At The Backcare and Acupuncture Clinic, our commitment to patient well-being has stood the test for over 40 years. We’ve witnessed the evolving perception of acupuncture from scepticism to widespread acceptance, and today, we proudly integrate acupuncture into our holistic approach to managing chronic low back pain. With two clinics in Sutton Coldfield and Walsall, we’ve become a beacon of hope for those seeking relief from persistent back discomfort.
A Journey of Acceptance and Integration
After four decades in practice, we’ve seen the transformation in how acupuncture is perceived in the medical world. We’ve come a long way from the bad old days when a local GP once said to a patient, “if you see him for that mumbo jumbo [acupuncture], don’t bother coming back to me”. Today, we’re delighted to receive regular referrals from local GPs who recognize the value of acupuncture in pain management. Our clinics are registered for both Medical Acupuncture and Traditional Acupuncture, offering our patients the best of both worlds.
Introducing Our New Practitioners
Recently, we welcomed two new practitioners, Rastislav Sipos and Agostino Vecere, to our team. We’ve integrated acupuncture into their practice through a comprehensive training program. This involved formal coursework, clinical observations, and in-house training to ensure they provide the highest quality care. So, now all of our clinicians are qualified to perform acupuncture alongside their original qualifications. To learn more about Rastislav and Agostino, please visit their biographies here.
Backed by Medical Guidelines
We adhere to the latest medical guidelines to provide our patients with the best possible care. We’ve recently reviewed recommendations from the UK’s National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the American College of Physicians (ACP).
NICE Guidelines for Low Back Pain and Sciatica suggest considering acupuncture as a treatment option for individuals with chronic low back pain who haven’t responded to other treatments. NICE even recommends offering a course of acupuncture consisting of up to 10 sessions over a 12-week period.
The ACP Guidelines go a step further by recommending acupuncture as a non-pharmaceutical first-line treatment option for chronic low back pain. This reflects the growing recognition of acupuncture’s effectiveness in managing this challenging condition.
Real-World Success Stories
Our dedicated team of clinicians, all experienced in incorporating acupuncture alongside their other qualifications, consistently express their amazement at how effective acupuncture can be in helping patients regain their quality of life. Here are some comments from our clinicians:
- Agostino Vecere, Osteopath: “Watching how Paul, Daniela and Apurva effortlessly incorporate acupuncture, cupping and Gua Sha to complement their ‘hands-on’ techniques has been an eye opener. I understand why Acupuncture has become an indispensable tool in the practice.”
- Rastislav Sipos, Physiotherapist: “Over the past 12 years, I’ve always heard about the benefits of acupuncture alongside physiotherapy, but in the eight weeks I’ve been assisting, Paul I’ve seen just how well it integrates with and complements physiotherapy. It’s truly remarkable.”
Additionally, we’ve witnessed numerous patients benefit from acupuncture as part of their recovery journey. Here’s what some of them had to say:
- Mary S., Patient: “Acupuncture turned my life around. After years of suffering, I finally found relief. Thank you, Backcare and Acupuncture Clinic!”
- Mark D., Patient: “I was sceptical at first, but acupuncture worked wonders for my chronic back pain. I can’t recommend it enough.”
- Adam S., Patient: I came to Megan last summer as I’ve been experiencing back problems for a long time and she has helped massively.
- Priti K., Patient: Been suffering from Sciatica for nearly 2 years totally unable to sit or stand.. what a blessing to be treated by such a lovely and understanding person..
- Daniel S., Patient: Really appreciate the pain relief
Doctor’s Perspective
As a member of the British Medical Acupuncture Society, it is always a pleasure to attend the BMAS lectures and speak with other clinicians, mainly working in hospitals and general practice, as well as research how they use acupuncture. Though I often remember the local GP and his warning to his patient who was also seeing me from many years ago!
Cost Benefits and Beyond
Incorporating acupuncture into hospital and general practice can have significant cost benefits. Fewer pharmaceutical interventions and reduced hospital stays mean cost savings for both patients and healthcare systems. Acupuncture offers a safe and effective alternative that can improve patient outcomes while minimizing expenses.
At The Backcare and Acupuncture Clinic, we stand as a testament to the effectiveness of acupuncture in managing chronic low back pain. With the support of medical guidelines, our dedicated team, and the countless success stories of our patients, we continue to pave the way for a future where acupuncture is an integral part of holistic healthcare. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know is struggling with chronic low back pain. We’re here to help you on your path to pain-free living.