We recently spoke with Yvonne to learn more about her experience using acupuncture for chronic pain relief. Born and raised in London, Yvonne is a 38 year old lawyer who lives with her partner and young child. She loves travelling and recently returned from a holiday to New York.

Yvonne’s Pain Background

Health is extremely important to me. I go jogging most mornings for one hour and I find this a great way to start the day feeling fully energised. I eat a healthy diet, avoid processed foods such as white pasta as well as unnecessary medication where possible.

In recent years, I struggled with ongoing chronic pain including persistent groin and back pain. The groin strain was so intense that I was unable to cross my legs when seated. I believe the back pain was primarily caused by carrying a heavy laptop back and forth from the office.

At first, I tried to manage the pain all by myself and hoped it would simply disappear. However, the pain didn’t go away, quite the contrary, it gradually become more intense and severe. I was left with no option but to seek professional help. In hindsight, I should have started sooner.

I started by seeing my GP who referred me to see a physiotherapist through the NHS. Given the state of my condition, the physiotherapist recommended that I considered commencing complementary therapy to help manage the symptoms. This was to occur alongside my course of physio which consisted of 4-5 sessions.

The two options she presented were Chinese massage and acupuncture. Based on my own research and given my low pain threshold (Chinese massage can be great intense), I opted for acupuncture treatment.

Yvonne’s Acupuncture Experience

My physiotherapist was able to connect me to a local acupuncturist who she knew well. Before I started my first session of acupuncture, I did extensive research on what to expect and was comfortable that I wasn’t going to feel too much discomfort.

The acupuncturist was great – he was kind and showed empathy with my situation which helped me relax. We spent a large part of the first session understanding my own situation and he carefully explained how his prescribed course of treatment would work.

I only felt a very slight tingling sensation during the sessions as the needles were inserted. I was so calm, I probably could have fallen asleep.
After a few sessions, I began to notice an improvement and the long term pain became less pronounced. This continued to gradually improve further until I had completed the full course of 8 sessions.

I no longer feel significant groin or back pain now and am better able to manage any pain that I still experience.

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