Can Acupuncture Help Me?
Over the last couple of weeks, I've introduced you to Clare and explained a little about what actually happens during an acupuncture appointment.
But there's probably one fairly important question we haven't answered yet...
Can acupuncture actually help me?
One of the main reasons I wanted to bring acupuncture to Reform Osteopaths is its versatility.
There's plenty of crossover with the problems I already see every day as an osteopath, but acupuncture also gives us another option for people dealing with issues that sit outside my usual remit.
And that's exactly what I wanted when expanding the clinic.
Not simply more of the same, but something that complements what we already do while bringing something completely different to the table.
Aches, Pains & Injuries
Let's start with something many of you will already be familiar with.
Acupuncture is commonly used to support people dealing with musculoskeletal pain and tension, including:
Back pain
Neck pain
Joint pain
Headaches and migraines
Sciatica
Sports injuries
Ongoing muscular tension
Persistent or recurring pain
So if you've previously seen me for one of these problems, you might be wondering:
Should I have osteopathy or acupuncture?
The answer isn't necessarily one or the other.
They're two different professions with different approaches.
There may be times when osteopathy is the most appropriate option, times when acupuncture may offer something different, and situations where the two approaches can complement each other.
That's a big part of why I've brought Clare into the clinic.
Women's Health
This is an area where acupuncture also allows us to offer support well beyond my usual remit as an osteopath.
It's also a particular area of interest for Clare.
Her work includes supporting women through different stages of life, including:
Menstrual health
Fertility support
Pregnancy
Postpartum wellbeing
Menopause
This is an area we'll be talking about in much more detail over the coming months, particularly because it's something many women experience but don't always know where to turn for support.
Stress, Sleep & General Wellbeing
Not everything that brings someone to an acupuncturist is an injury.
People also seek acupuncture to support problems such as:
Stress and anxiety
Difficulty sleeping
Fatigue
Feeling generally run-down
Overall wellbeing
This is another reason acupuncture appealed to me when I was looking at how Reform Osteopaths could grow.
It gives us an opportunity to look beyond purely musculoskeletal problems and support people in areas where osteopathy isn't necessarily the obvious answer.
Headaches, Migraines & Digestive Problems
Acupuncture is also used by people experiencing headaches and migraines, as well as digestive complaints such as bloating and IBS-type symptoms.
Again, these are problems you may never have thought to mention to me during an osteopathy appointment.
But now we have someone in the clinic whose approach may be relevant.
So, Should You Try Acupuncture?
That's not something I can answer for everyone in an email.
But here's what I would say.
If you're already a patient of mine and you're wondering whether acupuncture could complement what we're currently doing—ask me.
I'm more than happy to have that conversation with you at your next appointment.
Equally, if there's something you've never mentioned to me because you didn't think it was relevant to osteopathy—perhaps problems with sleep, stress, migraines, women's health or another ongoing issue—tell me.
If I think it's something Clare may be able to help with, I'll happily point you in her direction.
And if you'd prefer to speak directly to Clare, you can do that too.
Ask Clare Directly
Clare is offering a free 15-minute discovery call ahead of her first clinic.
There's no obligation to book treatment.
It's simply an opportunity to explain what's going on, ask questions and find out whether acupuncture might be an appropriate option for you.
Clare Starts Friday 18th September
Clare's first clinic at Reform Osteopaths will be Friday 18th September, with appointments available between 1pm and 6pm.
Initial Consultation & Treatment — 90 minutes — £90
Follow-up Treatment — 60 minutes — £60
Appointments and discovery calls are available to book now.
Over the next couple of weeks, I'll continue introducing you to acupuncture and explaining where it fits alongside the treatments we already offer at Reform.
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