Dry Needling & Acupuncture
Clinically guided dry needling and Western medical acupuncture in central London for myofascial trigger-point and musculoskeletal pain — used as one adjunct within a wider physiotherapy plan, and only after a full assessment by our HCPC-registered, CSP-member clinicians.
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The short answer
What this treatment is
Areas treated
What's included
- Delivered by HCPC-registered, CSP-member physiotherapists trained in dry needling and Western medical acupuncture
- Always follows a full physiotherapy assessment, so each needle has a clear clinical target
- Targets myofascial trigger points to ease local and referred muscle pain and open a window for movement
- Single-use sterile needles, with contraindications screened at every visit
- Used as an adjunct to manual therapy and exercise — never as a treatment in isolation
- Available across all six central London clinics; self-pay or insured, no GP referral needed
Boundaries of practice
What's not treated
Good practice means saying no when indicated:
- Bleeding disorders, or anticoagulant therapy without prescriber clearance
- Needle phobia, or an inability to remain still for the treatment
- Active local skin infection or broken skin over the intended needle site
- Pregnancy — particular caution, especially in the first trimester; discuss with your clinician before any needling
- Known metal (e.g. nickel) allergy affecting needle tolerance
- Compromised immunity or unstable medical conditions without clearance from your prescriber
Patient journey
What to expect
Consultation & preparation
Have a physiotherapy assessment first — needling is offered only after a diagnosis. Eat normally beforehand, stay hydrated, and wear clothing that lets the treatment area be exposed. Tell us before the session about anticoagulants, bleeding disorders, pregnancy, a needle phobia, local skin infection, or a metal allergy.
During treatment
Aftercare
Mild soreness, brief drowsiness, or minor bruising at the needle sites can occur and usually settles within 24 hours. You can resume normal activity the same day, and gentle movement often helps. Continue the exercise programme prescribed alongside your session, and we will reassess your pain and function at your next visit.
Transparent, all-in pricing
FAQ
Common
questions
What is dry needling, and how is it different from acupuncture?
Dry needling uses fine, single-use sterile needles placed directly into myofascial trigger points — tight, painful knots within a muscle. It is guided by a physiotherapy diagnosis and current pain science. Western medical acupuncture applies the same fine needles within an evidence-based framework rather than traditional Chinese medicine theory. The reasoning is physiotherapy-led in both cases.
Can needling treat my low back pain?
Not as a first-line treatment. NICE guidance on low back pain and sciatica (NG59) advises against acupuncture for non-specific low back pain, so we lead with exercise and manual therapy instead. Where a clear myofascial trigger point is contributing to your symptoms, needling may be considered as one adjunct within a wider plan, never on its own.
Does dry needling hurt, and is it safe?
The needles are very fine, so most people feel a brief prick followed by a deep ache or a short muscle twitch. Serious side effects are rare when delivered by trained, registered clinicians using single-use sterile needles. Minor bruising, brief drowsiness, or temporary soreness can occur and usually settles within a day or so.
Do I need a GP referral for dry needling or acupuncture?
No. You can book directly via our Jane App page or by calling 020 3004 8500. Needling itself is offered only after a physiotherapy assessment, so your first step is an appointment where we decide together whether it is appropriate for you. If you use private insurance, your treatment is recorded within your wider physiotherapy plan.
Is needling safe if I take blood thinners or am pregnant?
Tell us before any needling if you take anticoagulants, have a bleeding disorder, or are pregnant. Anticoagulants and bleeding disorders raise bleeding and bruising risk, and we apply particular caution during pregnancy. We screen for these at every visit and will adapt or avoid needling wherever it is not appropriate for you.
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Soho Physiotherapy • 111 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DT
BookAppointments typically available within 1–2 weeks