Dry needling / acupuncture consent form

This page provides information about dry needling or modern acupuncture to help you make an informed decision about treatment. Fiona will discuss this with you and answer any questions before treatment takes place.

Intended benefits of dry needling / acupuncture

Dry needling or modern acupuncture may help with the following:

• Reduction of pain
• Alleviation of muscle spasm and tension
• Facilitation of the healing process
• Induction of local and general relaxation
• Promotion of general wellbeing
• Improvement of sleep pattern

Possible adverse effects

The following are known possible adverse effects associated with acupuncture, based on research evidence. Fiona will discuss these with you and explain if you may be at any increased risk.

• Bleeding or bruising (approximately 3%)
• Mild aggravation of symptoms (approximately 3%, with 70–85% showing subsequent improvement)
• Mild pain at the needle site (approximately 1%)
• Drowsiness (approximately 1%)
• Dizziness (approximately 0.6%)
• Pain away from the needle site (approximately 0.5%)
• Nausea (approximately 0.3%)
• Feeling faint (approximately 0.3%)
• Stuck or bent needle (approximately 0.1%)
• Headache (approximately 0.1%)
• Allergy or infection (up to approximately 0.2%)
• Pneumothorax (approximately 0.0002%, fewer than 2 per 1 million treatments)

Although acupuncture is an established treatment, there may be other adverse effects that have not been recorded. If you experience anything unusual following treatment, please contact Essential Osteopathy or your GP promptly.

Consent

Before any dry needling or modern acupuncture treatment, Fiona will explain the procedure, the intended benefits and the possible risks, and will answer any questions you may have.

Your verbal consent will be obtained before treatment takes place. Consent is ongoing and you may withdraw it at any time during treatment.

You will be asked not to disturb the needles during treatment and to let Fiona know immediately if you have any discomfort or concerns.