Frequently Asked Questions

TENS may be able to help reduce pain and muscle spasms caused by a wide range of conditions including:

• arthritis
• knee pain
• neck pain
• back pain
• sports injuries

TENS helps some people, although how well it works depends on the individual and the condition being treated.

TENS isn't a cure for pain and often only provides short-term relief while the TENS machine is being used.

However, the treatment is generally very safe and you may feel it's worth trying instead of, or in addition to, the usual medical treatments.

We sell TENS machines at Heal.  Your physiotherapist will explain how to position the electrodes and how to use it safely. 

For most people, TENS is a safe treatment with no side effects.

Some people may be allergic to the pads and their skin may become red and irritated, but special pads for people with allergies are available.

TENS isn't safe for everyone to use.  Your Physiotherapist will be able to advise you if it is for you or not.

You cannot use TENS if:

• you have a pacemaker or another type of electrical or metal implant in your body
• you're pregnant, or there's a chance you might be pregnant – TENS may not be recommended early in pregnancy
• you have epilepsy or a heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia)

The frequencies used in ultrasound are so high, that you should not feel the machine working at all.

The physiotherapist will apply a cool gel to the affected area, but this gel is purely to help with transmission of the soundwaves through the surface of the skin. Basically it helps to get the treatment to the area where it is needed.

If you feel discomfort at any point, please inform your physiotherapist.

Yes, it is safe when recommended following a thorough verbal and physical assessment by your physiotherapist. There are some conditions and situations where ultrasound may not be appropriate. 

During assessment your physiotherapist is ensuring that any treatment offered is safe for your condition, taking into consideration all other aspects of your general health.

This very much depends on your condition and individual needs. This will be discussed with you at your physiotherapy session.

Acupuncture forms part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This ancient system of medicine dates back as far as 1000 years BC and is based on a holistic concept of treatment which regards ill health as a manifestation of imbalance in the body’s energy. Re-establishing a correct balance is the aim of TCM. Energy is referred to as Qi, (pronounced chee) and is described in terms of Yin energy – quiet and calm and Yang energy –vigorous and exciting. They are complementary opposites and in health exist in a dynamic but balanced state in the body. Practitioners of TCM believe that stimulating certain Acupuncture points on the body can help to restore the balance between Yin and Yang that becomes disturbed in illness.

At Heal we combine TCM principles with scientific evidence as a means of reducing pain and promoting healing, always with the aim of enhancing physiotherapy treatments such as exercise and rehabilitation techniques to promote recovery and improve quality of life.
We use of single-use, pre-sterilised disposable needles that pierce the skin at the acupuncture points.  Needles are left in for 20-30minutes before being removed.
We may also use acupuncture to relieve trigger points (tight bands within muscles).  The needles are in place until the trigger point is released and therefore the treatment times for this is often much shorter

Your physiotherapist will go through an extensive ‘check list’ to ensure you are medically fit to receive acupuncture. You will be made aware of any risks involved and asked to sign a consent form. Occasionally, a little bruising or bleeding may occur where the needle has been inserted. 

If you feel light headed, nauseous, clammy or faint during treatment, please inform the physiotherapist straight away. 

As acupuncture involves a needle piercing the skin, there is a very small risk of localised infection. There is a risk of a needle breaking but these events are very rare. 
What can I expect afterwards? 
Most people are able to carry on ‘as normal’. You may feel a little tired after acupuncture. Occasionally some people feel slightly more pain after treatment but this is often short lived. 

Most people are fine to drive after acupuncture. However, if you feel tired, it is advised not to travel long distances.

It is important to have eaten before treatment, so try and eat breakfast or lunch as normal. Please wear suitable loose clothing. 

Yes, take your usual medication as prescribed. 

Your physiotherapist may want to see you for an initial trial of three to four treatments to assess your response to acupuncture. If your pain and symptoms have not significantly improved in this time, acupuncture is unlikely to help your condition.