Pain relief in Wokingham, Berkshire

At Wokingham Therapy Clinic, we offer effective, evidence-based treatments for a wide range of acute and chronic pain conditions. Whether you are dealing with back pain, joint pain, nerve pain or a musculoskeletal injury, our experienced practitioners take a thorough, personalised approach to help you find lasting relief.

NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines now recommend that GPs offer a course of acupuncture sessions as a first-line treatment for persistent, non-specific low back pain – reflecting the growing recognition of acupuncture as a clinically effective pain management tool. If you are unsure which treatment is right for you, please contact us and we will be happy to advise.

On this page

1. Conditions we treat
2. Therapies for pain relief
3. How acupuncture relieves pain
4. Our approach
5. Self-help advice
6. Frequently asked questions

Conditions we treat

Our practitioners have extensive experience treating a wide range of pain conditions, including:

Back pain

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek complementary treatment. It can range from acute pain following an injury to chronic, long-standing discomfort that significantly affects daily life. NICE recommends acupuncture alongside exercise and manual therapy as first-line treatments for persistent low back pain. Research has shown that acupuncture is significantly better than no treatment and at least as effective as standard medical care for back pain.

Neck pain

Neck pain is frequently caused by poor posture, prolonged sitting at a desk or screen, muscle tension, whiplash or cervical spondylosis. It can cause stiffness, restricted movement, headaches and referred pain into the shoulders and arms. Acupuncture and massage are both effective treatments for neck pain and can provide significant relief, particularly when the pain has a muscular or postural component.

Knee pain

Knee pain is a common complaint affecting people of all ages. It can result from osteoarthritis, ligament injuries, meniscal tears, patellofemoral syndrome or general wear and tear. Acupuncture has a good evidence base for knee osteoarthritis and can reduce pain, improve function and decrease reliance on anti-inflammatory medication. Sports massage can also support recovery from soft-tissue knee injuries.

Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a painful condition characterised by progressive stiffness and loss of movement in the shoulder joint. It can take months or years to resolve without treatment. Acupuncture can help reduce pain and inflammation and improve range of movement, particularly when started early in the course of the condition.

Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a painful condition caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm, resulting in pain and tenderness around the outside of the elbow. Despite the name, it affects many people who do not play tennis, particularly those whose work involves repetitive arm movements. Acupuncture and sports massage can both help reduce pain and accelerate recovery.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel and foot pain, caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia – the band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. It typically causes sharp pain on the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain and support tissue healing.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep problems and cognitive difficulties. Its cause is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve central sensitisation – an amplification of pain signals in the nervous system. Acupuncture can help manage fibromyalgia symptoms, particularly pain, sleep and fatigue, and may be used alongside conventional medical treatment.

Sports injuries

Sports injuries including muscle strains, tendon injuries, sprains and overuse injuries can respond well to acupuncture and sports massage. These therapies can help reduce inflammation, improve circulation to injured tissue, relieve pain and support a faster return to activity. Our practitioners have experience working with recreational and competitive athletes.

Headaches and migraines

Acupuncture is recommended by NICE as a preventive treatment for chronic tension-type headaches and migraines. A course of acupuncture has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines, with effects that can last for many months after treatment ends. It is a particularly good option for people who wish to avoid or reduce reliance on medication.

Sciatica and slipped disc

Sciatica is pain radiating from the lower back into the buttock and leg, often caused by a slipped (herniated) disc pressing on a nerve. Acupuncture, osteopathy and physiotherapy can reduce the inflammation and muscle spasm around the irritated nerve, easing both the back pain and the radiating leg pain.

Shoulder pain

Shoulder pain commonly arises from the rotator cuff, impingement, bursitis or arthritis. Acupuncture, physiotherapy and sports massage relieve pain, release the surrounding muscles and restore movement, with exercise rehabilitation central to lasting recovery.

Hip pain

Hip pain often comes from osteoarthritis, bursitis or gluteal tendinopathy and can refer into the groin, buttock and thigh. Acupuncture and targeted exercise improve pain and function, while osteopathy addresses the back and pelvis that contribute to hip problems.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness, tingling and pain in the hand from compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Acupuncture and physiotherapy offer effective, non-surgical relief, supported by night splinting and ergonomic changes.

Nerve pain

Neuropathic pain has a burning, shooting or tingling quality and arises from compressed or irritated nerves. Acupuncture is particularly well suited to nerve pain, modulating how pain signals are processed and easing symptoms alongside osteopathy and physiotherapy.

Jaw pain and TMJ

Jaw pain and TMJ disorder cause clicking, locking and facial pain, often driven by clenching and stress. Acupuncture relaxes the overactive jaw muscles and calms the nervous system, easing pain and restoring comfortable movement.

Muscle pain

Muscle strains, tension and trigger points respond well to acupuncture and sports massage, which release tight muscles, improve circulation and relieve the referred pain that knots can cause.

Trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia causes sudden, severe facial nerve pain and is managed medically. We offer acupuncture as a supportive therapy alongside your doctor's care, which may help reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks.

