Dry needling is a modern treatment technique used by physiotherapists and healthcare professionals to relieve muscle pain and dysfunction. It involves inserting thin, sterile needles into trigger points or tight bands of muscles to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and promote healing.
Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on Western medical principles and focuses on relieving musculoskeletal pain by targeting specific areas of muscle tension.
Dry needling works by addressing muscle knots or trigger points that contribute to pain and restricted movement. When the needle is inserted into a trigger point, it stimulates a response that helps release tension and improves blood circulation. Here’s how it benefits the body:
Releasing Trigger Points: The needle causes a twitch response in the muscle, which helps it relax and reset, reducing pain and tightness.
Increasing Blood Flow: The process encourages circulation to the treated area, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
Stimulating the Nervous System: It helps reduce nerve sensitivity, decreasing pain perception.
Improving Mobility: By reducing muscle stiffness, dry needling can restore flexibility and movement.
Dry needling is beneficial for individuals experiencing chronic pain, sports injuries, or muscle tightness. It is commonly used for:
Athletes: To speed up recovery from sports-related injuries and muscle fatigue.
Office Workers: To relieve muscle tension caused by prolonged sitting and poor posture.
People with Chronic Pain Conditions: Such as fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, and arthritis.
Patients Recovering from Injury: To aid rehabilitation after surgery or trauma.
Individuals with Tension Headaches & Migraines: To relieve muscle tension contributing to headaches.
Dry needling is effective for a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Neck and back pain
Shoulder pain and impingement
Tendonitis and tendinopathy
Plantar fasciitis
Sciatica and nerve pain
Postural imbalances
Joint pain and stiffness
Repetitive strain injuries
A dry needling session typically follows these steps:
Assessment: The therapist evaluates your pain points and movement limitations.
Targeting Trigger Points: Fine needles are inserted into identified trigger points in muscles.
Muscle Response: You may feel a slight twitch response or mild discomfort, which is a normal part of the process.
Post-Treatment Effects: After the session, muscles may feel sore for a short period, but improvements in pain and mobility follow.
Rehabilitation Plan: Your therapist may recommend complementary exercises or treatments for sustained relief.
The sensation varies from person to person. While the insertion of the needle is usually painless, some patients may feel a brief muscle twitch or mild discomfort. However, most people report significant relief after treatment.
Dry needling is a powerful tool for reducing pain, enhancing mobility, and speeding up recovery from injuries. Whether you’re an athlete, dealing with chronic pain, or looking for relief from tension headaches, dry needling therapy may be an effective solution.
If you’re interested in trying dry needling, book an appointment with our experienced physiotherapists to see how it can help you achieve pain relief and improved movement.
We understand that no two injuries are the same. That's why our expert team creates individualized treatment plans based on your specific needs, ensuring a personalized approach to recovery.
Our highly skilled physiotherapists bring years of experience to the table. Whether it’s sports rehab or chronic pain management, our team has the expertise to help you recover efficiently.
We employ advanced diagnostic tools like ultrasound imaging and gait analysis to precisely identify problem areas and track progress throughout your recovery.
Our treatments lead to faster, longer-lasting recoveries, with many clients experiencing significant improvement in fewer sessions. Client success stories and testimonials reflect our commitment to quality care.
