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Acupuncture uses very fine, sterile needles placed at specific points on the body to help reduce pain and support the body’s natural healing response.
People commonly seek acupuncture for back pain, neck pain, headaches, arthritis, muscle strains, sports injuries, and other chronic pain conditions.
Many patients choose acupuncture because it is a drug-free option, has few side effects when performed by a qualified practitioner, and can be used alongside other treatments such as physiotherapy, exercise, and medical care.
How does acupuncture work?
We can treat
Sports & Acute Injuries
- Ankle sprains (including high ankle sprain, ligament injury, ATFL injury)
- Knee injuries (ACL injury, patellofemoral pain syndrome)
- Hamstring strains/groin pulls
- Shin splints
- Muscle strains (neck, back, shoulder, calf, foot)
- Tennis elbow/golfer’s elbow (epicondylitis)
- Rotator cuff injuries/supraspinatus tears
- Wrist and RSI-related overuse injuries
- Sprained foot/ankle inversion injuries
Hip, Knee & Lower Limb Pain
- Hip pain
- Knee pain
- ACL injury recovery
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Foot pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Morton’s neuroma
Shoulder, Arm & Upper Limb Pain
- Frozen shoulder
- Rotator cuff tendinitis/rotator cuff injuries
- AC joint sprain
- Shoulder muscle strain or pain
- Elbow pain (tennis elbow/golfer’s elbow)
- Wrist pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Chronic & Neuropathic Pain Conditions
- Osteoarthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Postherpetic neuralgia
- Chronic neck and back pain
- General musculoskeletal pai
Neck, Back & Spinal Pain
- Neck pain / cervical strain / whiplash-type injuries
- Lower back pain / lumbar sprain or strain
- Sciatica / sciatic nerve pain
- Bulging or herniated discs
- General spinal tension and stiffness
General Medical & Recovery-Related Pain
- Post-surgical pain
- Post-cancer treatment joint pain
- Labour-related pain support
- Menstrual cramps and pain syndromes
Head, Face & Jaw Pain
- Tension headaches
- Migraines
- Jaw pain / TMJ dysfunction
Getting your treatment under ACC
Step 1: See a Healthcare Provider
Visit a healthcare provider such as your GP, doctor, physiotherapist, chiropractor, osteopath, or a hospital/urgent care clinic for assessment of your injury.
Step 2: Lodge an ACC Claim
The healthcare provider will complete and submit an ACC injury claim form (ACC45) on your behalf. ACC will review the claim and determine whether the injury is covered.
Step 3: Receive Your ACC Claim Number
Once your claim is accepted, ACC will issue you an ACC claim number.
Step 4: Book Acupuncture Treatment
You can then use your ACC claim number to receive ACC-subsidised acupuncture treatment from a registered acupuncturist at Ponsonby Wellness Centre.
Read more about what ACC can cover here
ACC Acupuncture Treatment Entitlements
- ACC may fund up to 12 acupuncture treatments within 12 weeks from your first ACC-funded acupuncture appointment.
- Seeing other healthcare providers, such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, or osteopaths, does not reduce your acupuncture treatment allocation.
- ACC claims should generally be lodged within 12 months of the accident or injury date.
- Once your ACC claim is approved, it is best to begin treatment as soon as possible.
- If you need more treatment after your initial allocation, your acupuncturist may apply to ACC for additional funding, subject to ACC approval.
Acupuncture Pricing
ACC First Visit
$75.00
- Please have your ACC45 number ready
- First visit price
Non-ACC consultation
$130.00
- Charged on the first visit only.
ACC Follow Up
$50.00
- Please have your ACC45 number ready
Non-ACC Acupuncture
$120.00
- Consultation is required first
- Acupuncture treatment
FAQs
Who may benefit from acupuncture for pain?
Acupuncture may be suitable for people who:
- Prefer a natural approach to pain relief
- Experience side effects from pain medications
- Cannot take certain pain medications due to medical conditions
- Have chronic or recurring pain
- Wish to use acupuncture alongside other treatments recommended by their healthcare providers
Will one acupuncture treatment completely relieve my pain?
In most cases, pain relief develops gradually over a series of treatments. While some people notice improvement after their first session, others may require several treatments before experiencing significant benefits.
A common treatment plan may involve:
- 1–2 treatments per week
- For approximately 5–6 weeks
However, every person is different. Your practitioner will discuss a treatment plan tailored to your condition, symptoms, and goals.
Are there any side effects?
Most side effects are mild and temporary. These may include:
- Slight bruising
- Minor bleeding at needle sites
- Temporary soreness
- Feeling relaxed or sleepy after treatment
Can acupuncture be used alongside other treatments?
Yes. Acupuncture is often used alongside conventional medical care, physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, exercise programmes, and other healthcare approaches. Always inform your healthcare providers about any treatments you are receiving.
Are there any conditions I should tell my acupuncturist about before treatment?
Yes. Please inform your practitioner if you:
- Are pregnant or trying to conceive
- Have a bleeding disorder
- Take blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants)
- Have a pacemaker or other implanted medical device
- Have allergies to metals
- Have a skin infection, rash, or wound near the treatment area
- Have any significant medical conditions or concerns
Providing a complete medical history helps ensure your treatment is safe and appropriate.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments varies depending on:
- The type of pain
- How long you have had the condition
- The severity of symptoms
- Your overall health
- How your body responds to treatment
Your practitioner will discuss a personalised treatment plan during your consultation.