Acupuncture for Pain Relief: How It Works and When We Use It in Physiotherapy
Acupuncture can help with many musculoskeletal issues such as knee pain.
Get the help you need to feel and move better.
Acupuncture is often misunderstood as an “alternative” therapy, but modern acupuncture — particularly Western medical acupuncture — is firmly grounded in anatomy, neuroscience, and clinical research.
At Quay Kinetics Physio, acupuncture is used as part of an integrated physiotherapy approach to help reduce pain, calm irritated tissues, and support recovery alongside exercise-based rehabilitation.
What Is Acupuncture?
Traditional Chinese acupuncture is based on balancing the flow of Qi (energy) along meridians in the body.
Western acupuncture, which is what our Chartered Physiotherapists practise, uses a different framework. It is based on:
Anatomy and physiology
The nervous system
Musculoskeletal (MSK) science
Fine, sterile, single-use stainless steel needles — roughly the width of a human hair — are inserted into carefully selected points to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. This triggers the body’s own pain-relieving and healing mechanisms, without medication.
How Does Acupuncture Reduce Pain?
Acupuncture works through several well-established physiological mechanisms:
1. Nervous System Modulation
The needles stimulate sensory nerve endings in the skin and muscle, including:
A-delta fibres (sharp, fast signals)
C fibres (dull, aching, longer-lasting signals)
These signals influence how pain is processed at the spinal cord and brain, reducing pain sensitivity both locally and more widely across the body.
2. Release of Natural Painkillers
Acupuncture stimulates the release of:
Endorphins
Enkephalins
Serotonin
These natural chemicals reduce pain, ease muscle tension, and promote relaxation and wellbeing.
3. Improved Blood Flow and Tissue Healing
Acupuncture causes local vasodilation, increasing blood flow to irritated or injured tissues. This can help reduce muscle spasm, improve tissue health, and support recovery.
What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?
People often expect acupuncture to be painful — but most are surprised by how subtle it feels.
You may experience a sensation known as “De Qi”, which can include:
Dull ache
Heaviness or pressure
Tingling or warmth
Muscle fatigue
A spreading or radiating sensation
These responses are normal and reflect nerve and muscle activation, not tissue damage.
Why Does Acupuncture Work Better Over Time?
Pain relief from acupuncture often builds gradually rather than being instant.
Repeated sessions encourage neuroplastic changes — meaning the nervous system becomes better at producing and releasing its own pain-relieving chemicals. Research suggests that treatments spaced every few days can reinforce this effect, with one or two sessions per week often being sufficient.
Many people notice positive changes within the first few treatments. For some conditions, occasional maintenance sessions may help reduce the risk of symptoms returning. Acupuncture is also recognised by the NHS as a treatment that may help with certain types of pain when used appropriately.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes — when performed by appropriately trained professionals.
All acupuncture at Quay Kinetics Physio is carried out by Chartered Physiotherapists who are members of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP). This means:
Sterile, single-use needles
Full health screening and informed consent
Adherence to national safety guidelines
Insurance covering safe application, including the thoracic region
Side effects are usually mild and short-lived and may include:
Temporary soreness
Minor bruising
Fatigue or light-headedness
These risks are minimal compared to many pharmaceutical pain-relief options.
How We Use Acupuncture in Physiotherapy
Acupuncture is not a standalone treatment in our clinic. It is used alongside:
Exercise prescription
Strength and conditioning
Manual therapy
Load management and rehabilitation planning
This combined approach helps:
Reduce pain and muscle guarding
Improve movement quality
Enhance rehab outcomes
Support a confident return to activity or sport
Conditions Acupuncture May Help With
There is good evidence supporting acupuncture for many musculoskeletal conditions we regularly treat, including:
Migraines and tension headaches, which we frequently treat using a combination of physiotherapy and acupuncture.
Neck pain — particularly when combined with muscle tension, headaches, or desk-related strain, which we commonly address in our neck pain physiotherapy in Exeter.
Lower back pain and sciatica — where acupuncture may be used alongside our back pain physiotherapy in Exeter to help reduce symptoms and improve movement.
Shoulder pain
Elbow pain (including tendinopathies)
Knee pain
Ankle and heel pain
Sports injuries — where acupuncture can support recovery alongside our sports injury physiotherapy in Exeter, particularly for overuse and muscle-related pain.
Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
Is Acupuncture Right for You?
Acupuncture isn’t about “masking” symptoms — it’s about creating the right environment for recovery while addressing pain, sensitivity, and nervous system overload.
If pain is limiting your movement, sleep, training, or daily life, acupuncture may be a useful part of your physiotherapy plan.
You can explore the full range of conditions we treat at Quay Kinetics Physio on our conditions and treatments page.
👉 Book an assessment to discuss whether acupuncture is appropriate for your condition and goals.