dry needling in cheltenham
the scientific way of targeting pain, loosening muscles, and reducing stress
We use a type of Medical Acupuncture called Dry Needling for pain relief by inserting needles into specific areas of the muscle known as trigger points to decrease muscle tightness, increase blood flow, and lower pain. The use of dry needling can often result in a more effective outcome, involving fewer treatment sessions, and thereby at a lower cost to you.
As a sports injury acupuncture specialists we use medical acupuncture to help reduce pain, conquer your muscle knots, improve your range of motion, and reduce your stress. We also integrate medical acupuncture into many of our treatment plans for a wide range of injuries, from sprains and strains to sports injuries, arthritis, back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, whether acute or chronic and inflammation.
Physiotherapy and medical acupuncture combined creates a synergistic effect where the sum benefit is greater than either alone. The use of dry needling is governed by the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists and we are registered and approved to perform acupuncture in Cheltenham by Cheltenham Borough Council so you can be assured that at all times you will receive professional care.
what is dry needling
The NICE chronic pain guidelines (2021) recommend acupuncture for people with chronic i.e. long-term pain.
Needles are usually inserted either just under the skin, or sometimes deeper so that they reach the muscle, these are typically left in position for 20-30 minutes before being removed. Several insertion points may be used during a session depending on the symptoms that you have. The needles that we use are very fine, and are pre-sterilised single use, which will be carefully disposed of after use.
Acupuncture was once described as alternative medicine but now acupuncturists work is considered mainstream. Both traditional and medical acupuncture stimulates the body to produce endorphins and oxytocin, which are the body's natural pain and stress relieving chemicals. It promotes sleep by stimulating the release of melatonin in the body, which encourages a sense of well-being by stimulating the release of serotonin. Acupuncture also stimulates nerve fibres to block out pain signals and helps to reduce the sensitivity of tender points in the body.
A course of acupuncture treatment is usually recommended because it can take a few sessions for you to see long-lasting improvements.


“Stuart diagnosed my condition, explained it so ! could understand what was going on with massage, acupuncture, and exercises and helped me recover within a few months. I would absolutely recommend Stuart to anyone with a back problem.”
Becky, Google review
what does dry needling treat
Dry Needling can be used for anyone with musculoskeletal conditions such as joint and muscle pain such as neck pain, shoulder impingement, tennis or golfers elbow, sciatica, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, hip pain, knee pain, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, or low-back pain, overuse injuries and much more.
Our sports injury specialists often use dry needling to relieve short-term pain and as a useful, noninvasive, and conservative option for managing injuries such as lateral meniscus rupture, femoral acetabular impingement, ganglion cysts, and sports hernia.
If you feel that you have muscle knots, areas of tightness or scar tissue problems from an injury then dry needling may be a great way of helping to reduce your symptoms and kick start your recovery.
needle therapy benefits
- Dry needling treatments don’t involve surgery or medication., making them safe for people who can’t or don’t want to undergo other forms of treatment for pain relief with the addition that it has no side effects.
- Dry needling stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by the body. This can help to reduce pain and promote healing in the injured area.
- Dry needling can improve blood flow to the injured area. It helps by delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to your muscles, promotes healing and reduces inflammation.
- Dry needling is often used in conjunction with other physiotherapy modalities, such as exercise therapy, manual therapy, and heat or ice therapy.
- Dry needling physiotherapy can help to loosen up the muscles and joints, allowing for enhanced muscle function, and an increased range of motion and flexibility.
- Dry needling can help to reduce the formation of scar tissue, a common side effect of injury, which can limit range of motion and cause pain and discomfort.
- Dry needling can help to reduce stress levels, calming the nervous system. Stress can slow down the healing process and make it more difficult to recover from injury.
- Dry needling can help to improve sleep quality and promote relaxation. Sleep and rest are crucial for the body to heal and recover.
Book now
At Straight Back Physio we believe in giving our patients the opportunity to engage and explain their injury history, lifestyle etc. to our physiotherapists therefore each new patient is given 45minutes on their first appointment with follow ups being 30 minutes in length.
Recover faster, our chartered physios can usually get you back to redoing the activities you can't do now within 4 to 8 sessions.
We understand that some people may want to find out a bit more about the cost before they book an appointment at our physiotherapy clinic. Our unique save as you recover packages can save you up to 20% on the cost of a single session.
Insured
For insured clients we can either work directly with your insurance provider or offer receipts for cash-based plans, allowing you to reclaim your expenses.
Not Covered by Insurance
If you want see the best physiotherapist in your area, feel free to book an appointment at our Cheltenham physiotherapy clinic without needing a referral from your GP.
Why Choose Us
No other local physiotherapy clinic can match our level of expertise and rehabilitation services, thanks to our extensive experience and in-house gym facilities. You'll receive the full benefits of physiotherapy through a tailored combination of interventions designed to guide you on your path to recovery.