Acupuncture and dry needling in Primrose Hill: how we use them at Hauora

By Geoff Scott, Founder & Senior Physiotherapist, Hauora

By Geoff Scott, Senior Physiotherapist and founder of Hauora. Reviewed by Jason Oliveira, Senior Physiotherapist. Last updated 14 November 2026.

Quick answer: at Hauora, our physiotherapy clinic in Primrose Hill, London, we use two needling approaches as part of a physiotherapy plan: dry needling to release tight, tender trigger points in muscle, and traditional Chinese-style acupuncture, which uses classical acupuncture points. Both are delivered by our physiotherapists, and both are used alongside exercise and hands-on treatment, never instead of them. They can ease pain in the short term, which often makes it easier to get moving and build strength.

Acupuncture and dry needling at a glance

Dry needling targets myofascial trigger points: tight, tender knots in a muscle that can refer pain elsewhere.
Traditional Chinese-style acupuncture places fine needles at classical acupuncture points, usually left in place for a short rest.
Research supports short-term pain relief for trigger point pain, especially when needling is combined with other physiotherapy.
NICE guidance says acupuncture can be considered for chronic primary pain and for preventing chronic tension-type headaches, but doesn’t recommend it for low back pain.
It’s an add-on, not the plan. Exercise and a clear rehab programme do the long-term work.

Dry needling for trigger point release

Dry needling is based on Western anatomy and physiology. Your physiotherapist finds a trigger point by feel, a tight band in the muscle that reproduces your familiar pain, then places a very fine, solid needle into it. Often the muscle gives a brief twitch, followed by a release in tension. The needle is usually in for seconds to a minute or two.

We most often use dry needling for:

Neck and upper back tightness, including the upper trapezius
Shoulder muscles that are limiting rehab
Gluteal, calf and hamstring tightness in runners, cyclists and footballers
Muscle guarding that’s stopping you moving freely after an injury

Systematic reviews of dry needling for trigger points, mostly in neck pain, show short-term reductions in pain and disability. The benefit is greatest when needling is combined with exercise and other physiotherapy, which is exactly how we use it.

Traditional Chinese-style acupuncture

Traditional Chinese acupuncture places fine needles at classical acupuncture points, which are mapped along pathways called meridians. Needles are usually left in for around 15 to 30 minutes while you rest, and may be gently stimulated. In Western medical terms, acupuncture is thought to work by stimulating nerves under the skin and in the muscles, which can change how the body processes pain.

We may suggest a course of acupuncture for longer-term pain, for headaches linked to neck and shoulder tension, or when you’d like a calm, relaxing treatment alongside your rehab.

What the evidence and NICE say

Chronic primary pain: NICE says a single course of acupuncture or dry needling, within a traditional Chinese or Western acupuncture system, can be considered for people aged 16 and over, delivered by a trained healthcare professional.
Chronic tension-type headache: NICE says a course of up to 10 sessions over 5 to 8 weeks can be considered to help prevent headaches.
Low back pain: NICE doesn’t recommend acupuncture. For back pain we lead with an exercise-based plan. See our guide to back and neck pain.
Trigger point pain: research supports short-term relief from dry needling, best combined with other physiotherapy.

We’ll always be honest about whether needling is likely to help you. If it isn’t the right tool for your problem, we won’t suggest it.

How we use needling at Hauora

Assessment first. A full physiotherapy assessment to find what’s driving your pain, and whether needling has a role.
Your consent. We explain what we’d like to do, why, and the possible side effects, and you decide.
Needling within your session. Dry needling, acupuncture or both, chosen to suit your problem.
Straight into movement. We use the window of reduced pain and tension to get you moving and strengthening.
Review. We check how you responded and only continue if it’s helping.

Is it safe?

Acupuncture and dry needling are very safe in trained hands. We use sterile, single-use needles. Common, short-lived effects include mild soreness, small bruises, a little bleeding at the needle site and feeling tired or relaxed afterwards. Serious problems are rare.

Tell us if you’re pregnant, take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, have a pacemaker or other implanted device, have diabetes or a weakened immune system, have a metal allergy or are anxious about needles. We’ll adapt the treatment or choose a different approach.

Why patients choose Hauora

Senior physiotherapists only. Geoff Scott spent two decades in Premier League football at Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest, and Jason Oliveira spent seven years at Saracens.
Needling as part of a full rehab plan, not a quick fix on its own.
In Primrose Hill, close to Camden, St John’s Wood, Regent’s Park, Belsize Park and Hampstead. Open Monday to Saturday.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?

Both use the same fine needles. Dry needling is based on Western anatomy and targets trigger points in muscle, usually for seconds. Traditional Chinese acupuncture uses classical acupuncture points, and needles usually stay in for 15 to 30 minutes.

Does dry needling hurt?

Most people feel a brief ache or a twitch in the muscle rather than sharp pain. The area can feel sore for a day or two, similar to after a hard workout.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on the problem. Dry needling is often used in a few sessions to help you get moving. For chronic tension-type headache, NICE suggests a course of up to 10 sessions over 5 to 8 weeks.

Can I exercise after dry needling?

Yes. Light movement and your rehab exercises are encouraged. Avoid a very hard session on the treated muscle that day if it feels sore.

Is acupuncture good for back pain?

NICE doesn’t recommend acupuncture for low back pain. We focus on an exercise-led plan, with hands-on treatment where it helps.

Will my health insurance cover it?

Policies vary. If you’re claiming, check with your insurer before your appointment.

Book an assessment

Book at Hauora, At The Core, 44 Gloucester Avenue, Primrose Hill, London NW1 8JD. Book online at hauora.com/book or call 020 4541 8924. See our fees.

Finding us: Hauora is based inside the At The Core building, but we’re a separate business from At The Core. We share the building and the phone number, so when you call, please ask for Hauora.

This article is general information, not a diagnosis. Any relief from acupuncture or dry needling is usually short-term and works best as part of a wider treatment plan.