Persistent pain can affect movement, sleep, work, mood and everyday confidence. An acupuncture consultation gives us time to understand the pattern of your symptoms, what has already been investigated and how pain is affecting your daily life.
Acupuncture has been studied for several chronic pain presentations, including back and neck pain and osteoarthritis. Vickers et al. (Archives of Internal Medicine, 2012; doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2012.3654) reported modest average differences in an individual-patient-data meta-analysis. MacPherson et al. (Pain, 2017; doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000747) examined how long average effects persisted after a course of treatment. Study results and individual responses vary, and this evidence does not predict what any one person will experience.
Care may include acupuncture and, where appropriate, adjunct techniques such as cupping, moxibustion or Tuina massage. The proposed approach is explained before treatment and adapted to your preferences, health history and existing care.
Acupuncture is offered as complementary care, not as a replacement for medical diagnosis, prescribed medication, physiotherapy or specialist pain management. We use agreed review points to decide together whether continuing care is useful.
Is this a reasonable next step?
Who may consider this care
- Adults seeking complementary care for persistent musculoskeletal pain
- People who want care coordinated with their GP, physiotherapist or pain specialist
- People comfortable reviewing progress rather than committing to a fixed package
Suitability is determined individually. Website information cannot diagnose a condition or replace medical advice.
What to expect
Your first appointment
We discuss how the pain affects daily life, relevant diagnoses, medications and previous care. The practitioner explains the proposed approach and, where appropriate and with your consent, provides treatment in the same appointment.
- Duration
- Around 90 minutes
- Initial fee
- $170
- Follow-up
- Around 60 minutes · $100
Registered care
Your practitioner
Maria Cappello
- AHPRA registered Chinese medicine practitioner
- Member, Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA)
- BHSc (Chinese Medicine), University of Technology Sydney
Plan your visit
Rozelle clinic
698 Darling St, Rozelle NSW 2039
Metered and time-limited street parking may be available on Darling Street and surrounding streets. Check local signs and permit restrictions.
On-the-spot HICAPS claiming is available where your private health extras policy includes acupuncture. Rebates and annual limits vary, so check with your fund.
Directions & hours →Questions before booking
Safety, comfort and frequency
Safety and discomfort
Acupuncture is generally well tolerated, but temporary tenderness, bruising, light-headedness or tiredness can occur. Tell us about blood-thinning medication, bleeding disorders, pregnancy, implanted devices and any new or unexplained symptoms. New severe pain, weakness, numbness, fever, chest pain or other urgent symptoms need medical assessment first.
Treatment frequency
There is no compulsory course. Timing depends on the presentation, your goals and whether there is measurable benefit. We agree on review points and change or stop the plan when care is not useful.
A considered next step
Discuss whether this care is appropriate for you
Initial consultation · around 90 minutes · $170