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The Physiotherapy Acupuncture Association of New Zealand (PAANZ)

Acupuncture poster and pamphlet. Members can order these through the PhysioShop

The aim of this association is to promote a high standard of acupuncture by physiotherapists and this is achieved through its post-basic education programme and the national conferences held jointly with the Medical Acupuncture Association of New Zealand (MASNZ).

The PAANZ Register of Physiotherapy Acupuncturists helps to monitor ongoing acupuncture training. Members of the Register must attend 150 hours of Education, including Assessment procedures, in order to qualify for this.

Clinical Use

Physiotherapists primarily use acupuncture within their scope of practice in both the private and public sector.

Acupuncture training ensures physiotherapists understand and are able to discuss the mechanism of effective intervention by acupuncture and use it safely to treat patients.

How can acupuncture help patients?

The practice of acupuncture fits well within the sphere of physical therapy because of the need to manage pain and its resultant dysfunction.

While acupuncture is best known for it's role in pain management, current research indicates that acupuncture has a balancing & regulating effect on the neurophysiological system of the body. It influences all body functions.

Physiotherapists can use acupuncture to help a range of conditions:

Acute trauma
Sprained joints
Strained muscles and tendons
Soft tissue injury
Spinal dysfunction/derangement
Scars

For more information on all aspects of acupuncture, go to www.acupuncture.com

Some physiotherapists may also use acupuncture to treat:

Medical Conditions
Hay fever/Sinusitis
Shingles
Bell's Palsy
Headaches
Women's Health
Chronic respiratory disorders
Some neurological disorders

For a generalised overview on acupuncture and information for the public go to: www.prohealthphysio.co.nz

Administration Officer
Peggy Greenheld
9 Virginia Avenue
Broadbay
DUNEDIN
Phone: 03 478 0587
Fax: 03 478 0580
Email: PAANZ@xtra.co.nz