The Rehab-Man

20/04/2026

Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine that involves placing specialized cups on the skin to create suction. This vacuum effect pulls the skin and underlying tissue upward, which is believed to stimulate blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and promote healing.

Dry Cupping: The most common method in the West, where suction is created using a manual pump. Cups are typically left in place for 5–10 minutes.

19/04/2026

Gentle movement can be a good thing.

19/04/2026

19/04/2026

Electroacupuncture is basically a modern version of traditional acupuncture where a small electrical current is passed between needles after they’re inserted into the skin.

Here’s what it actually does in the body
1. Pain relief (main use)
The electrical pulses stimulate nerves and help the body release natural painkillers like endorphins. This is why it’s often used for:
Back pain
Arthritis
Muscle injuries
It also works through something called the Gate Control Theory, which means the electrical signals can “block” pain messages going to the brain.

2. Improves blood flow
The stimulation increases circulation in the treated area, which can help:
Reduce inflammation
Speed up healing
Relax tight muscles

3. Nerve stimulation
Electroacupuncture gives a more consistent and stronger stimulation than manual needles.
Help with nerve-related conditions (like sciatica)

4. Muscle activation
It can cause small muscle contractions (a bit like a TENS machine), which helps:
Reduce muscle stiffness
Improve muscle function

What it feels like
People usually feel:
A mild tingling or pulsing
Gentle tapping sensation

Not normally painful if done by a professional.

17/04/2026

As the weather is getting better slowly. Don't hide your feet in white socks and sandals ( this is for us British). Let your feet see some sunshine and don't hide them.

12/04/2026

This is what people think sports acupuncture is like.

Why do acupuncture needles don't snap

Acupuncture needles are surprisingly hard to snap because of how they’re designed and what they’re made from.

1. Material: flexible surgical steel
Most acupuncture needles are made from high-quality stainless steel (similar to surgical instruments). This metal has high tensile strength and flexibility, meaning it can bend quite a bit without breaking.

2. Extremely thin = more bend than break
They’re much thinner than typical needles. That might sound like they’d be fragile—but thin objects actually tend to bend instead of snap. A thicker, brittle object is more likely to break under stress.

3. Designed for elasticity, not rigidity
Manufacturers intentionally make them slightly flexible. When pressure is applied (from insertion or movement), the needle absorbs the force by flexing, rather than concentrating stress at one point and snapping.

4. Smooth, uniform structure
Acupuncture needles are manufactured to be very smooth and consistent, without weak points or imperfections where breaks could start.

5. Single-use, high-quality control
Modern acupuncture needles are sterile, single-use, and carefully quality-checked, so defects that could lead to snapping are extremely rare.

Can they ever break?
It’s very uncommon, but not impossible. Breakage could happen if:

A defective needle is used

It’s bent repeatedly at a sharp angle

It’s inserted improperly or forced against bone

In normal professional practice, though, snapping is exceptionally rare.

31/03/2026

Bit of acupuncture for back pain. Not all points used are in this photo.

31/03/2026

Bit of acupuncture for hand pain and swelling. Not all points used are in this photo.

31/03/2026

Bit of acupuncture for knee pain. Not all points used are in this photo.