What Is Dry Needling (Limbs Only)?
Dry Needling is a clinical, evidence-based therapy where ultra-fine, sterile needles are inserted into trigger points (tight bands within muscles) to relieve pain, reduce stiffness, and restore function. When performed in the limbs only — such as the arms, forearms, wrists, thighs, calves, knees, or feet — it is highly effective for treating localized musculoskeletal issues, nerve-related discomfort, and soft tissue dysfunction.
Though it uses similar needles to traditional acupuncture, dry needling is not based on Chinese medicine or meridians. Instead, it’s grounded in Western anatomy and is commonly used by physiotherapists and musculoskeletal clinicians to deactivate painful trigger points, improve circulation, and stimulate the body’s natural repair process.
🔍 How Does It Work?
A small needle is inserted into a myofascial trigger point — a hyperirritable spot in a tight muscle band. This stimulates the muscle to:
Release tension or spasm
Improve blood flow to the affected area
Interrupt pain signals being sent to the brain
Promote tissue healing and repair
The treatment can cause a local twitch response, which is often followed by immediate relief of stiffness or pain.
🧍♂️ Who Is This Limb-Focused Service For?
This treatment is ideal for patients suffering from:
- Chronic or acute arm or leg pain
- Tendonitis (e.g. tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy)
- Shin splints, calf cramps, or hamstring tightness
- Repetitive strain injuries in wrists or forearms
- Post-injury tightness in thighs, quads, or hamstrings
- Foot pain, plantar fasciitis, or arch tension
- Muscle fatigue or dysfunction due to athletic overuse
- Pain during movement (e.g. lifting, climbing, walking)
📋 What Happens During a Session?
Each session is 20 to 30 minutes and may be standalone or combined with rehabilitation or manual therapy.
Here’s how it works:
Assessment
Your therapist identifies the trigger points and muscle groups causing pain or dysfunction.
Needle Insertion
Thin, single-use sterile needles are inserted into targeted muscles in your limbs.
The insertion may cause a “twitch” response or deep ache — a sign the muscle is releasing.
Stimulation and Release
The needle may be left in place or gently moved to stimulate tissue
Blood flow and healing responses are activated
Post-Treatment Guidance
Your therapist may provide light stretching or mobility advice
Some soreness for 24–48 hours is normal as the body heals
🎯 Benefits of Dry Needling for Limbs
✔️ Reduces local muscle pain and stiffness
✔️ Improves movement and flexibility
✔️ Breaks chronic pain cycles and “locked” muscles
✔️ Enhances nerve-muscle coordination
✔️ Accelerates soft tissue repair
✔️ Complements physiotherapy, rehab, and strength training
✔️ Safe, sterile, and drug-free pain solution
⚠️ When Dry Needling Is Not Advised
Dry needling is not recommended if you:
🚫 Have a fear of needles or history of fainting
🚫 Are on blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder
🚫 Have active skin infections or wounds near the site
🚫 Are pregnant (without clearance)
🚫 Have severe anxiety around needle-based procedures
Our therapists will screen all patients prior to the session for safety and suitability.
🧾 Pricing & Booking
| Service | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Acupuncture / Dry Needling (Limbs Only) | 20–30 mins | £75.00 |
📍 Location: UK Pain Clinic – London Euston
🧑⚕️ Performed by: HCPC/CSP-registered therapists trained in dry needling
📞 Booking: Online or by phone (assessment required for new patients)
💳 Insurance: Many UK plans cover dry needling as part of physiotherapy
Most people feel only a quick pinprick and muscle twitch. Some soreness may occur afterward but usually resolves within 48 hours.
No visible marks are left. Mild redness is possible at the needle site but disappears quickly.
Some feel relief after one session, while chronic issues may require 3–5 treatments for long-term benefit.
Yes, but it’s best to avoid intense activity for 24 hours to let muscles recover.
Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and energy flow. Dry needling is based on modern anatomy and is used to treat muscle and joint pain directly.