Acupuncture in Physiotherapy

Acupuncture has long been recognised as complementing the practice of physiotherapy. Acupuncture in Physiotherapy is written for physiotherapists who have already received a basic training in acupuncture and who wish to extend their practice and achieve an intermediate standard of knowledge. It links the philosophies of Traditional Chinese Medicine with the theory and practice of Western science in a single, clearly written and highly readable text. Acupuncture in Physiotherapy addresses the important issues on appropriate acupuncture research methodologies, particularly that of placebo control, and enables the reader to judge the quality of RCT evidence. It also examines more recent research into the mechanisms of acupuncture. Treatment vignettes are included throughout the text to demonstrate the immediate relevance of the sophisticated and subtle TCM thinking to modern physiotherapy practice. Research papers and texts are cited where they support TCM theory. Val Hopwood is an experienced practitioner and is well known for her acupuncture courses. Her ecumenical approach to the subject avoids an abstract separation of the two strands of acupuncture and in its juxtaposition of science and mythology provides a stimulating and original survey. Full of insights, this book will be required reading not only for physiotherapists but any health professional who uses acupuncture in their practice.