Victoria's first degree was a BSc in Anatomy & Cell Biology, an area she still has a keen interest in. Since her degree, Victoria has built on her knowledge by completing a number of post graduate courses in treating musculoskeletal (MSK) complaints. The treatment of MSK complaints e.g. tennis elbow, shoulder injuries, sciatica & low back pain, knee injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome forms a substantial part of her practice.



In the initial appointment a comprehensive history of the complaint will be taken along with questioning and observation of the presenting symptoms. Where relevant a number of specialists tests will be performed to inform the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Victoria may use a combination of techniques alongside acupuncture  including cupping, guasha, electroacupuncture, moxa and muscle energy techniques. If applicable the patient will be provided with muscle strengthening / stretching exercises to perform at home.

Acupuncture needles are placed at the site of injury or pain in the muscle or tissue, and in the surrounding area. By stimulating nerves located in muscles and other tissues, acupuncture leads to release of endorphins and other neurohumoral factors and changes the processing of pain in the brain and spinal cord (1) (2). 

The insertion of the needle causes a small microtrauma to the site of injury stimulating a natural anti-inflammatory response by releasing chemicals that cause blood vessel to dilate and increases vascular permeability allowing greater flow of chemicals through the vessels (3) (4). These physiological responses allow the removal of inflammatory mediators from the injury site, and the enhancement of healing mediators to the area (5).

Acupuncture can be used to resolve regions of over-contracted muscle which cause pain (often referred to as trigger points). Many acupuncture points correspond with areas where trigger points form and needling directly into these points (known as AhShi points in Chinese Medicine) causes mechanical disruption of the contracted muscle fibres to encourage relaxation. It also stimulates blood flow and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients through vasodilation to the muscle (5).

(1) Zhao ZQ. Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia. Prog Neurobiol. 2008 Aug;85(4):355-75

(2) Pomeranz B. Scientific basis of acupuncture. In: Stux G, Pomeranz B, eds. Acupuncture Textbook and Atlas. Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag; 1987:1-18.

(3) Kavoussi B, Ross BE. The neuroimmune basis of anti-inflammatory acupuncture. Integr Cancer Ther. 2007 Sep;6(3):251-7

(4) Zijlstra FJ, van den Berg-de Lange I, Huygen FJ, Klein J. Anti-inflammatory actions of acupuncture. Mediators Inflamm. 2003 Apr;12(2):59-69

(5) Komori M, Takada K, Tomizawa Y, Nishiyama K, et al. Microcirculatory responses to acupuncture stimulation and phototherapy. Anesth Analg. 2009 Feb;108(2):635-40