Acupuncture in Singapore: What to Expect

Written by Tan Yi Roe, Principal TCM Physician at Phoenix Rehab, TCMPB T1102830D.Last reviewed 3 October 2026.

Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine, single-use needles at specific points on the body. It comes from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which maps the points along channels called meridians. At Phoenix it is done by our TCM physician, Tan Yi Roe, at Orchard and Tanjong Pagar, mostly for muscle and joint pain: back pain, neck pain, sciatica and knee pain.

How TCM acupuncture works

TCM describes acupuncture as regulating the flow of qi and blood through the meridians. In physiological terms, the needles stimulate nerves in the skin and muscle, and that input changes how the nervous system processes pain, including the release of the body’s own pain-modulating chemicals such as endorphins.

The research on acupuncture is mixed. It is stronger for some kinds of pain than others, and the physician will tell you plainly if they do not think it suits your problem.

What we use it for

At Phoenix, acupuncture is used for muscle and joint problems, and for the tightness and pain that come with them. It is often combined with Chinese herbal medicine, and many patients have it alongside physiotherapy.

It does not replace medical care, and we do not offer it in place of your doctor’s treatment for any medical condition.

Is acupuncture safe?

Done by a registered practitioner with single-use needles, serious problems are rare. The most common side effect is mild bruising or soreness where a needle went in. Some people feel tired or light-headed for a short while afterwards, and some notice a short flare of their symptoms for a day or so.

Tell the physician before treatment if you are pregnant, take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder.

If you have large bruising, sharp pain, swelling or dizziness after acupuncture, tell the physician and see a doctor the same day. Difficulty breathing after acupuncture to the chest, back or shoulders is a 995 call.

Frequently asked questions on TCM acupuncture

How many acupuncture appointments do I need?

It depends on the problem and how long you have had it. After the first appointment, the physician will tell you what they suggest and when to check whether it is helping. If it is not, we stop.

Is acupuncture painful?

Usually very little. Some people feel nothing; some feel a small prick as the needle goes in. Once it is in, you may feel tingling, a dull ache, warmth or heaviness around the point. Tell the physician if anything feels sharp.

What if I’m afraid of needles?

It is the most common worry, especially the first time. Acupuncture needles are solid and very fine, far thinner than the needles used for injections or blood tests. Tell the physician. They can start with fewer needles and talk you through each one.

Are the acupuncture needles clean or sterile?

Yes. We use individually packed, single-use, disposable needles. They are never reused.

How deep will the acupuncture needles go?

Usually not deep. It depends on where the point is, the area being treated and your build: a few millimeters in the hands and feet, deeper over large muscles.

How long does each TCM acupuncture appointment last?

Up to 45 minutes, depending on what is being treated. A consultation and treatment is $230.

What should I expect during my first TCM acupuncture appointment?

The physician asks about the problem, your medical history and the medicines you take, and about things TCM treats as relevant: sleep, digestion, diet and work. They may examine areas away from where it hurts, because TCM links points along the meridians. For back pain that can include the legs and feet.

Do I need to prepare anything?

Wear loose, comfortable clothing so the physician can reach points on your arms, legs and back. Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early so you are not rushing in.

For an hour before and after, avoid a large meal, fasting for more than six hours, alcohol, hard exercise, strong perfume, and food or drinks that stain the tongue, because the physician may look at your tongue as part of the assessment.

Can I have acupuncture when I am unwell?

If you have a fever or an infectious illness, reschedule. If you are not sure, message the clinic before you come.

How will I feel after acupuncture?

Most people feel relaxed. Some feel tired or drowsy for a few hours. Some notice a change in their pain the same day, some only after a few days, and some notice a short flare first. For the rest of the day, avoid hard exercise, large meals and alcohol. A gentle walk is fine.

Tan Yi Roe practices at Orchard and Tanjong Pagar. More about TCM at Phoenix and Chinese herbal medicine.

Where are you with this right now?

1. It is settling on its own

Most injuries and most flare-ups settle over weeks with sensible load management and a return to normal movement. Improvement is judged over a month, not over a day, and good days and bad days inside that are usual. If you are doing more this month than last, and sleeping better, it is behaving the way it should. You do not need us for this, and we would rather say so.

