Chronic Pain

Physiotherapy and acupuncture can help with chronic pain in different but complementary ways. Many people get the best results when they’re used together as part of a broader pain-management plan.

How Physiotherapy helps with chronic pain

Physiotherapy focuses on restoring movement, strength, and function, while reducing pain over time.

Key benefits

• Improves mobility and flexibility
  Gentle stretching and joint mobilization reduce stiffness and improve range of motion.

• Builds strength and stability
  Targeted exercises support muscles around painful or injured areas, reducing strain on joints and nerves.

• Reduces pain signals
  Movement retrains the nervous system, helping it become less sensitive to pain (important in long-term pain).

• Corrects posture and movement patterns
  Poor biomechanics often keep pain going; physio addresses the root cause.

• Boosts confidence and independence
  Learning safe ways to move reduces fear of activity (a major factor in chronic pain).

Common conditions can be treated also

• Chronic low back or neck pain

• Arthritis

• Tendinopathies

• Post-injury or post-surgery pain

How acupuncture helps with chronic pain

Acupuncture works mainly through neurological and biochemical mechanisms, not just the local area where needles are placed.

Key benefits

• Triggers natural pain relief
  Stimulates release of endorphins and enkephalins (the body’s own painkillers).

• Calms the nervous system
  Reduces central sensitisation, a key driver of chronic pain.

• Reduces muscle tension and spasms
  Helps tight or overactive muscles relax.

• Improves blood flow and tissue healing
  Enhances local circulation and reduces inflammation.

• Helps sleep and stress levels
  Better sleep and lower stress often reduce pain intensity.

Common conditions helped

• Chronic headaches and migraines

• Low back pain

• Neck and shoulder pain

• Osteoarthritis

• Neuropathic pain

Why combining Physiotherapy and acupuncture can work well to improve pain levels

Together, they address both the cause and the pain experience:

• Acupuncture can reduce pain enough to allow better participation in exercise

• Physiotherapy builds long-term resilience, preventing pain from returning

• Both help desensitise the nervous system

• Supports physical, neurological, and psychological aspects of chronic pain

What to expect realistically

• Chronic pain usually improves gradually, not instantly

• Consistency matters more than intensity

• Education, pacing, sleep, and stress management are just as important as treatments

• Results vary by person and condition

If this sounds familiar and you are interested in a discovery call, contact the Burton Clinic to discuss further