Acupuncture

Acupuncture Therapy in Auckland

Acupuncture therapy is a valuable treatment when pain, tightness or swelling is making movement harder than it should be. Our acupuncture Auckland team uses fine needle treatment as part of practical, evidence-informed physiotherapy care, helping to settle irritated tissues, reduce muscle guarding and support recovery. Your physiotherapist will explain what the needles are for, how treatment works, and where acupuncture fits into the wider plan for getting you moving comfortably again.

Alternatively, request an appointment using the form below.

A physiotherapist placing an acupuncture needle

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    Who it suits

    Common Conditions We Treat With Acupuncture Therapy

    At Cairnhill Physiotherapy, acupuncture therapy may be included as part of physiotherapy treatment for a range of injuries, pain concerns and movement restrictions, including:

    01

    Muscle and Ligament Injuries

    We use acupuncture therapy to support recovery from muscle strains, ligament sprains and soft tissue injuries, helping to manage pain, tightness and swelling while your body heals.

    02

    Sports Injuries and Dry Needling Support

    For hamstring strains, calf tightness and other sports-related concerns, our team may use acupuncture or dry needling Auckland treatment alongside rehabilitation and strengthening work.

    03

    Joint Pain and Swelling

    Acupuncture needle therapy may help with joint pain, swelling and stiffness affecting the ankles, elbows, knees, wrists and shoulders, particularly when movement feels restricted.

    04

    Neck Pain, Headaches and Sciatica

    Our acupuncture team may use treatment to help manage neck pain, headaches and sciatica where muscle tension, nerve irritation or restricted movement are contributing factors.

    05

    Pre and Post-Operative Rehabilitation

    Acupuncture can support pre and post-operative rehabilitation by helping to manage discomfort, swelling and muscle tension as you move through recovery.

    Your physiotherapist

    Meet Millie

    Millie has a real passion for helping others. She’s likes to use a hands-on approach combined with education and exercise prescription to help individuals meet their rehab goals and most importantly get back to the things they enjoy.

    Read more about Millie
    Millie Askin, Associate Physiotherapist at Cairnhill Physiotherapy
    A physiotherapist placing an acupuncture needle
    Why us

    Why Choose Cairnhill Physiotherapy?

    We combine clinical expertise, one-on-one care, and sport-specific rehabilitation to help athletes and active people recover properly and perform at their best.

    Cairnhill Physiotherapy has been treating Aucklanders for more than five decades. That experience matters when you’re dealing with pain, tight muscles or an injury that isn’t settling on its own.

    Acupuncture works best when it’s part of a clear treatment plan. Our experts can integrate alongside physiotherapy, massage, rehabilitation exercises or strengthening work, depending on what your body needs.

    Many people arrive at their first acupuncture appointment feeling unsure about what to expect. We’ll explain the process before treatment begins, answer your questions, and make sure you feel comfortable throughout the session.

    If your injury is covered by ACC, acupuncture may be included as part of your physiotherapy treatment. Our team can talk you through your options and help you understand how your care is managed.

    Sessions

    Our Acupuncture Services in Auckland

    Acupuncture is used as part of a holistic physiotherapy approach to reduce pain, release muscle tension, support healing and improve movement. Following a detailed assessment, your physiotherapist will determine how acupuncture can best be incorporated into your treatment plan.

    01

    Pain Management

    Acupuncture can help reduce acute and chronic pain by stimulating the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms. It is commonly used for back pain, neck pain, joint pain and persistent musculoskeletal conditions.

    02

    Dry Needling for Muscle Tension

    Dry needling targets tight muscles and trigger points that may be causing pain, stiffness or reduced mobility. This treatment can help release muscle tension and improve flexibility and movement quality.

    03

    Sports Injury Recovery

    Acupuncture can be incorporated into sports injury rehabilitation to assist with pain relief, reduce muscle tightness and support recovery from strains, sprains and overuse injuries.

    04

    Headache & Migraine Treatment

    Many patients find acupuncture beneficial for tension headaches and migraines. Treatment aims to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation and help minimise headache frequency and intensity.

    05

    Joint Pain & Inflammation Management

    Acupuncture may help manage pain and swelling associated with conditions affecting the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and ankles, supporting improved comfort and mobility.

    06

    Pre & Post-Operative Rehabilitation

    Acupuncture is often used before and after surgery to help manage pain, reduce muscle tension and support the rehabilitation process alongside physiotherapy and exercise-based recovery programmes.

    How we work

    A Structured Approach to Acupuncture

    Personalised Assessment & Treatment Planning

    Before commencing treatment, your physiotherapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand your symptoms, injury history, movement patterns and treatment goals. This allows us to determine whether acupuncture is appropriate for your condition and how it can be integrated into your overall physiotherapy programme. Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual, ensuring the most effective approach for pain relief, recovery and long-term results.

    Integrated Treatment & Ongoing Recovery

    At Cairnhill Physiotherapy, acupuncture is rarely used in isolation. Depending on your needs, it may be combined with physiotherapy treatments such as manual therapy, sports massage, rehabilitation exercises, Pilates and strength training. Throughout your recovery, we monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed to help reduce pain, improve function and support your return to work, sport and everyday activities.

    Acupuncture needles being placed along the calf

    Book An Acupuncture Appointment Today

    Pain, tightness and restricted movement are easier to manage with the right plan in place. At Cairnhill Physiotherapy, we’ll help you understand what’s contributing to your symptoms and whether acupuncture is the right fit for your treatment. Reach out to book an appointment with our friendly Epsom team.

    BOOK ONLINE
    A patient booking at the Cairnhill Physiotherapy reception desk
    Questions

    Acupuncture FAQs

    Answers to some common questions about acupuncture therapy and recovery.

    Acupuncture therapy is used to help manage pain, muscle tightness, swelling and movement restrictions. It may be included in treatment for sports injuries, joint pain, headaches, neck pain, sciatica and rehabilitation.

    If your injury is covered by ACC, acupuncture may be included as part of your physiotherapy treatment. Our team can discuss ACC acupuncture Auckland options during your appointment.

    Both treatments use fine needles. Acupuncture focuses on specific points to help manage pain and support recovery, while dry needling is often used to target tight muscle bands and trigger points.

    Most patients feel very little when the needles are inserted. Treatment is carried out in a calm setting, and your physiotherapist will explain each step before beginning.

    Hired an ice and compression machine from Cairnhill Physio for use after a total knee joint replacement. The machine was excellent.
    Put out my back and made an appointment with Harley. During this period, I also sustained an injury to my soleus muscle, which was also treated.
    I have recently been cleared to return to sport after my ACL reconstruction. The team at Cairnhill have been amazing.
    Patient reviews 4.9 from 51 reviews
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    Other Services

    Explore the rest of our physiotherapy services at the Epsom clinic.