Combining traditional and modern techniques for gentle, effective treatment.
Acupuncture involves the use of fine needles inserted into specific points in the body to influence pain pathways, promote healing, and modulate physiological function. In veterinary contexts, it must follow legal and ethical guidelines as outlined by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
Only veterinary surgeons are legally permitted to insert needles into animals. While physiotherapists cannot perform traditional needle-based acupuncture on animals, they can integrate its philosophy into complementary approaches such as:
These adaptations allow physiotherapists to apply the principles of acupuncture in ways that align with professional boundaries and support pain relief in animals.
Donna is fully trained in anatomical acupuncture for human physiotherapy and uses these techniques for pain management and to complement rehabilitation. This expertise informs her clinical understanding of point-based therapies and enables a well-rounded approach to care for both animals and their owners.
In the animal setting, acupuncture-related methods are used primarily to aid pain management — enhancing comfort and facilitating participation in physiotherapeutic exercises. They are especially useful for animals experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort or chronic pain syndromes.