Acupuncture Treatment in London & Essex

Medical Acupuncture at Spine Plus

At Spine Plus we provide specialist medical acupuncture therapy from our team of osteopaths and physiotherapists in London and Essex, focusing on myofascial pain and trigger points through trigger point dry needling. One of the distinguishing features of our clinical team is that all our therapists are trained in acupuncture including trigger point dry needling (medical acupuncture) and acupressure, so these techniques are available as part of any appointment.

What Is Medical Acupuncture?

Medical acupuncture (also known as trigger point dry needling) is a form of acupuncture based on Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles rather than traditional Chinese medicine. Very fine acupuncture needles are inserted into specific trigger points within muscles to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension and promote healing.

Trigger point dry needling is sometimes referred to as medical acupuncture, but is quite different from traditional acupuncture in that needle placement is guided by anatomy and clinical assessment rather than meridian theory.

How Does It Work?

Dry needling works by:

• Promoting blood flow to the affected tissue
• Reducing spontaneous electrical activity within trigger points
• Stimulating the body to release growth factors that promote healing
• Interrupting pain signalling pathways within the nervous system
• Reducing muscle guarding and spasm

A very common area for trigger points is the muscle at the top of the shoulder (upper trapezius). This trigger point typically causes referred pain to the head and neck, contributing to tension headaches. Targeting this with dry needling can produce rapid, lasting improvement in both neck pain and headaches.

Conditions Treated

• Tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches
• Neck pain and shoulder tension
• Back pain and lumbar muscle spasm
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
• Tennis and golfer’s elbow
• Hip and gluteal trigger points
• Calf tightness and Achilles tendon problems
• Rehabilitation from orthopaedic surgery

What to Expect

Acupuncture needles are very fine and most patients report minimal discomfort on insertion. You may feel a brief aching or cramping sensation when the needle reaches a trigger point, this is a normal therapeutic response called a “twitch response.” Sessions typically last 20 to 40 minutes. Medical acupuncture is often combined with manual therapy techniques for optimal results.

Safety and Qualifications

All our acupuncture practitioners are fully qualified osteopaths or physiotherapists who have completed additional postgraduate training in medical acupuncture. Treatment is adapted to your medical history and individual risk factors. Acupuncture is generally very safe and side effects are rare.

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