ACUPUNCTURE FOR PETS
We’re delighted to be able to offer acupuncture at Oakhill Vets as a complementary therapy alongside conventional veterinary medicine and surgery. Acupuncture can be highly beneficial for osteoarthritis, back pain, mobility issues, chronic musculoskeletal pain and nerve-related pain… amongst other conditions.
ACUPUNCTURE FOR PETS
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific areas of the body known as trigger points or muscle bodies. These points may sometimes be located away from the source of pain, which often makes treatment more comfortable and easier for pets to accept.
The technique is believed to work by influencing nerve pathways that transmit pain, improving local blood circulation, and stimulating the release of the body’s own natural pain-relieving chemicals within the brain and spinal cord. Together, these effects can help reduce discomfort and promote healing.
It is important to emphasise that acupuncture is not a replacement for conventional veterinary medicine. At Oakhill Vets, acupuncture is used alongside traditional diagnostic methods, medications, and surgical treatments to support your pet’s comfort, recovery, and long-term wellbeing.
Conditions That May Benefit from Acupuncture
Acupuncture is most commonly used to help manage musculoskeletal disorders and chronic painful conditions such as osteoarthritis, hip or elbow dysplasia, back and neck pain, muscle injuries, and post-operative discomfort. It may also support healing in certain skin conditions and can be helpful in some neurological cases. Each patient is assessed individually to determine whether acupuncture is likely to be beneficial.
Veterinary Acupuncture with Dr Natasha Clark MRCVS
Dr Natasha Clark MRCVS is a qualified Veterinary Surgeon and trained Veterinary Acupuncturist. She is an active member of the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists (ABVA), which promotes high standards in the practice of veterinary acupuncture. Further information about the ABVA can be found at www.abva.co.uk.
There are two recognised approaches to veterinary acupuncture. Traditional Chinese acupuncture is based on the concept of meridians, or energy channels, and may also incorporate herbal medicine. It is often applied to a wide range of disease processes. Western scientific acupuncture, which Natasha practices, uses a smaller number of needles placed directly into specific acupuncture and trigger points. It is commonly used in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, chronic pain, and to support skin healing. Both approaches consider the overall wellbeing of the patient. Natasha practices Western scientific acupuncture as a complementary therapy alongside conventional veterinary medicine and surgery.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING AN APPOINTMENT
Acupuncture consultations are held on a Wednesday afternoon at the Lytham Road branch and usually last between 20 and 25 minutes. Your pet will first be assessed by Natasha to ensure the treatment is appropriate and tailored to their individual needs. Most animals tolerate acupuncture extremely well and many become relaxed or even sleepy during the session. It is not uncommon for pets to become increasingly comfortable with repeat visits.
An initial course of four treatments is generally recommended, typically spaced one week apart. After this initial phase, we will reassess your pet’s progress and discuss whether ongoing maintenance treatments, often every other week, would be beneficial.
The cost per session is £84. Acupuncture is frequently covered by pet insurance as a complementary therapy, although we recommend confirming this with your individual insurer.
SUITABILITY FOR TREATMENT
For acupuncture to be effective, patients need to be reasonably calm and able to relax during the session. Animals who are extremely stressed, very nervous, highly agitated, or aggressive during veterinary visits are generally not considered suitable candidates for acupuncture. Stress can counteract the beneficial effects of treatment and may make the procedure unfair or uncomfortable for the pet.
Your pet’s temperament and comfort level will always be carefully assessed before treatment is recommended.
FAQs
1. Does acupuncture hurt?
No. The needles used are extremely fine – much thinner than vaccination needles. Most pets show little to no reaction and often become sleepy during treatment
2. How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture:
- Blocks pain signals along nerve pathways
- Improves blood supply to tissues
- Relaxes muscle spasm
- Stimulates natural pain-relieving chemicals in the brain and spinal cord
It is based on modern neurophysiology and pain science. Please note that
3. How many sessions will my pet need?
Most pets start with 4 weekly treatments.We then reassess progress. Some pets move to maintenance sessions every 2–4 weeks depending on their condition.
4. How quickly will we see results?
Some pets improve after the first session; others show gradual improvement over 2–4 treatments.
Chronic conditions often require ongoing management.
5. What conditions respond best?
Acupuncture is particularly effective for:
- Osteoarthritis
- Back pain
- Mobility issues
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Nerve-related pain
It can also support healing and reduce inflammation.
6. Is acupuncture a replacement for medication?
No. Acupuncture is often used alongside conventional veterinary medicine. In some cases, it may allow us to reduce medication levels, but only under veterinary guidance.
7. Is my pet too old for acupuncture?
Absolutely not. In fact, older pets with arthritis often benefit the most.
8. Is my pet suitable for acupuncture?
Acupuncture works best when patients are calm and relaxed. Pets who are very stressed, anxious, or aggressive at the vets are not usually suitable, as stress can reduce the benefits of treatment. Your pet’s temperament will always be assessed before acupuncture is recommended.
9. Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Many policies cover acupuncture as a complementary therapy when performed by a qualified veterinary surgeon. Please check your individual policy.
10. Who performs the treatment?
Acupuncture at Oakhill Vets is available on a Wednesday afternoon at our Lytham Road branch and performed by Dr. Natasha Clark MRCVS – Member of the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists (ABVA)
11. How do I book?
Please contact Oakhill Vets Lytham Road reception (01772 718774) to arrange an acupuncture consultation.