Therapies for pain relief

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the most thoroughly researched and effective complementary therapies for pain management. It has a strong evidence base for back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, headaches and migraines, and is recommended by NICE for several of these conditions. Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to release natural pain-relieving chemicals, reduces inflammation, improves blood flow to affected tissues and resets overactive pain pathways. Most patients find it deeply relaxing as well as therapeutically effective.

Sports massage

Sports massage uses targeted soft-tissue techniques to address muscle tension, adhesions and restrictions that contribute to pain and restricted movement. It is effective for back pain, neck and shoulder tension, sports injuries, repetitive strain injuries and post-exercise recovery. Regular sports massage can also help prevent injuries by maintaining muscle flexibility and identifying areas of tension before they become problematic.

Massage therapy

Therapeutic massage is a gentle but effective treatment for musculoskeletal pain, particularly where tension, stress and anxiety are contributing factors. It can relieve muscle spasm, improve circulation, reduce pain and promote relaxation. Massage is particularly beneficial for chronic pain conditions where the pain-stress cycle needs to be broken.

How acupuncture relieves pain

The video below explains how acupuncture is able to relieve pain so effectively.

From a Western medical perspective, acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to trigger the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters that naturally reduce pain and inflammation. It also modulates activity in the areas of the brain that process pain signals, helping to reset sensitised pain pathways that contribute to chronic pain. Improved blood circulation to affected tissues further supports healing and recovery.

From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, pain is understood as the result of blocked or stagnant Qi (energy) and Blood in the body's meridians. Acupuncture restores the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, removing the obstruction that causes pain. While these two frameworks differ, the clinical outcomes they describe are consistent with what patients experience – significant, often long-lasting pain relief.

Our approach

Our practitioners take a thorough, individualised approach to pain management. At your initial consultation, your practitioner will take a detailed history of your pain, including its location, character, onset, aggravating and relieving factors, and any previous investigations or treatments. This helps us understand the underlying cause of your pain and develop the most appropriate treatment plan.

We recognise that chronic pain is rarely just a physical problem. Stress, anxiety, sleep disruption and reduced activity levels can all amplify pain and make recovery harder. Our holistic approach considers these factors and, where appropriate, we may recommend a combination of therapies to address both the physical and psychological dimensions of your pain.

We always recommend that patients with new, unexplained or worsening pain see their GP to rule out conditions that require medical investigation before seeking complementary care. We work collaboratively with GPs and other healthcare providers where relevant.

Self-help advice

Alongside professional treatment, the following measures can help manage pain and support recovery:

• Keep as active as possible – prolonged rest is rarely beneficial for musculoskeletal pain; gentle movement helps maintain mobility and reduces stiffness
• Apply heat to tense, stiff muscles and cold to acutely inflamed, swollen areas in the early stages of injury
• Maintain good posture, particularly if you spend long periods at a desk – ensure your workstation is properly set up
• Manage stress and anxiety, as the nervous system’s response to stress can amplify pain perception
• Prioritise good-quality sleep, as pain and sleep problems are closely linked and each makes the other worse
• Avoid prolonged sitting – take regular breaks to stand and move, especially if you have back or neck pain
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce load on the joints, particularly the knees, hips and lower back
• Consider a pain diary to identify patterns, triggers and factors that improve or worsen your symptoms

Frequently asked questions

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are very fine – much thinner than the needles used for injections. Most people feel little or no discomfort when needles are inserted, and many find the treatment deeply relaxing. You may notice a mild aching, heaviness or tingling sensation at the needle site, which is a normal part of the treatment response.

How many sessions will I need?

This depends on the nature and duration of your pain. Acute conditions often respond within a few sessions; chronic, long-standing pain may require a longer course of treatment. NICE guidelines recommend a course of up to 10 sessions for low back pain. Your practitioner will give you a realistic indication of the expected treatment plan and timeline at your initial consultation.

Do I need a GP referral?

No GP referral is needed. You can self-refer directly by contacting us to book an appointment. However, if your pain is new, unexplained or accompanied by other symptoms, we recommend seeing your GP first to rule out conditions that require medical investigation.

Can acupuncture be used alongside my current pain medication?

Yes. Acupuncture is safe to use alongside most pain medications, including anti-inflammatories, analgesics and prescribed medication. It is designed to complement your existing treatment, not replace it. Over time, some patients are able to reduce their reliance on medication as their pain improves, but this should always be discussed with your GP.

Which therapy is best for my type of pain?

This depends on the cause and nature of your pain. Acupuncture is effective for a wide range of pain conditions and is a good starting point for most. Sports or therapeutic massage is particularly effective for muscular pain, tension and soft-tissue injuries. Please contact us and we will help guide you to the most appropriate treatment for your individual situation.

Our pain relief acupuncturist

Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto BM (Beijing), BSc (Hons) TCM, MBAcC, MATCM, MAAC

Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto has been practising acupuncture for over 20 years, specialising in treating all types of pain. He has helped many patients achieve lasting pain relief using a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and lifestyle guidance.

Dr (TCM) D'Alberto graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in China – a full-time, five-year degree programme that included six months of clinical internship at two of the largest hospitals in Beijing.