Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek acupuncture. NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) recommends acupuncture for chronic primary pain, tension headaches and migraines.
At Acupuncture Berkshire, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto has over 25 years of experience using TCM acupuncture to treat both acute and chronic pain conditions. Unlike pain medication, acupuncture addresses the underlying causes of pain rather than simply masking symptoms — working with the nervous system, reducing inflammation and restoring normal function.
Chronic lower back pain is the condition most consistently shown to respond to acupuncture in clinical research. NICE recommends acupuncture as one of the first-line treatments for chronic primary back pain. TCM acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, reduces local inflammation and addresses the underlying patterns of tension and deficiency identified in the TCM diagnosis.
We treat all forms of back pain including lower back pain, disc problems, sciatica, sacroiliac joint dysfunction and chronic muscular tension. Both acute episodes and long-standing chronic conditions are treated.
Neck pain and shoulder tension are increasingly prevalent, particularly in those with sedentary or desk-based work. Acupuncture reduces muscle tension, improves range of motion and addresses associated headaches and referred pain into the arms. Treatment combines local acupuncture points with distal points that address the underlying pattern.
Acupuncture is recommended by NICE for the management of knee osteoarthritis. Research published in peer-reviewed journals has demonstrated that acupuncture provides clinically significant reductions in knee pain and improvements in function compared to both sham acupuncture and conventional care. Treatment focuses on reducing joint inflammation, improving local circulation and addressing the underlying TCM patterns of Kidney deficiency and Bi syndrome (painful obstruction) that characterise arthritic conditions.
NICE recommends a course of up to ten acupuncture sessions for the prevention of chronic tension headaches and migraines. Acupuncture is considered at least as effective as prophylactic drug treatment, without the side effects. Many patients experience a significant and sustained reduction in headache frequency and severity following a course of treatment.
Sciatica — pain radiating from the lower back down the leg along the sciatic nerve — responds well to acupuncture. Treatment addresses both the local nerve irritation and the underlying spinal and musculoskeletal factors contributing to the condition. Research supports acupuncture as an effective treatment for both acute and chronic sciatica.
Widespread chronic pain with fatigue and sleep disturbance. TCM addresses the systemic patterns underlying fibromyalgia.
Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Acupuncture reduces pain and inflammation and improves joint function.
Acute muscle injuries, tendonitis, repetitive strain and post-surgical rehabilitation. Accelerates tissue repair.
Hip osteoarthritis, trochanteric bursitis, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow and other joint conditions.
Acute pain often shows improvement within two to four sessions. Chronic pain conditions typically require a longer course — usually six to ten weekly sessions — with a reassessment after the initial course. Many patients with long-standing pain conditions benefit from occasional maintenance treatment after the initial course to prevent recurrence.
Dr D'Alberto will give you a clear and realistic assessment of outcomes at your initial consultation, based on your specific diagnosis and history.