Acupuncture and Physical Therapy

Acupuncture and Physical Therapy: Are they effective?

Combining acupuncture and physical therapy isn’t just a trend—it’s a scientifically supported approach to pain relief and recovery.

If you’ve ever dealt with chronic pain, a sports injury, or even long-term conditions like arthritis, you’ve probably heard about acupuncture and physical therapy. But what happens when these two worlds collide? Can combining them actually make a difference?

Let’s dive into the science, the benefits, and whether this dynamic duo is worth your time.

Acupuncture and Physical Therapy

What Is Acupuncture and Physical Therapy?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that dates back over 3,000 years. It involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance energy flow (or “qi”) and promote healing1.

On the other hand, physical therapy is a modern medical practice that uses techniques like exercise, manual therapy, and equipment (think ultrasound or electrical stimulation) to restore movement and function2.

While they come from different philosophies—acupuncture from ancient Chinese medicine and physical therapy from Western science—they share a common goal: helping people feel better. And when combined, they might just be a powerhouse for pain relief and recovery.

The Benefits of Combining Acupuncture and Physical Therapy

1. Pain Relief That Actually Works

Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers3.

Pair that with physical therapy’s ability to reduce inflammation and improve mobility, and you’ve got a one-two punch against pain4.

Research from the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology found that combining acupuncture with physical therapy significantly improved pain relief for patients with knee osteoarthritis compared to physical therapy alone5.

2. Faster Recovery Times

Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury or recovering from surgery, combining these therapies can speed up healing. Acupuncture improves blood flow to injured areas6, while physical therapy strengthens muscles and improves range of motion7.

A 2023 study in the Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies found that patients with carpal tunnel syndrome who received both treatments had better outcomes than those who only did physical therapy8.

3. Fewer Side Effects

Unlike some medications, acupuncture and physical therapy are non-invasive and have minimal side effects. The worst you might experience is some mild soreness or bruising from the needles—nothing compared to the potential risks of long-term painkillers9.

4. A Holistic Approach to Healing

Acupuncture focuses on the body as a whole10, while physical therapy targets specific areas11. Together, they address both the symptoms and the root cause of your pain. For example, if you have chronic back pain, acupuncture can help relax tight muscles, while physical therapy can correct posture and strengthen your core.

Summary: Acupuncture treats the whole body, physical therapy targets specific parts. Together, they handle pain symptoms and root causes, like for chronic back pain.

patient practicing acupuncture in alternative medicine clinic
Photo by Ryutaro Tsukata on Pexels.com

How Does It Work in Practice?

In places like the U.S., Canada, and Australia, it’s not uncommon for physical therapists to be trained in acupuncture12. In Hong Kong, for instance, registered physical therapists must complete advanced acupuncture courses and meet strict hygiene and safety standards before they can offer the treatment13.

Here’s what a typical session might look like:

  • Step 1: Your physical therapist assesses your condition and identifies areas of pain or dysfunction.
  • Step 2: They use acupuncture to target specific points, often based on Western anatomy and research rather than traditional Chinese medicine theories.
  • Step 3: After the needles are removed, they might follow up with manual therapy, exercises, or other physical therapy techniques to reinforce the benefits.

Is It Backed by Science?

While acupuncture has been around for millennia, Western science is still catching up. Studies have shown promising results, especially for conditions like14:

  • Chronic pain (e.g., back pain, arthritis)
  • Sports injuries (e.g., tennis elbow, tendonitis)
  • Neurological conditions (e.g., stroke recovery, facial paralysis)

A 2024 meta-analysis in Pain Management Nursing found that combining acupuncture and physical therapy was particularly effective for treating frozen shoulder, improving both pain and range of motion15.

That said, more high-quality, large-scale studies are needed to fully understand how and why these therapies work so well together.

Summary: In some countries, physical therapists may be trained in acupuncture. A session involves assessment, needle – targeting, and follow – up. Studies show it’s promising for chronic pain, sports injuries, etc.

In different countries and regions, how can one find a professional and qualified acupuncturist or clinic?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is acupuncture painful?

Not really! The needles are super thin, so you might feel a slight prick or tingling sensation, but it’s generally not painful. Many people find it relaxing16.

2. How many sessions will I need?

It depends on your condition, but most people start to see improvements within 4-6 sessions. Chronic conditions might require more.

3. Can I do acupuncture and physical therapy on the same day?

Absolutely! In fact, many therapists recommend combining them in a single session for maximum benefit.

4. Are there any risks?

Both therapies are considered safe when performed by trained professionals. Just make sure your therapist is certified and follows proper hygiene protocols17.

5. Will my insurance cover it?

It depends on your provider and location. Some insurance plans cover acupuncture and physical therapy, especially if they’re prescribed by a doctor.

Bottom Line

Combining acupuncture and physical therapy isn’t just a trend—it’s a scientifically supported approach to pain relief and recovery. Whether you’re dealing with a nagging injury, chronic pain, or post-surgery rehab, this duo offers a holistic, low-risk way to feel better faster.

So, if you’ve been on the fence about trying acupuncture or physical therapy, why not give both a shot? Your body might just thank you.

Trusted Sources

  1. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-effectiveness-and-safety ↩︎
  2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/physical-therapy ↩︎
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7755848/ ↩︎
  4. https://internaware.org/blog/the-role-of-physical-therapy-in-enhancing-mobility-and-recovery/ ↩︎
  5. Chen, L. X., Mao, J. J., Fernandes, S., Galantino, M. L., Guo, W., LaRiccia, P., … & Farrar, J. T. (2013). Integrating acupuncture with exercise-based physical therapy for knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, 19(6), 326-332. https://journals.lww.com/jclinrheum/Abstract/2013/09000/Integrating_Acupuncture_With_Exercise_Based.2.aspx ↩︎
  6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14987626/ ↩︎
  7. https://academic.oup.com/ptj/article-abstract/81/5/1110/2857600 ↩︎
  8. Mamipour, H., Negahban, H., Badiee Aval, S., Zaferanieh, M., Moradi, A., & Kachooei, A. R. (2023). Effectiveness of physiotherapy plus acupuncture compared with physiotherapy alone on pain, disability and grip strength in people with carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies, 30, 1-7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1360859223000487 ↩︎
  9. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10088157/ ↩︎
  10. http://www.foundation-steam.org/papers/nonresearch/Filling-Whole-in-acup-1.pdf ↩︎
  11. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/physical-therapy ↩︎
  12. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6917269/ ↩︎
  13. https://iaapt.physio/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Accreditation-Scheme-for-Basic-Acupuncture-Education-for-Physical-Therapists-v.3.7.pdf ↩︎
  14. https://hms.harvard.edu/news/exploring-science-acupuncture ↩︎
  15. Xu, B., Zhang, L., Zhang, X., & Feng, S. (2024). Efficacy of combining acupuncture and physical therapy for the management of patients with frozen shoulder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain Management Nursing, 25(6), 523-535. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1524904224001942 ↩︎
  16. https://www.healthline.com/health/does-acupuncture-hurt ↩︎
  17. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/about/pac-20392763 ↩︎
Michael Zhang
Michael Zhang

Michael Zhang is a long-time health buff. He's committed to a lifestyle that's rooted in science. You can count on his articles to be accurate and reliable.

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