Dry needling
Persistent muscle tightness, trigger points, or pain not responding to exercise and manual therapy alone? Dry needling and Western medical acupuncture can help reduce pain, release tension, and improve movement. These techniques are used as part of an evidence-based physiotherapy treatment plan alongside rehabilitation and exercise, never as a standalone treatment.
The difference
The distinction matters less than the clinical reasoning behind the treatment and choosing the right approach for your symptoms.
Dry needling targets specific myofascial trigger points within muscles. The goal is to release a tight band of muscle, reduce referred pain, and restore normal muscle function. It is primarily used for musculoskeletal conditions and is performed by physiotherapists with specialist training.
Western medical acupuncture uses needle insertion at anatomically relevant points to stimulate the nervous system, reduce pain sensitivity, and promote a broader physiological response. It may target areas beyond the immediate site of pain, based on neuroanatomical principles.
Our physiotherapists often combine dry needling and Western medical acupuncture techniques within the same session, depending on your condition and treatment goals.
Your treatment
Your physiotherapist will assess your condition and explain why dry needling or acupuncture is appropriate for you. You will be informed about what to expect and have the opportunity to ask questions. Consent is always obtained before any needles are used.
Fine, sterile, single-use needles are inserted into the treatment area. For dry needling, you may feel a brief muscle twitch, which is a positive sign that the trigger point has been activated. For acupuncture, a mild aching or tingling sensation is common. Needles may be left in place for a few seconds, or up to 15 to 20 minutes for acupuncture.
The treated area may feel slightly achy or tender for 12 to 24 hours, similar to post-exercise muscle soreness. This settles quickly, and you can continue with normal daily activities and light exercise after your session.
Conditions
Your physiotherapist will recommend needling only when it adds genuine value to your treatment. Not every patient needs it, and not every condition responds to it.
Persistent tight spots in the neck, shoulders, back, glutes, or calves that are not releasing with stretching or massage alone. Dry needling directly targets these trigger points to produce an immediate release.
Muscle-related neck pain, thoracic stiffness, and lower back pain often respond well to a combination of needling and exercise. Acupuncture can also help reduce pain sensitivity in chronic conditions.
Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow, patellar tendinopathy, and rotator cuff issues. Needling into and around the tendon can help modulate pain and improve the tissue environment for rehabilitation.
Including patellofemoral pain and osteoarthritis-related knee pain. Acupuncture has a solid evidence base for pain reduction in knee osteoarthritis.
Tension-type headaches and temporomandibular pain often originate from trigger points in the neck, shoulder, and jaw muscles. Dry needling these trigger points can provide significant relief.
Some athletes use dry needling as part of their recovery strategy, particularly during intensive training blocks, to help manage muscle fatigue and tightness.
Fees
Needling is delivered within a physiotherapy or acupuncture appointment, never as a standalone session.
View full price listBlock bookings on physiotherapy save 10% on 5 sessions and 15% on 8.
Locations
Needling is delivered by the same physiotherapist managing your rehabilitation, not by a separate practitioner.
Richmond
A fine-needle technique that targets tight muscles and trigger points to reduce pain and restore movement, integrated into your physiotherapy plan.
Ealing
Dry needling and Western medical acupuncture within your physiotherapy appointment at Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub.
Frequently asked questions
Dry needling uses fine needles to target tight muscles and trigger points. It may be included in a broader physiotherapy plan after assessment.
Dry needling is available at our Kew and Gunnersbury Park clinics.
