Acupuncture in Carlton
Natural Support for Pain, Tight Muscles and Everyday Comfort
A gentle, evidence-informed therapy to help relieve pain, ease muscle tension and support your body’s natural healing processes.
How Acupuncture May Help with Pain and Tension
Many people seek acupuncture for:
- Neck, shoulder and upper back tightness
- Lower back pain or stiffness
- Muscle tension from work, stress or sport
- Headaches and migraines
- Knee, hip or joint discomfort
- General aches, pain and stress-related tension
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. These points are chosen based on your individual presentation. When used for pain and muscle tension, acupuncture is thought to:
- Stimulate the release of the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals (such as endorphins and neurotransmitters)
- Improve local blood flow and tissue oxygenation around tight or sore areas
- Reduce muscle spasm and trigger points
- Help calm the nervous system, which may reduce pain sensitivity and stress
Research suggests acupuncture can be helpful as part of a management plan for various types of pain, including chronic pain, low back pain, osteoarthritis, tension headaches and migraine. Results vary between individuals.
What an Acupuncture Session Involves
Your treatment is individualised and tailored to your specific concerns.
1. Initial assessment
- Detailed history of your pain, tension and general health
- Physical examination to identify tender points, muscle tension and movement restrictions
- Discussion of goals and whether acupuncture is appropriate for you
2. Treatment
- You will be asked to lie comfortably on a treatment table
- Very fine, single-use, sterile needles are inserted into specific points
- Needles are usually left in place for 15-30 minutes
- Gentle techniques may be used to enhance the effect on muscles and circulation
- Many people feel a dull, heavy, achy or warm sensation around the needle, which is usually well tolerated
3. After your session
- Most people feel relaxed or pleasantly tired afterwards
- You can usually return to normal activities straight away
- Your practitioner may recommend a short course of sessions for best results, especially for long‑standing pain or tension
Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. Mild side effects such as temporary soreness or small bruises can occur. Your practitioner will discuss risks, benefits and alternative options with you before treatment.
BOOK ACUPUNCTURE APPOINTMENT
Conditions Commonly Supported in our Clinic
Acupuncture may be used as part of a broader care plan for:
- Neck and shoulder tightness from work or posture
- Lower back pain and stiffness
- Sports and overuse muscle strains
- Headaches and migraines
- Jaw tension
- Generalised muscle aches and stress-related tension
Your practitioner will always assess whether acupuncture is suitable for you and may recommend combining acupuncture with other therapies such as manual therapy, exercise, lifestyle advice or other allied health care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions will I need?
Can I have acupuncture alongside other treatment or medication?
