Acupuncture in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to ease pain and restore a sense of balance. At PREP Physio we practise traditional acupuncture, backed by a full clinical assessment from our team, so whether you’re dealing with a stubborn ache or simply feel run down and wound up, your treatment is built around you.
- Traditional acupuncture
- Included in your session
- Single-use sterile needles
What is traditional acupuncture?
Traditional acupuncture comes from Chinese medicine. It views the body as a connected whole, with energy, or “qi”, flowing along pathways called meridians. Very fine needles are placed at specific points along these meridians to help restore balance, and the points are chosen from your whole picture: your symptoms, how you’re sleeping, your stress levels and your general health, not only where it hurts.
Modern research has also looked at what happens when these points are needled. Studies suggest needling can stimulate nerves and prompt the body to release its own natural painkillers, such as endorphins, which may be one reason many people find it both pain-relieving and deeply relaxing.
What people come to us for
Back, neck & joint pain
Aches that linger, including long-standing pain that hasn’t settled with rest.
Headaches & migraine
UK NICE guidance includes acupuncture as an option to help prevent chronic tension-type headache and migraine.
Stress & tension
Many people use acupuncture as calm, quiet time to switch off and let go of tension.
Sleep & relaxation
Clients often tell us they sleep better and feel more rested after a session.
Persistent pain
NICE guidance also lists acupuncture as an option for some types of chronic pain.
General wellbeing
Regular sessions to help you feel balanced, energised and more like yourself.
Acupuncture isn’t a cure-all. Where pain is involved, we combine it with movement and exercise advice, because that’s what gives the most lasting results.
Acupuncture or dry needling?
We offer both, and they’re easy to confuse because they use the same fine needles:
Acupuncture
Traditional meridian points
Needles are placed at points along the meridians, often away from the painful area, and left in place for around 15–30 minutes while you rest. Used for pain and for overall wellbeing.
Dry needling
Muscle trigger points
A needle goes directly into a tight knot in a muscle, usually for just seconds, to help it release. Used for specific muscle pain and tension. More on dry needling →
Not sure which is right for you? Your practitioner will recommend the best option, and sometimes both are used in the same session.
No extra charge for acupuncture
Acupuncture is included in your physiotherapy session, and it’s receipted as physiotherapy, which most Irish health insurance plans cover in part.
Every policy is different, so confirm your cover with your insurer before you book.Your first acupuncture appointment
- A full consultation. We ask about your symptoms, your health history, your sleep, energy and stress, and check acupuncture is safe for you.
- Choosing your points. We explain which points we’ll use and why, and answer any questions before we start.
- Treatment. Fine needles are placed and left in while you lie back and relax in a warm, quiet treatment room. Many people drift off.
- Your plan. Acupuncture usually works best as a short course of sessions. We review how you’re feeling at each visit and adjust as you go.
Who provides acupuncture at PREP
Three of our team are trained in acupuncture, so you can have it as part of your treatment with any of them.
Laura Bhreathnach
Senior Chartered Physiotherapist
Often combines acupuncture with physiotherapy for back, neck, hip and long-standing pain.
Ciara Sheridan
Senior Chartered Physiotherapist
Brings a holistic approach, with training in yoga, breathwork and wellbeing practices alongside physiotherapy.
Murillo Dalmazo
Sports Massage Therapist
Uses acupuncture alongside massage for active people carrying tension, aches and stress.
Safety
We use single-use, sterile, disposable needles every time. Side effects are usually minor and short-lived, such as a small bruise or feeling a little tired or light-headed afterwards, so have something to eat before your appointment. We’ll ask about blood-thinning medication, pregnancy, pacemakers, needle anxiety and any conditions that affect your immune system before treating you.
Price
Physiotherapy session with acupuncture
45 minutes, with Laura or CiaraExtended session
60 minutesSports massage with acupuncture
60 minutes, with MurilloFrom the blog: Dry needling vs acupuncture: what’s the difference? →
Acupuncture FAQs
What type of acupuncture do you practise?
Traditional acupuncture, based on Chinese medicine, using points along the body’s meridians. It’s provided by our trained team as part of your treatment, following a full consultation.
Does acupuncture hurt?
The needles are much finer than an injection needle. You might feel a small prick, then a dull ache, warmth or tingling around the needle, which most people find very tolerable.
Can acupuncture help with stress and sleep?
Many people find acupuncture deeply relaxing and tell us they sleep better afterwards. Everyone responds differently, and we’ll talk through what you’d like to get from your sessions at your consultation.
How many sessions will I need?
Acupuncture usually works best as a short course. We review how you’re feeling after each session and adjust your plan as you go.
Does acupuncture cost extra?
No. It’s included in a physiotherapy session with Laura or Ciara (€80 for 45 minutes, €105 for 60 minutes) or in a 60-minute sports massage with Murillo (€90).
Can I claim acupuncture on health insurance?
Yes, as part of a physiotherapy session, subject to your policy. You’ll receive a physiotherapy receipt.
Book acupuncture in Ballsbridge
62 Baggot Lane, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Easy to reach from Donnybrook, Sandymount and Ranelagh.