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation)

This gentle electro-acupuncture technique can be beneficial for those experiencing bladder and bowel issues. A fine needle is inserted near the ankle to stimulate the tibial nerve, which connects to the nerves supplying the pelvic floor, bladder, and bowel.

This gentle treatment may help improve bladder control, reduce urgency, and support bowel function. For best results, PTNS is usually provided as a course of 8–12 sessions, once or twice per week.

Other Conditions Acupuncture Can Support

While I specialise in women’s health, acupuncture can also help manage more general pain and recovery needs. According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), acupuncture is recommended for:

• Chronic tension headaches
  
• Migraines
  
• Neck pain
  
• Joint pain
  
• Dental pain
  
• Post-surgical pain or inflammation