Q:  Do i need to let my current doctor know that I am atending acupuncture as well as my current physio sessions? Will there be any interference between the two types of therapy and will my physio not approve then what do I do?

A: We take the view that it is far better that someone tells all of their current health professionals what treatments they are having. This means that in some cases the treatment can be co-ordinated, and equally that the professionals involved can share information, if they wish, which can only be to the patient's benefit. It also means that there are fewer 'unexpected reactions' - if, for example, someone experiences a day or two of discomfort after a physio or acupuncture session, there is less chance that this is wrongly ascribed to a medical treatment.
 
One circumstance where this might make a material difference is if the physio is also offering acupuncture, as many now do. Some BAcC members are not too keen for a patient to be having acupuncture from two people at the same time, and may defer their treatments until after the course of physiotherapy has been completed. Others see the two modes of treatment as essentially different and working on two levels, so they are happy to treat at the same time. In either case it is important that the two professionals know.
 
If your doctor or physio has any concerns about the fact that you are having acupuncture you are then best advised to ask them if your acupuncture practitioner can speak to them directly to explain how the treatments are complementary to each other.