Unlock faster healing with Acupuncture + Physiotherapy
We’re excited to welcome Olivia Assi-Adou to the team—a physiotherapist with over 20 years’ experience integrating Traditional Chinese Acupuncture into evidence-based physio care.
A Canadian trained physiotherapist, Olivia brings the best of both worlds: modern physiotherapy and time-honoured acupuncture. This powerful pairing offers a more comprehensive route to recovery and performance enhancement.
Why this combination works
Acupuncture and physiotherapy may seem worlds apart but when used together, they work in harmony to support healing. While physiotherapy focuses on movement, strength and mechanics, acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system and reduce inflammation. Let’s take a closer look at how this pairing creates a powerful foundation for recovery.
Accelerated pain relief
Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and calms nerve activity, helping reduce pain and inflammation—especially in acute or post-surgical cases. This complements physiotherapy’s focus on functional restoration.¹Enhanced strength and mobility
Research shows combining acupuncture with exercise or physiotherapy significantly improves joint range, muscle strength, and overall function in conditions like frozen shoulder and knee osteoarthritis.²Holistic recovery
Acupuncture addresses neural, circulatory, and energetic aspects. Physiotherapy retrains movement and mechanics. Together, they deliver deeper and more durable rehabilitation. This is particularly beneficial in treating cervicogenic headache and migraine.Stress reduction and mental wellness
Acupuncture fosters relaxation and balance, helping support recovery—especially when stress and pain feed into one another³, with particular benefits to those with complex or chronic conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis.
Conditions that can benefit from Physiotherapy with Acupuncture
Combining acupuncture with physiotherapy can be especially effective for a wide range of conditions.
Musculoskeletal pain (low back, neck, shoulder)
Improved pain relief and functional gains compared to physiotherapy alone.⁴
Postoperative recovery
Better early mobility and reduced analgesic needs following surgery.⁵Sports optimization
Decreasing fascial tension to optimize competitive performance in Olympic level athletes, as well as those looking to take on new fitness goals, such as their first Ironman, triathlon or marathon.Arthritic Flare ups
Synergistic effects reduce pain and enhance movement in conditions like knee and hip osteoarthritis, particularly for those looking to bridge the gap until surgical or injection options can be explored.⁶Myofascial and chronic pain
Meta-analyses show significant pain score drops with acupuncture.⁷Nerve pain
Direct calming of the nervous system, whether for conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or with nerve impingement and discogenic related conditions
The benefits of combining Acupuncture and Physiotherapy
When used alongside each other, acupuncture and physiotherapy can target pain, movement and recovery from different angles. Here's how the two therapies can work together.
Faster pain relief
Acupuncture reduces inflammation and nerve sensitivity, easing discomfort while physio restores function.
Improved movement
Needling releases tight muscles and adds neuromuscular support from physio.
Reduced stress
Calms the nervous system, enhancing mental readiness for rehab.
Holistic results
Addresses structural and systemic factors, for longer-lasting healing.
Combining acupuncture with physiotherapy offers a complementary approach that may help reduce pain, improve mobility and support recovery, especially for musculoskeletal, neurological and post-surgical conditions. With Olivia’s expertise in both fields, she can explore a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Book Your First Appointment
Olivia is now accepting new patients. If you're recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or striving for peak performance, this integrated approach could be your next step to success.
To make a booking, phone 07 5337 9853.
