Physiotherapy and Dry Needling in Brighton & Hove: How Acupuncture Can Help Musculoskeletal Pain
At Life is Movement, our physiotherapy clinic in Brighton & Hove, we regularly incorporate techniques like dry needling and medical acupuncture into our treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. These methods are gaining popularity due to their evidence-based effectiveness in reducing pain, improving mobility, and accelerating recovery.
But what exactly is the difference between traditional acupuncture and dry needling, and how can they benefit you?
What’s the Difference Between Acupuncture and Dry Needling?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture is based on thousands of years of Eastern philosophy. It works on the principle of balancing the body's energy or "Qi" through specific points along meridians (energy pathways). It’s often used for a wide variety of health concerns, including anxiety, headaches, and digestive issues.
Dry needling, on the other hand, is a Western medical technique used by trained physiotherapists and other practitioners. It involves inserting fine, sterile needles into trigger points or tight bands in muscles to relieve pain, restore movement, and promote healing. It’s called “dry” because no substance is injected.
At Life is Movement, we use dry needling techniques as part of a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
The Science Behind Dry Needling and Acupuncture in Physiotherapy
Dry needling can provide a range of physiological benefits, particularly in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain, such as:
✅ 1. Improved Blood Flow
Needling stimulates local blood flow, which is essential for tissue healing. Oxygen and nutrients are delivered more efficiently to the affected area, while waste products from inflammation are removed more quickly.
✅ 2. Reduced Muscle Tension
Trigger points—tight bands in muscle—can restrict movement and cause pain. Dry needling helps deactivate these points, allowing muscles to relax and function more normally.
✅ 3. Pain Relief via the Pain Gate Theory
When a needle is inserted, it stimulates sensory nerves that compete with pain signals in the spinal cord (this is known as the Gate Control Theory of Pain). As a result, pain signals are "blocked" from reaching the brain, often leading to an immediate reduction in discomfort.
✅ 4. Neuromuscular Reset
The mechanical stimulation of a needle can cause a local twitch response in the muscle. This reflex helps "reset" the muscle’s resting tone and improves movement efficiency.
✅ 5. Stimulation of Endorphin Release
Research shows that needling may stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, providing an additional layer of pain relief.
What Conditions Can Dry Needling Help With?
At our Brighton & Hove physiotherapy clinic, we use dry needling to support recovery from a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Back and neck pain
Shoulder impingement and rotator cuff issues
Tension headaches
Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
Hip and gluteal pain
Knee pain or patellofemoral syndrome
Achilles tendinopathy
Chronic muscular tightness from postural strain
Is It Safe?
When performed by a qualified physiotherapist, dry needling is a safe and effective treatment with minimal side effects. You may experience slight soreness or mild bruising at the site, which typically resolves within 24–48 hours.
How We Use It at Life is Movement, Brighton & Hove
Our approach is always individualised. Dry needling may be used alongside manual therapy, clinical exercise, and mobility work to provide a comprehensive physiotherapy solution. Whether you're recovering from injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking to move better, we’ll discuss whether dry needling is right for you.
Conclusion: Is Dry Needling Right for You?
If you're struggling with chronic pain, tightness, or musculoskeletal dysfunction, dry needling as part of physiotherapy might be the missing piece. It’s evidence-based, safe, and can make a real difference to how you feel and move.
If you're in Brighton or Hove, get in touch with Life is Movement to book a consultation and see how physiotherapy and dry needling could support your recovery and long-term health.
📍 Book Your Appointment
Ready to move better, feel better, and live better?
Visit www.lifesmovementclinic.com or contact us today to book your physiotherapy session in Brighton & Hove.
