Has Pain Put Your Life on Hold?
When even the simplest things become painful, it’s time to explore what might help.
- Do you find yourself thinking twice before bending down to put on your socks?
- Do you look at a flight of stairs and think, “Oh God, how am I going to get up there?”
- Perhaps you’ve stopped playing golf or tennis because your elbow pain is excruciating.
- Or maybe your back hurts so badly that even sitting down on the toilet feels like an enormous challenge.
If you’re nodding, I want you to know I understand.
I’m Lucy Townsley, an acupuncturist with over 25 years of experience, based at Galway Acupuncture Hub in Loughrea, Co. Galway.
I work with people experiencing back pain, sciatica, neck and shoulder pain, arthritis, joint pain, headaches, migraines and sports injuries.
My approach is personal, practical and focused on understanding how pain affects your everyday life.
Because I don’t just want to know where you’re hurting. I want to know what your pain is stopping you from doing.
Prefer to talk first? Call or WhatsApp Lucy on 087 227 3084.
Does This Sound Like Your Everyday Life?
Even Putting On Your Socks Has Become a Challenge
You sit on the edge of the bed, looking down at your feet. You bend forward, and a sharp pain shoots across your lower back.
All this pain, just to put on a pair of socks!
You See a Flight of Stairs and Already Dread the Pain
You haven’t even taken the first step, but you’re already reaching for the handrail. Your knee, hip, or back is aching, and you’re wondering how you’ll manage.
When did something so ordinary become something you dread?
Getting Into the Car Feels Like an Obstacle Course
You open the door, look at the seat, and brace yourself. You lower yourself carefully, trying not to twist your back, then struggle to lift your legs inside.
Driving used to mean freedom. Now even getting into the car feels painful.
You Love Golf or Tennis, but Your Elbow Has Other Ideas
You’re ready to take that perfect shot. You swing, and a sharp pain shoots through your elbow. You try adjusting your grip, but the pain keeps returning.
“Am I going to have to give this up?”
Your Shoulder Is So Painful That Even a Friendly Pat Hurts
Someone gives you a friendly pat on the shoulder. They mean well, but the pain shoots through your shoulder, and you almost jump out of your skin.
Even putting on your coat or turning over in bed can hurt.
You Just Want a Decent Night’s Sleep
You get into bed exhausted, hoping tonight will be different.
You turn onto your right side. That hurts. You try your left. That’s no better.
And just when you finally fall asleep, the pain wakes you again.
“Is this how I’m going to feel for the rest of my life?”
I Know What It’s Like When Pain Takes Away the Things You Love
Before becoming an acupuncturist, I was a racing jockey.
Horses have always been a huge part of my life.
But I’ve also experienced some very serious injuries.
I’ve broken my back twice in separate falls, broken my collarbone, and suffered a severe shoulder injury.
I know what it’s like to be in pain.
I know the frustration of not being able to move comfortably.
And I know what it’s like to watch other people carry on enjoying their lives while you’re sitting on the sidelines.
Those experiences played an important part in my journey towards becoming an acupuncturist.
Today, with over 25 years of clinical experience, I bring that understanding into every consultation.
When you tell me you can’t play golf, ride your horse, go for a walk, or even get dressed without pain, I understand why getting those things back matters so much.
And I won’t dismiss them as little things.
Because when pain takes them away, they’re not little things at all.
How Can Acupuncture Help With Pain?
Acupuncture involves inserting very fine needles into carefully selected points on the body.
Research suggests acupuncture can help some people with certain pain conditions, including chronic lower back pain, some types of joint pain, and headaches.
The results vary between individuals and conditions.
At Galway Acupuncture Hub, I offer acupuncture for people experiencing:
Back Pain and Sciatica
Whether your lower back aches constantly, catches when you bend, or pain travels into your leg, I want to understand how your symptoms affect your movement and daily activities.
Neck and Shoulder Pain
From stiffness when turning your head to persistent shoulder discomfort that makes dressing or sleeping difficult, we can explore whether acupuncture is appropriate.
Knee, Hip and Arthritis Pain
If you’re struggling with stairs, getting out of a chair, or walking comfortably, acupuncture may help manage certain types of joint pain.
Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow and Sports Injuries
If pain is keeping you away from tennis, golf, riding or other activities, we’ll discuss your symptoms, the demands of your sport and whether acupuncture may complement your recovery.
Headaches and Migraines
Acupuncture may be useful for some people with recurrent headaches and for migraine prevention.
Muscle Pain and Persistent Pain Conditions
I also work with people experiencing muscle tension and longer-lasting pain, recognising that persistent pain often needs a broader, individualised approach.
If you’re unsure whether acupuncture is suitable for your condition, please get in touch.
What Makes My Approach Different?
I Listen. I Treat. I Reassess.