2. It has stopped improving

You have adapted without noticing. The other side takes the load, you plan movements you used to make without thinking, and you have quietly dropped things you used to do.

Pain is the first thing to leave. Movement and strength are the last things trained back, and most people stop before that part is done. That is the gap worth measuring, and it is not measured by how you feel on the day.

The Stalled Recovery Review is three appointments over three weeks with the same therapist, because what a joint does under load cannot be read in one visit. The first finds what is limiting it. The next two measure how it responds. $690, nett, no GST, which is three appointments at $230.

3. You have had surgery, or you have a date

Recovery after an operation has a shape, and knowing which stage you are in tells you whether you are on it. See the recovery programs, hand and physiotherapy, or the four stages and what each one works on if you are not sure which applies to you.

All of it runs on the same four stages. The Phoenix Recovery Protocol explains what each stage works on and what you have to meet to move up. No referral needed to start.

What our patients say

Google reviews from our clinics in Singapore.

       
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   Micah 
 34 days ago
 
 
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Amazing experience with Phoenix Rehab, was assisted by Mavis. She’s very kind and professional and did thorough check on my wrist. I feel very comfortable during the process.

I went in for thermoplastic splint, and everything went smoothly. She was able to address my needs on my left wrist sprain.

They were prompt with appointment process and inquiry. Also the clinic is very close to Tanjong Pagar MRT. I highly recommend!
  
 
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   Chiky Phan 
 38 days ago
 
 
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Fist time doing ultrasound for my tennis elbow!! Let’s hope it gets better the next few weeks!! Thank Mavis Tham!!
  
 
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   XIN WANG 
 55 days ago
 
 
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Great treatment from my therapist. My painful wrist felt a lot of relief after the session. I’m glad I can slowly get back to doing my usual activities without constant pain.
  
 
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   Abby Lee 
 71 days ago
 
 
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Very helpful and friendly !
  
 
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   雪梅Cui 
 109 days ago
 
 
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The masseur is very professional and provides excellent service ，yati is very good!
  
 
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   Tra Nguyen 
 200 days ago
 
 
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I wasn’t able to close my fingers due to an injury. Nurul at Phoenix Rehab has helped me tremendously with my recovery process. I have been able to resume my daily activities and exercises after only a few sessions. Nurul has been very professional and positive throughout the entire process. Thank you so much for your help!
  
 
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   Juzer K 
 238 days ago
 
 
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Huge shoutout to Yuna Zhang from Phoenix Rehab for helping in my recovery from golfer’s elbow 🙌

I walked in with persistent elbow pain that was affecting workouts and everyday tasks, and Yuna immediately made me feel confident I was in the right hands. She took the time to properly assess my condition, explain the root cause, and tailor a treatment plan to my specific needs instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach.

What I really appreciated was how personalised every session felt. The exercises she gave me were practical, easy to follow, and actually worked. Within a short time, the pain reduced significantly and my strength and mobility improved much faster than I expected.

On top of that, the pricing is very reasonable and affordable, which made committing to recovery much easier.

Professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring — highly recommend Yuna at Phoenix Rehab if you’re dealing with hand-related sports injuries 💪
  
 
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   Fazal Hanafi Chaudhry 
 322 days ago
 
 
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I enjoy coming to Phoenix rehab as they offer a wide variety of services. I had a finger accident and was working with a very experienced hand therapist. Place is clean and comfortable.  Staff were friendly and appointment was on time
  
 
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   Stella Yam 
 463 days ago
 
 
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Very good
  
 
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   Juliana 
 465 days ago
 
 
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Have both physio n Tcm visits here, highly recommend!
  
 
 
  
 
 
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Next step

Find out which stage you are in

Pain is the first thing to leave. Movement and strength are the last things trained back, and most people stop before that part is done. One Assessment and Treatment is a single 45-minute appointment at $230, nett, no GST. Your therapist finds what is actually limiting you, treats it in the same appointment, and you leave with your current stage and a written plan.

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