Dry Needling vs Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the insertion of thin needles into various points along the body, causing stimulation at said points, introducing therapeutic and/or preventative results. It is the Chinese who introduced the world to acupuncture over 5000 years ago, and it is in very wide use today.

Acupuncture is based on a belief that through a balanced flow of energy (chi) running through our bodies, our health is determined by this, a life force present in all living things.

The energy flowing through us, the chi, courses inside our bodies along twelve different paths. According to acupuncture theory, these paths, referred to as meridians, all link to designated organs and systems.

The practice of acupuncture is through the insertion of ultra-fine, single use sterile needles. These needles are inserted into certain points of your meridians, controlling and redirecting your flow to help induce a feeling of relief from stress, tension and even pain.

If you are looking for Acupuncture treatment please do not hesitate to get in touch.

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a western approach to Acupuncture and is an effective and efficient technique for the treatment of muscular pain. It is a technique developed for relaxing a trigger point within a muscle via the insertion of a fine needle without injecting any substance.

Can you still not decide between choosing Dry Needling vs Acupuncture? Make sure to contact us and we will help you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when a trigger point is dry needled?

A twitch response often occurs when the needle is inserted into a trigger point and is often seen as a sign the treatment will be helpful.

The theory behind the advantageous benefit of a local twitch response is thought to be related to rapid depolarization of the involved muscles fibres which results in local twitches. Once this spontaneous electrical activity subsides, the pain and dysfunction decrease dramatically.

Is the procedure painful?

Most patients do not feel the insertion of the needle. The local twitch response elicits a very brief (less than a second) painful response. Some patients describe this as a little electrical shock; others feel it more like a cramping sensation. Again, the therapeutic response occurs with the elicitation of local twitch responses and that is a good and desirable rea

Are the needles sterile?

Yes, we only use sterile disposable needles.

What side effects can I expect after the treatment?

Mild soreness is common after the procedure. The soreness is described as muscle soreness over the area treated and into the areas of referred symptoms. Typically, the soreness lasts between a few hours and two days

What should I do after having the procedure done?

Our recommendations vary depending on the amount of soreness you have and on the individual response to the treatment. Recommendations may include applying heat or ice over the area, gentle stretches and modifications of activities or analgesic medications such as Paracetamol.

Our Clinic

Unit 1, Stourbridge Health & Social Care Centre, John Corbett Drive, Stourbridge DY8 4JB
(Free car parking to the front & off-street parking nearby)

Opening Hours:
Monday: 8.30am – 8.00pm
Tuesday: 8.00am – 8.00pm
Wednesday: 8.00am – 8.00pm
Thursday: 8.30am – 8.00pm
Friday: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Saturday: 9.30am – 10.30am (Pilates class only)
Sunday: Closed

Client Stories

Excellent experience. Sophie provided a thorough physio pain management and improvement program for my lower back pain. Both Sophie and the team were professional and were exceptionally helpful regarding flexibility of appointments due to work commitments. Highly recommend.

Lewis Hayward

I chose Mac physio due to recommendation and they were spot on. Sophia was able to identify my strained knee tendon and recommend treatment and exercises to get me back up and running. She provided exercises via the Physio tec app which showed the correct technique. I would recommend them!

Steven Pearson

Over the course of a year with a complex injury I’ve always had the the best advice and amazing support from MAC physio to assist my recovery. Brilliant service from making appointments to the online easy access exercise programme. 5 Stars!!

Louise Reather

I have been seeing Martin since October 21 with a frozen shoulder in lots of pain and with limited movement. He has been amazing and with lots of care, personalised exercise routines, hands on massage and manipulation, I have got most of my movement back and have minimal pain in my shoulder. He is very experienced, patient, and professional and I can't recommend Martin services enough and you will be in very safe, skilled hands. Thanks again Martin!

Kalpna Patel

Amazing service, I had been to so many people who couldn’t sort out my issue. The knowledge and experience the physiotherapists have is outstanding and you really can’t put a price on being able to resume to your normal life without pain. Recommend for anyone who is going through joint/ muscle pain or stiffness.

Yusuf Khan

Following a wrist fracture, Martin and his team examined me thoroughly and provided an in-depth, personalised workout regimen that aided my recovery. During the sessions Martin took the time to massage and manipulate the effected joint and made sure I was making progress. I believe his expertise shortened my recovery time dramatically and mean I’m now back to 100 percent function.

Jon Serdne

I had always been to a physio who was good, and I was a fan of physio as I played sport all my life and suffered for it!! I now have arthritis in areas (I am 61) but when I went to Annie my views went up into a different league. Her diagnosis was spot on there is a lot you can do with muscles and soft tissue to reduce the effects of arthritis. She found ways of curing pain that I can continue at home. I have never been so aware and understand my body.

Carolynne Clarke

Excellent Physiotherapists!
Our teenage daughter has been using Mac Physio & Pilates due to a lower back pain which had been causing her constant pain every day, for at least 2 years. The professionalism and knowledge of the pain issue, coupled with such empathy shown towards our daughter certainly went above and beyond any previous expectations we had. 

Jude & Guy Baggott

Had a Sports Massage with Jodie last week. I won’t lie, it hurt, but that’s the whole point of them in my opinion. The relief afterwards was intensely gratifying, and the visible results of tension relief was unbelievable. I thought it was muscle, but no, it was tension. The aches and pains have almost gone. Another session and hopefully I’ll be sorted. Don’t neglect your bodies people, you only get one. 

Anna Lawrence

I have seen both Martin & Annie at Mac physio as well as attending Annie's Pilates classes. I can't recommend them enough! After seeing so many different specialists for issues from a childhood injury, they finally found solutions to ease my back/hip/knee problems. They have helped me to keep on top of my injuries with hands on physio and exercises. After on and off treatment for approx. 18 months I still regularly attend Pilates classes.

Samantha Pearson

Very professional set up, even during covid. They have been my go-to and keep fit with on-line classes. Annie manages to always have a slightly different routine in classes but very easy to follow. they are well structured and super support. I started with beginners and are mixed ability now. I have advanced cancer in the spine, neck and hip.

Lenneke Van der Houwen

After getting nowhere with an NHS physio I decided to go and see Martin after being recommended by a friend. Martin gave me different advice to the NHS physio but as I was paying, I decided to listen! I should have done so months ago and my hamstring problem may have been resolved. I also did a 6-week Pilates course with Annie which was excellent and really helped me too. 

Sally Grainger

Went to Annie with a niggle in my back she soon sorted me out and gave me some exercises to maintain it. Not looked back. Now doing her Pilates on a Wednesday which is fab and really strengthening up my core. Thanks, your just GREAT!

Beverley Edwards

Went to Annie with a niggle in my back she soon sorted me out and gave me some exercises to maintain it. Not looked back. Now doing her Pilates on a Wednesday which is fab and really strengthening up my core. Thanks, your just GREAT!

Beverley Edwards