Paralysis after a stroke, injury or nerve illness changes life for the patient and the whole family. Recovery depends first on prompt hospital treatment and then on steady rehabilitation: physiotherapy, medicines and patient daily effort.
Acupuncture is used in many countries as part of that rehabilitation. It does not replace physiotherapy or medical care; it is added to them.
What people come to us with
- Weakness on one side of the body after a stroke
- Stiffness and tightness in the affected arm or leg
- Shoulder pain on the weak side
- Facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy)
- Numbness, pain or poor sleep during recovery
How treatment is approached
Points on the affected limbs, the scalp and the hands are used, with the aim of easing stiffness and pain and supporting the exercises given by the physiotherapist.
Since travelling is difficult for most paralysis patients, treatment is commonly given at home, where family members can also be shown simple acupressure to continue daily.
Therapies used: acupuncture, acupressure, sujok therapy. Home visits are available.
What to expect
Research suggests acupuncture may help with stiffness, pain and day-to-day function when added to standard rehabilitation, particularly when started in the months soon after a stroke. Recovery varies greatly from person to person and no outcome can be promised.
The practitioner will give you an honest view after seeing the patient and the hospital reports.
See a doctor first if you have
- Sudden weakness, drooping face or slurred speech: this is an emergency, go to hospital at once
- Any new weakness or sudden worsening
- Severe headache, fits or loss of consciousness
- Fever, breathing difficulty or bed sores
Common questions
How soon after a stroke can acupuncture start?
Once the patient is medically stable and the treating doctor agrees. Earlier in recovery is generally thought to be more useful than later, but it can be started at any stage.
Do you treat paralysis patients at home?
Yes. Home visits are available, and they are the usual choice for patients who cannot travel comfortably.
Should physiotherapy continue?
Yes, always. Acupuncture works alongside physiotherapy, not instead of it.