ACTIVE CHIROPRACTIC STAFFORD
Dry Needling & Medical Acupuncture
Dry needling or medical acupuncture targets trigger points in knotted muscles to help relax muscles, improve your flexibility and reduce pain.
How can dry needling help?
- Pain relief
- Improving mobility
- Increasing range of motion
- Improving blood flow
- Supporting rehabilitation
THE WHAT
What is dry needling?
Dry needling involves a medical professional inserting thin needles near muscular trigger points. The aim of stimulating these knotted, often tender areas is to cause the muscles to contract. This can help to reduce tightness and increase blood flow, which will then start to relieve your pain.
Sometimes referred to as medical acupuncture, dry needling is usually used as part of a treatment plan alongside other rehabilitation techniques.
What issues can dry needling treat?
- Joint issues
- Tendinitis
- Migraines
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Tight muscle knots
THE HOW
What happens in a dry needling session?
During your first consultation, we’ll go through your relevant medical history. We will perform an examination and discuss the findings with you.
In a dry needling session, the chiropractor will first locate your trigger points. These are often near the area where you may be feeling pain. They will then insert a needle, and might need to move it around a little to stimulate a response.
Sometimes this is performed with ultrasound imaging guidance, so your practitioner can see exactly where the needle is going in real time. The ultrasound image helps identify the exact location of muscles, tendons or other soft tissues. This allows for greater precision, making the treatment safer and more effective.
Each dry needling therapy session will last about 20 minutes. Some people can feel immediate improvements in their mobility and pain levels. Other people need a few sessions.
Are there any side effects?
Trigger points are often painful when touched, so you may feel some discomfort during the session. You might feel some soreness afterwards too, and there’s a small risk of bruising.
THE WHY
Why Choose Active Chiropractic In Stafford?
During your first consultation, we’ll go through your relevant medical history. Your treatment therapist will perform an examination and discuss the findings with you. They might recommend other diagnosis services, like an ultrasound, blood tests or biomechanical assessment. The chiropractor will then discuss a personalised treatment plan with you.
Comprehensive assessment
Tailored treatments
Friendly, caring environment
REVIEWS
What our Customers Say
PRICES
Dry needling costs
Initial Consultation
New here, or has it been a while?
- For new clients or those returning after more than 12 months.
- Includes a detailed case history, physical examination, report of findings, and first treatment.
- Please arrive 10 minutes early to complete necessary paperwork.
- Approximate duration: 45 minutes
Follow-Up Treatment
Dry needling treatment
- Ongoing care sessions tailored to your treatment plan.
- Approximate duration: 20 minutes
OUR TEAM
Meet our Chiropractic and Wellness Team
Dr Daniele Tomassi
MChiro, MSc (S&C), DC, LRCC, ASCC, CSCS
Interest areas: Strength & Conditioning, Sports Injuries
Dr Ansar Mahmood
MB CHB, MRCS ED, FRCS (TR & ORTH)
Interest areas: Plasma rich Platelet Injection, Restorative Medicine
MORE INFORMATION
Common Questions
Who can benefit from dry needling?
Dry needling can help people with chronic muscle tightness, sports injuries, or recurring pain that hasn’t fully responded to stretching or massage. It’s also useful for those with headaches, posture-related strain, or stubborn trigger points causing restricted movement.
How is it different from traditional acupuncture?
Although both treatments use thin needles, their focus is different. Traditional acupuncture is based on Chinese medicine and works on energy pathways (meridians). Dry needling is a modern, evidence-based approach targeting specific muscular trigger points to relieve pain and restore mobility.
What should I wear?
We recommend loose-fitting clothing or sportswear that gives easy access to the treatment area (e.g., shorts for legs, vest top for shoulders/back).
How many sessions will I need?
Some people notice results after one session, while others need a short course of treatments. Your chiropractor will recommend a treatment plan based on your condition, medical history, and goals.
Is dry needling safe?
Yes. When performed by a trained professional, dry needling is considered safe. You may feel a brief twitch or ache during treatment, which indicates the muscle is responding. Any mild soreness afterwards usually resolves within 24–48 hours.
What should I do afterwards?
- Keep moving: gentle activity helps the muscles adapt and prevents stiffness.
- Stretch: light stretches can support recovery and improve results.
- Hydrate: drinking plenty of water helps your muscles recover more effectively.
Are there side effects?
The most common side effects are mild, temporary soreness, slight bruising, or tiredness. Serious complications are extremely rare, especially when carried out by qualified practitioners.