Acupuncture for Pain

Natural, Targeted Relief for Pain and Tension.

If you’re living with pain, whether from an injury, posture, tension or long-standing discomfort—acupuncture offers a natural way to find relief. This is a hands-on, focused approach that helps ease pain, release tight muscles, and support your body’s own healing response.

What It Can Help With

Back or neck pain
Joint or muscular pain
Sciatica
Shoulder or hip tightness
Desk-related tension
Knee pain
Generalised aches and stiffness
Tension headaches
Postural tension
Recovery support after injury

What It Can Help With

Back or neck pain
Joint or muscular pain
Sciatica
Shoulder or hip tightness
Desk-related tension
Knee pain
Generalised aches and stiffness
Tension headaches
Postural tension
Recovery support after injury

How It works

Before we begin treatment, I carry out a body and posture assessment to identify which muscles aren’t functioning optimally. This helps us get to the root of the issue—instead of just treating the symptoms.

I use the EXSTORE system, a hands-on method to scan key muscle groups in the upper and lower body to detect motor inhibition (where a muscle isn’t firing properly).

Once we identify the issue, I use techniques such as electroacupuncture or manual soft tissue release to restore function, followed by targeted treatment of the specific area of pain.

This structured approach avoids guesswork and focuses on what your body actually needs, often reducing pain more quickly and effectively.

How It Works

I use the EXSTORE system, a hands-on method to scan key muscle groups in the upper and lower body to detect motor inhibition (where a muscle isn’t firing properly).

Once we identify the issue, I use techniques such as electroacupuncture or manual soft tissue release to restore function, followed by targeted treatment of the specific area of pain.

This structured approach avoids guesswork and focuses on what your body actually needs, often reducing pain more quickly and effectively.

What to Expect in Your First Session

Your initial appointment includes a detailed assessment and scan, followed by a full acupuncture treatment tailored to your needs. This may include:

Electroacupuncture
Manual release
Cupping therapy
Heat therapy

We’ll also discuss what might be contributing to your pain and how we can support recovery step by step.

What to Expect in Your First Session

Your initial appointment includes a detailed assessment and scan, followed by a full acupuncture treatment tailored to your needs. This may include:

Electroacupuncture
Manual release
Cupping therapy
Heat therapy

We’ll also discuss what might be contributing to your pain and how we can support recovery step by step.

FAQs

What kind of pain conditions do you treat?

I work with a wide range of pain and tension conditions—from sciatica, lower back pain and costochondritis, to shoulder issues, hip tightness, and postural discomfort. Treatments are personalised and may include motor point acupuncture, electroacupuncture and manual release.

What is motor point acupuncture, and do you use electroacupuncture?

Yes—when needed, I use motor point acupuncture (which targets muscles that aren’t firing properly) and electroacupuncture (which uses a gentle current between needles). These techniques are highly effective for physical pain and functional movement issues.

What should I wear to my appointment?

Please wear or bring loose clothing, ideally a short-sleeved top and shorts or loose trousers, so I can access the relevant areas comfortably for assessment and treatment.

Is acupuncture painful?

Most people find acupuncture very relaxing. You may feel a slight warmth or tingling as the needles go in. Certain points might feel sensitive, but it shouldn’t be painful.

How long does it take to see results?

That depends on what we’re treating, how long it’s been going on, and how your body responds. Many people feel some change within the first few sessions. I’ll give you a clearer idea after your first appointment.

Can I bring blood test results?

Blood test interpretation isn’t usually part of pain-focused acupuncture, but if something feels relevant to your treatment, please book a one-off naturopathic review, and I can go through your tests and create a set of nutrition, lifestyle and diet recommendations based on your results.

Do you treat period-related pain?

Yes—but in most cases, period pain isn’t just a local issue. To get meaningful, lasting results, I combine acupuncture with naturopathic support. This means we look at underlying factors like hormonal balance, nutrition, stress, and gut health. You’ll receive a personalised plan alongside treatment so we can work on the root cause, not just short-term relief. If this is your case, please book a naturopathic consultation (it includes acupuncture) or get in touch to ask further questions.

Do I need to choose between naturopathy with acupuncture or acupuncture-only when booking?

Yes, you’ll need to select a service when booking. If you’re coming in just for musculoskeletal pain relief, the acupuncture-only session is the best place to start. You can always switch or upgrade to include naturopathy later if needed.

Can I use health insurance for acupuncture?

As a registered member of the British Acupuncture Council (mBAcC), my treatments are recognised by many health insurers. Check with your provider first, and see my Health Insurance page → for more info.

To help you get the most out of your session:

Have a light meal or snack beforehand (it’s best not to arrive on an empty stomach)
If possible, wear or bring shorts and a short-sleeve top for ease of assessment and treatment

“In the first session, Sarah helped me understand what acupuncture could achieve and how we’d approach it together. It helped me progress to a point where I am pain-free.”

— Eduardo P.

“I went in with pain in my hip and leg, unsure if acupuncture would work. After treatment, I noticed real improvement. Sarah is very experienced, and I’m so grateful.”

— Rebeca C.