Acupuncture in Liverpool Street, London

Not quite. We practise Western medical acupuncture, an evidence-informed adaptation used by chartered physiotherapists within the AACP framework. It is based on a physiotherapy diagnosis and current understanding of pain and the nervous system, rather than traditional Chinese medicine theory. The needles and points may look similar, but the clinical reasoning is physiotherapy-led throughout.

The needles are very fine, so most people feel only a brief prick followed by a dull ache or heaviness as the needle settles. Serious side effects are rare when delivered by trained, registered clinicians using single-use sterile needles. Minor bruising, brief drowsiness, or temporary soreness can occur and usually settle within a day.

We use acupuncture mainly as an adjunct for persistent musculoskeletal pain — long-standing back, neck, shoulder, and tendon or muscle pain that has not fully settled with other physiotherapy. NICE guidance (NG193) recognises acupuncture as an option for chronic primary pain. It is one tool within your wider rehabilitation plan, not a cure-all.

No. The Physio Rooms is a self-referral practice — you can book directly through our Cliniko online booking, with no GP referral needed. Acupuncture itself is offered only after a physiotherapy assessment, so your first step is a physiotherapy appointment where we decide together whether acupuncture is appropriate for you.

Tell us before any needling if you take anticoagulants, have a bleeding disorder, or are pregnant. Anticoagulants and bleeding disorders raise bruising and bleeding risk, and we apply particular caution in the first trimester of pregnancy. We screen for these at every visit and will adapt or avoid acupuncture where it is not appropriate.