Dry needling is a physical therapy treatment that uses thin, sterile, disposable needles inserted into myofascial trigger points, taut bands, or tight bands of muscles and connective tissues.
These trigger points are often the cause of myofascial pain syndrome and musculoskeletal pain, which can result in movement impairments and muscle contraction difficulties.
Dry needling focuses on treating the skeletal muscle and musculoskeletal conditions directly by altering the chemical environment of the affected muscle, improving blood flow, and promoting healing.
During a dry needling session, our Clinical Physiologist inserts dry needles into specific areas of the muscle, usually trigger points or tight muscles. The insertion stimulates a local twitch response, which is an involuntary muscle contraction. This response helps break the pain cycle by relieving pressure pain and reducing pain intensity.
The goal is to improve muscular function, alleviate musculoskeletal pain, and encourage muscle activation patterns for better movement. By targeting myofascial pain directly, dry needling can produce improvements in pain and overall functional outcomes.
The technique is particularly beneficial for chronic conditions like arthritis pain and knee pain, and for patients experiencing pain severity from muscle tightness or injury.
Dry Needling Prices
Dry Needling
15 minutes (1 area)
£30
Dry Needling
30 minutes (2 areas)
£45
Dry Needling
45 minutes (3 areas)
£60
Dry Needling
60 minutes (4 areas)
£75
Sports Combo Treatment
Sports massage, myofascial dry cupping and dry needling (1 hour)
£90
Dry Needling FAQs
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a technique in which a trained Sports therapist inserts small, sterile filament needles into the skin and muscle directly at a myofascial trigger point. This generates a twitch response, helping release muscle tension and pain.
What is a trigger point, and how did I develop one?
Active trigger points consist of multiple contraction knots within a muscle, and they can develop due to injury, musculoskeletal dysfunction and overuse. Active trigger points impair a person’s ability to lengthen, strengthen or contract the muscle. As a result, the muscle shortens and compresses the structure around it, causing pain.
How can dry needling help patients?
Dry needling can be used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal issues, including: neck, back and shoulder pain; arm pain (tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, golfer’s elbow); headaches (migraines and tension-type); jaw and dental pain; buttock and leg pain (sciatica, hamstring strains, calf tightness / spasms).
How does dry needling work?
Trigger points are known to have abnormal electrical activity and are surrounded by numerous chemicals known to cause inflammation. Research has shown that when a needle is successfully inserted into a trigger point and generates a local twitch response, over time, it can return the electrical and chemical environment within the muscle to its normal, relaxed state. Deactivated trigger points draw white blood cells and plasma cells into the area and create a healing response. Clinically, we see improved muscle length, strength, flexibility and a corresponding decrease in pain with our patients following dry needling treatment.
Is dry needling similar to acupuncture?
Although they use the same thin filament needles, acupuncture and dry needling are two very different treatments. In contrast to most schools of acupuncture, dry needling is strictly based on Western medicine principles and research. Acupuncture is used to treat Traditional Chinese Medical diagnoses of visceral and systemic dysfunction, while dry needling is used to assess and treat myofascial pain. Dry needling relieves pain by inactivating trigger points within muscles. Acupuncture achieves pain relief through the release of endorphins and creating balance in the body’s energy levels.
Is dry needling painful?
The needle used in the procedure is very thin and most patients don’t even feel it penetrate the skin. The twitch response usually elicits a very brief (less than a second) painful response. Some patients describe this feeling as a little electrical shock or cramping sensation. This twitch response is a positive and desirable reaction. Pain may also be felt in the referral zone, also and expected response to treatment.
Are the needles sterile?
Are there any side effects to the treatment?
Most patients report feeling sore following the procedure. Symptoms are usually described as sore muscles near the treatment area and in the areas of referred pain. Typically, the soreness lasts a few hours up to two days. Over this time, we may recommend applying heat or ice over the area, gentle stretching, and/or modifying your daily activities, depending on your individual response to the treatment and how sore you feel.
How long does it usually take to notice results?
Typically, patients notice a positive reaction within a few visits.