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What We Help With

Pain, Injuries & Recovery


From long-standing aches and restricted movement to recent injuries, we look beyond the pain to what’s keeping it there.

When pain keeps returning, or an injury won’t fully settle, it can quietly limit how you move, work and live.

Back, neck, shoulder and joint pain can creep in over time through repetitive strain, poor posture or persistent muscle tension. An older injury may flare up again months or years later, while a sports injury or sudden strain can leave you dealing with something completely new. Conditions such as frozen shoulder and a slipped disc can also lead to stiffness, restricted movement and discomfort.

Which is why there’s no single way to approach musculoskeletal pain. Acupuncture may be used on its own or alongside massage, cupping and other hands-on techniques where appropriate. What your practitioner recommends will depend on your symptoms, how long you’ve had them and what they find during your assessment.

For patients who may benefit from a more intensive combined approach, our Musculoskeletal Pain Treatment (MSP) brings acupuncture together with techniques such as cupping, manipulation or advanced Pi/Fu needling within a single appointment. Provided by a CMIR-registered practitioner, treatment typically lasts 45–75 minutes, with additional time for assessment at a first appointment.

What We See

Conditions We Commonly Help With


The conditions listed are not exhaustive. Contact us if you’re unsure whether Chinese medicine may be suitable for your situation.

How We Work

A Whole-Person Approach


Good care starts with understanding the wider picture. Your health history, lifestyle, current symptoms, and what you’re seeking support for all help inform what we recommend and, just as importantly, what we don’t.

Your Health Comes First

We only recommend what we believe is appropriate for you. Our practitioners are not paid on commission, so you’ll never be advised to have treatments or medicines you don’t need.

Clear, Honest Advice

Chinese medicine can often feel unfamiliar. We’ll explain what we find, what we recommend and why, answer your questions and help you make informed decisions about your care.

Who Treats You Matters

Our practitioners are selected for their clinical expertise and professional standards. We follow the codes of conduct of the Chinese Medicine Council and CMIR, and use carefully sourced, high-quality herbs and sterile single-use needles.

Ready to take the next step?

Start with an initial consultation to discuss your symptoms and find out which approach may be most appropriate for you.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions


Pain, Injuries & Recovery

What types of pain and injuries do people come to AcuMedic with?

People visit AcuMedic with many musculoskeletal concerns, including back and neck pain, tight muscles, stiff joints, sports injuries and limited movement.

Some symptoms appear suddenly, whilst others return repeatedly or continue for months or even years. Your practitioner will assess your situation first, then recommend the most suitable approach.

Do I need a diagnosis or scan before I book?

No. You can book an appointment without a formal diagnosis, scan or test result.

If you’ve already had an X-ray, MRI or another investigation, bring the report along if possible. Any relevant letters or information from your GP, physiotherapist or another healthcare professional can also help your practitioner understand your history.

Can I have treatment for a recent injury?

That depends on the injury, when it happened and the symptoms you have now.

Your practitioner will assess you before suggesting treatment. If you need medical tests or another type of care first, they’ll explain this rather than provide treatment that isn’t suitable.

Should I book acupuncture, MSP Treatment or massage?

The right appointment depends on what you’d like help with. Acupuncture may be used for a range of pain and musculoskeletal concerns, whilst massage focuses more directly on the muscles and other soft tissues.

MSP Treatment is designed for musculoskeletal pain, stiffness and restricted movement. Acupuncture forms the main part of the appointment, and your practitioner may also use cupping, hands-on manipulation or advanced Pi/Fu when appropriate.

If you’re unsure where to begin, our team can help you choose the appointment that best fits your needs.

Can I attend while seeing a physiotherapist, osteopath or another healthcare professional?

Yes. You don’t always have to choose one type of care.

Tell your practitioner about any other treatment you’re receiving, including exercises or rehabilitation plans. They can consider this information when deciding what treatment is appropriate and how it should fit alongside your existing care.

Treatment

Can Chinese medicine help with my condition?

That depends on more than the name of the condition. Your practitioner will consider your symptoms, medical history and wider Chinese medicine assessment before recommending treatment.