- When you arrive at my clinic, I don’t simply ask where it hurts and begin treatment.
- I want to hear your story.
- When did the pain begin?
- Was there an injury?
- Is it sharp, stabbing, aching, burning, or shooting?
- Do you experience numbness or pins and needles?
- What makes it worse?
- What helps?
- What treatments have you already tried?
And importantly:
What would you love to be able to do again?
- Perhaps your goal is to get through a night without pain waking you.
- Perhaps it’s walking upstairs more comfortably.
- Or perhaps you simply want to get back onto the golf course.
Where it’s appropriate and safe, I’ll ask you to perform a simple movement before treatment so we have something to reassess.
Imagine Being Able to Enjoy More of Your Everyday Life Again
Think about what you’d most like to do.
- Would it be putting on your socks without dreading the movement?
- Getting into the car more comfortably?
- Walking up the stairs with greater confidence?
- Enjoying a round of golf?
- Sleeping more peacefully?
- Or simply being able to make plans without worrying so much about pain?
These are meaningful goals.
I can’t promise that acupuncture will resolve every condition, but I can offer you an experienced, personalised approach and help you assess whether treatment is making a difference.
You deserve to have your concerns taken seriously and to understand your treatment options.
👉BOOK YOUR ACUPUNCTURE APPOINTMENT
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens at Your First Acupuncture Appointment?
Your first appointment lasts approximately 60 minutes. We’ll begin with a consultation covering your symptoms, medical history, medications, previous treatments, and the effect pain is having on your life. I’ll explain the acupuncture approach I recommend and answer your questions. You’ll then receive a personalised treatment, where appropriate. Your comfort matters. Depending on your needs, treatment may take place on a couch or in a suitable chair. I’ll also explain what we should monitor afterwards and whether further appointments are appropriate.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
There isn’t one answer that suits everyone. I often suggest an initial plan of approximately three or four treatments, sometimes relatively close together, followed by a review of your progress. But your plan will depend on your condition and response. If acupuncture doesn’t appear to be helping, we’ll discuss that honestly. And if your symptoms need further investigation, I’ll recommend appropriate medical assessment.
Can acupuncture help with severe back pain?
Acupuncture may help some people manage back pain, but severe or worsening symptoms should be medically assessed. New bladder or bowel problems, numbness around the groin, or significant leg weakness require urgent medical attention.
Can acupuncture help with sciatica?
Some people seek acupuncture for sciatica-related discomfort. Results vary, and symptoms such as progressive weakness or persistent numbness may require medical investigation.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture uses very fine needles. You may notice a brief prick, tingling, heaviness, or dull sensation, but many people find treatment comfortable.
Will I notice a difference after one treatment?
Some people report changes after their first session, while others need more time. There is no guaranteed response.
Can I have acupuncture alongside physiotherapy or medical treatment?
Often, yes. Acupuncture may be used as part of a wider care plan. Please tell me about your medical conditions, medications and any treatments you’re receiving.
How much does an acupuncture appointment cost?
Your initial 60-minute consultation and treatment costs €70.
A €20 online deposit secures your appointment, with the remaining €50 payable at the clinic.
Can I claim acupuncture through health insurance?
I’m recognised by Vhi, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health, Level Health and other major Irish health insurers.
Your reimbursement depends on your individual policy. I can provide a receipt for your claim.
Where is Galway Acupuncture Hub?
The clinic is located at Cois Dun, Caheronaun, Loughrea, Co. Galway, H62 X951.
Pain May Have Put Your Life on Hold. Let’s Explore Your Next Step.
If you’re tired of planning your day around your pain, I’d love to hear from you.
Whether it’s your back, elbow, knee, shoulder, neck, or another painful area, we’ll start by understanding what’s happening and what you’d most like to improve.
I’m Lucy Townsley, and I bring more than 25 years of acupuncture experience and a personal understanding of serious injury to my work.
You don’t have to work out your next step on your own.
Ready To Take The Next Step – Book Your Acupuncture Appointment
60-minute initial consultation and treatment — €70 – (€20 deposit deducted from your €70 treatment fee. Remaining balance:€50)
Prefer to speak to me first?
Call or WhatsApp Lucy: 087 227 3084
Galway Acupuncture Hub
Lucy Townsley, Acupuncture Practitioner
Cois Dun, Caheronaun
Loughrea, Co. Galway
H62 X951
Helping you move more comfortably and get back to the things you love.
Health Insurance Accepted
Your acupuncture treatment may be eligible for reimbursement through your private health insurance.
Lucy Townsley at Galway Acupuncture Hub is recognised by major Irish health insurers, including Vhi, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health and Level Health.
A treatment receipt is provided so you can submit a claim to your insurer.
The amount you can claim depends on your individual health insurance policy. Please check your benefits directly with your insurer before booking.
