FAQ

Rory asks about your symptoms, health history, current care and the activities or concerns that matter to you. Assessment may include movement and relevant areas of sensitivity, alongside traditional assessment where appropriate. Treatment options, possible risks and consent are discussed before anything begins. Bring information about medicines, investigations and existing care.

A referral is not usually needed to book. Bring relevant information from your GP or other practitioners if you have it. If the presentation needs medical assessment or another form of care, Rory may recommend that before treatment.

There are two distinct ways to describe acupuncture. Contemporary research investigates physiological effects; traditional Chinese medicine uses its own assessment and treatment framework.

NCCIH: research, mechanism questions and safety

Sensations vary. A brief prick, pressure, heaviness or an ache may occur. Sharp pain, distress or strong discomfort is not something you need to endure. Tell Rory so treatment can be adjusted or stopped. Soreness, bruising, minor bleeding or dizziness can occur, and less common serious risks should be discussed before treatment.

Yes. Sterile single-use acupuncture needles are used and disposed of after treatment. Tell Rory about infections, bleeding risks, relevant medicines and other health conditions so appropriate precautions can be considered.

Comfortable, loose clothing is useful. Rory will explain which areas need to be accessible and discuss positioning, privacy and your comfort. You can ask questions or decline any part of treatment.

An initial consultation is 50 minutes; a follow-up is 40 minutes at both clinics. The first appointment includes assessment, discussion and treatment where appropriate. Follow-ups include review and treatment according to your current plan.

There is no single number appropriate for every problem. An assessment may lead to a course of care rather than one isolated visit. Recent or relatively straightforward problems may need only a short course; longstanding, recurrent or complex presentations may need more time.

Appointments may initially be weekly, or sometimes more frequent where clinically appropriate. A useful early review point is generally within the first 3–6 treatments. This is a review window, not a promise of improvement or a required package.

Review changes in symptoms, function and your goals. If there is no meaningful progress, reconsider the approach rather than continue unchanged. For a complex rehabilitation presentation, a longer initial course may sometimes be recommended, with formal review during that course and coordination with your treating team.

The initial spacing depends on the presentation and the agreed plan. Appointments can be spaced further apart as progress stabilises, and some people return only for a new flare-up. Frequency is individualised, reviewed and agreed with you; ongoing maintenance is not automatically necessary.

Both can use similar fine needles and overlapping locations. Dry needling commonly focuses on muscular findings using an anatomical rationale. Acupuncture is a broader practice that can also include local muscular work, traditional point selection and points away from symptoms. Assessment and reasoning matter more than the label alone.

Selected acupuncture needles are connected to controlled electrical stimulation. You may feel pulsing or tingling; it should be comfortable and can be adjusted or stopped. It is only selected where appropriate. Tell Rory about implanted electronic devices, pregnancy and relevant medical history before it is considered.

Manual pressure applied to selected acupuncture points and related areas, used where appropriate as part of treatment or self-care guidance. It does not use needles, but suitability and comfort still need to be considered.

Cupping uses suction from cups; gua sha uses a smooth-edged tool over the skin; moxibustion uses processed mugwort as a source of warming stimulation. They may be used where suitable, not automatically at every visit. Temporary marks can occur with cupping or gua sha; heat-based techniques can cause irritation or burns. Risks and consent are discussed first, and marks are not a treatment goal.

Simple movement, mobility or Qigong exercises may be suggested to support self-management, breathing, relaxation or body awareness between appointments. Rory has experience teaching Qigong and may draw on Ba Duan Jin (Eight Brocades), with the movements and pace adapted to your situation.

These are movement suggestions within acupuncture care, not physiotherapy or a substitute for prescribed rehabilitation. Tell Rory about pain, balance concerns or restrictions so the advice fits your existing care. No particular recovery outcome is promised.

Where appropriate, acupuncture may form part of care alongside physiotherapy, exercise rehabilitation and medical management. Let each practitioner know what care you are receiving. With your consent, communication can help coordinate the plan. Acupuncture does not replace rehabilitation or necessary medical care.

It may be considered as an adjunct for an assessed pain or muscle-tension concern, if your surgical or rehabilitation team considers it appropriate. Timing, wound healing, medicines and your recovery restrictions matter. Bring your discharge instructions and keep prescribed rehabilitation in place. Acupuncture is not presented as speeding surgical healing or improving surgical outcomes, and it does not clear you to resume activity.

No. Back and neck pain remain a strong focus within a broader practice. People also bring movement concerns, headaches, chronic pain, women's health concerns, stress and sleep difficulties, or questions about care alongside rehabilitation. That does not mean acupuncture is automatically suitable for each presentation.

Rory practises at both clinics. Mile End South is the established independent Davis Acupuncture clinic in western Adelaide. At Back In Motion Valley View, acupuncture is available alongside physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Choose the location that suits your needs and check its appointment details.

Mile End South and Valley View

Seek medical assessment for new, changing or unexplained symptoms. Major trauma, rapidly worsening weakness, spinal symptoms with new bowel or bladder changes, or a sudden severe unusual headache need urgent care rather than a routine acupuncture appointment. Severe illness and concerning pregnancy or pelvic symptoms also need prompt medical advice.

Website safety information and urgent-care guidance

Yes, but suitability requires screening and consideration of your maternity care. Tell Rory if you are pregnant, might be pregnant or have been advised about a complication. Acupuncture does not replace antenatal care. Bleeding, severe abdominal pain, severe headache, visual changes or reduced baby movements need prompt maternity or medical advice.

Do not stop prescribed medicines on the basis of this website or because you are having acupuncture. Tell Rory what you take, and discuss any change with the prescribing clinician. Medicines affecting clotting and other relevant treatments may affect precautions.

Review what changed, what did not and whether the goals are still appropriate. The plan may change, pause or finish, or another form of care may be recommended. Continuing an unchanged treatment indefinitely is not the default.

Not automatically. Some people finish after short-term care or return only when an established problem flares. Others choose periodic support when there is a continuing reason and a useful response. Recommendations should be reviewed, not made into a compulsory ongoing schedule.

Private health rebates may be available for acupuncture, depending on your health fund and level of extras cover. Check your policy or contact your fund if you are unsure, including whether the practitioner and location are recognised. HICAPS availability is not yet confirmed for either clinic. Do not assume electronic claiming is available.

Choose Mile End South or Valley View on the booking page. Mile End South bookings are handled by Cliniko and Valley View bookings by Halaxy. You can book through the embedded service or open it in a new tab. Check the location, appointment type and availability before confirming your booking.

Location-specific booking availability