Chinese medicine can also be used alongside conventional medical care where appropriate. If it doesn’t seem suitable for you, we’ll explain why and suggest the next step instead.

How does my practitioner choose a treatment?

Chinese medicine doesn’t assume that the same symptoms always need the same treatment. Your practitioner will look at the pattern that emerges during your consultation and assessment, then choose the approach that best fits your needs.

As a result, two people with similar symptoms may receive different acupuncture points, herbal formulas or treatment plans. Your practitioner will talk you through their recommendation and explain the reasoning behind it.

Will I need acupuncture, herbal medicine or both?

It depends on what your practitioner finds during your assessment. They may recommend acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine or a combination of the two.

You won’t automatically receive both. If herbal medicine is recommended, your practitioner will explain why, and you can decide whether you want to take the prescription. Herbal medicine is charged separately.

How many treatments will I need?

There isn’t a fixed number of appointments that suits everyone. A recent health concern may need a different approach from something you’ve been experiencing for several years.

Your practitioner will consider what you want help with, how long you’ve had the symptoms and how you respond to treatment. After your assessment, they can suggest an initial plan and review your progress as you go. You won’t be asked to commit to a long course before you know how you respond.

Can Chinese medicine be used alongside conventional care?

Yes. We’re happy to work alongside the medical care you’re already receiving, so you don’t have to choose between the two.

Tell your practitioner about any medication, supplements or other treatments you’re having. This information helps them make appropriate recommendations.

Keep taking prescribed medication as directed. Don’t stop or change it unless the healthcare professional responsible for your care advises you to do so.

Will I receive diet or lifestyle advice?

Possibly. Where relevant, your practitioner may suggest practical changes to your diet, sleep, exercise or daily routine.

There isn’t one standard Chinese medicine diet or lifestyle plan for everyone. Any advice will be shaped around your health, circumstances and what is realistic for you.

Appointments

How do I know whether Chinese medicine may be suitable for me?

You don’t need to decide that before booking. During your consultation, your practitioner will ask what you’d like help with, review your health history and assess whether Chinese medicine is appropriate.

If another type of care would suit you better, we’ll tell you.

Do I need a medical diagnosis before booking?

No. You can book a consultation without a formal medical diagnosis.

If you have test results, medical letters or other health information, bring them with you. They can give your practitioner useful background alongside their own assessment.

I can’t find my condition on the website. Can I still book?

Yes. The conditions listed on our website are examples of concerns people commonly bring to us. They aren’t a complete list of everything our practitioners can assess.

If you’re unsure whether we can help, use our Free Health Advice service before booking. Tell us a little about what’s going on, and we’ll help you decide on the most appropriate next step.

What happens during my first consultation?

Your practitioner will begin by asking what has brought you in and taking a detailed health history. They may also ask about your sleep, digestion, energy and lifestyle, even when those details don’t seem connected to your main concern.

A traditional Chinese medicine assessment may include looking at your tongue and checking your pulse. Your practitioner will then explain their assessment, recommend an approach and explain why they recommend it.

If treatment is appropriate, it can often start during the same appointment.

Will I definitely receive treatment at my first appointment?

Not always. Treatment can often begin at the first appointment, but your consultation comes first.

If your practitioner thinks another type of care would be more appropriate, they’ll explain that rather than recommending treatment simply because you’ve booked an appointment.

How long will my first appointment last?

The length depends on the appointment you choose. An acupuncture appointment with a consultation usually takes around 60 minutes. A consultation without acupuncture generally lasts around 20 to 40 minutes.

If you’re unsure which appointment to book, our team can help.

Are consultations private and confidential?

Yes. Your consultation takes place in private, so you have space to discuss your health and concerns openly with your practitioner.

We treat the information you share confidentially and handle it according to our privacy and clinical record-keeping procedures.

Have a question that isn’t answered here? Get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

Find us

Visiting Camden Today?


  • Walk-ins welcome daily

    Subject to practitioner availability

  • Mon–Sat 10:00–19:00 · Sun 10:00–18:00

    Open 7 days a week

  • AcuMedic

    101-105 Camden High Street
    Camden
    London
    NW1 7JN