EXCELLENT Based on 132 reviews Rose Floyd2025-02-16Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mark was very informative at the consultation, and didn’t rush me into the injections. I went back 7/10 days later and it’s now been a fortnight since they went in. Previously I had pain daily and couldn’t walk very far. I am now enjoying being pain free Hannah-May Elmasry2025-02-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really knowledgeable and friendly physio, fully assess and explains things thoroughly would highly recommend andy muir2025-01-30Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mark is a wonderful knowledgeable practitioner, he explains things perfectly. I had hip steroid and hyaluronic injections and are feeling the benefits already. I would highly recommend Mark to anyone. Rebecca Benson2025-01-27Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Worth his weight in gold. This guy has been a godsend to me. After experiencing extreme levels of pain for three weeks with whiplash after a car accident.. I’d tried another physio as well as attending my GP several times for medication and nothing had touched me. I was becoming depressed with the level of pain I was experiencing… Mark did an extremely thorough consultation, talked me through options and got to work. After my first session I felt some relief, though the benefits continued throughout the day; That evening was the first evening I didn’t have vice crushing headaches from moving my neck downwards and that night was the first night I hadn’t woken up in the middle of the night needing to take pain medication. The following day he did more work on the front of my neck and I practically floated out of the place. I really can’t recommend him enough. For the first time in three weeks I see some light at the end of the tunnel. I’d never experienced pain like it before, but he’s really made such a difference in such a short space of time. Professional, experienced and a lovely person. Thank you so much. Robert Serkis2025-01-10Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend seeing Mark Boundy I had very bad hip problem which had lasted a year Mark administered a cortisone and lubricant injection 10 months ago the pain eased very quickly and it's improved to where I don't have a problem darren ross2025-01-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Booked in to see Mark regarding a hip/glute issue. Following an initial consultation I booked a dry needle appointment (which he managed to get in the same day for me) provided immediate relief to the issue. Was prescribed some exercises and stretching to help moving forward. Great service, reasonably priced and provided clear answers to all my questions. Good to know I have a reliable option for any future problems Wayne Price2024-12-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Shoulder pain for a long time got unbearable. And literally 1 visit and within 3 days pain free Debbie Tasker2024-12-05Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Finding Mark has been life changing, I have had years of back problems since the birth of my second child, After over doing it at the gym, I was in terrible pain and discomfort, a feeling I deal with often, We found Mark, so friendly, helpful, and extremely knowledgeable, he was able to help me with dry needling, which made a huge difference to my ability to move better, along with physio which was intense but so amazing, moving forward to where I am today! After feeling so broken for so long, I see the light at the end of the tunnel all thanks to Mark 🙏🏻 Forever grateful. Thank you 🙏🏻 Emma Wheat2024-11-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mark was recommended to my hubby who was suffering with a very bad knee. Lots of pain when walking/bending and very swollen. I dropped him off to have his knee assessed, he was impressed with the ultrasound scan Mark did (got alot more information about the state of his knee after 15 minutes with Mark than after an MRI with NHS!). Steroid & thick oil were given as an option as the knee was a bit of a mess, osteoarthritis and cartilage torn. Mark offered no guarantee but it was deemed worth a try. It was the right decision. 3 weeks in and there is no pain - used to be constant pain. Less discomfort - used to ache. No swelling. The result is he can now walk & kneel down better than he has in about 20 years. Lesley2024-10-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t rate Mark highly enough. I previously visited him a few years ago for Achilles heel pain and swelling which he swiftly assessed was related to issues in my hip and after a few sessions he resolved my issue. When I had pain in the ball of my foot recently, I visited him again after the NHS were unhelpful. Mark immediately knew that I was suffering with Mortons neuroma for which he administered a steroid injection guided by ultrasound. It’s very clear that Mark is very skilled and knowledgeable in his field, he also makes you feel very at ease and explains the whole treatment process carefully. Even though Mortons neuroma tends not to go away completely I am now almost pain free following the treatment. I would highly recommend Mark to others.
At Rebound Physiotherapy, our commitment to providing top-quality care is reflected in the numerous awards and certifications we’ve earned over the years. From industry accolades to professional certifications, these recognitions highlight our dedication to innovation, expertise, and patient success.
After completing a Biology BSc, my journey in physiotherapy began in 2004 at King’s College, London. I spent eight years in the NHS, where I saw how long waiting lists and short appointments hindered effective rehabilitation. This led me to pursue an MSc in Manual Therapy in 2015, becoming a member of the MACP.
I moved into private practice at Oxford Sports Physio & Pilates, where I helped rehabilitate high-level athletes, including GB rowers and Oxford University sports teams. Today, I’m an expert generalist with a passion for treating a variety of musculoskeletal issues.
While I don’t specialize in one area, I have a keen interest in using MRI machine for diagnostics and injection therapy, which allows me to offer precise, effective treatments. Combined with medication prescription, I provide a comprehensive range of musculoskeletal care.
MSc, BSc (Hons), MMACP,
MSOMM
Non-medical Prescriber & Ultrasound Guided Injector
At Rebound Physiotherapy, we’ve transformed the lives of countless clients, guiding them from pain to recovery and enhanced well-being. Now it’s your turn to experience the benefits of expert physiotherapy. Our dedicated team is here to support you on your journey to better health.