Dry Needling in Cranleigh
Relieve muscle pain, release trigger points, and restore movement with clinically led dry needling in Cranleigh
Dry needling at Cranleigh Osteopathic Practice is provided by Richard Williams (Osteopath) as part of a personalised osteopathy appointment. Treatment is only offered where clinically appropriate and always with your full consent.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a technique used to treat muscle pain and dysfunction by inserting thin sterile needles into tight muscle bands known as trigger points. These areas are often the cause of local pain, stiffness, or pain that travels to other parts of the body.
Dry needling is grounded in Western clinical medicine and focuses specifically on muscular and neuromuscular pain. It differs from acupuncture, which is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine.
What does dry needling actually do?
Dry needling releases painful muscle knots, improves blood flow, reduces tension, and helps restore normal muscle function. It is commonly used for back pain, neck and shoulder tension, sports injuries, sciatica-type symptoms, and long-standing muscular stiffness.
Benefits of Dry Needling
Dry needling may help with:
- Pain relief by releasing tight muscle fibres
- Muscle relaxation and reduced spasms
- Improved circulation and tissue healing
- Restoring joint movement and range of motion
- Accelerated recovery after injury
- Reduced inflammation around stressed muscles
- Improved daily movement and sports performance
- Deactivation of trigger points causing referred pain
Areas That Respond Best to Dry Needling
Dry needling is often effective for:
- Neck and upper back
- Shoulders
- Lower back
- Hips and pelvis
- Hamstrings and quadriceps
- Calves
- Plantar fascia (foot pain)
- Arms and elbows
- Jaw (TMJ tension)
Who Should Avoid Dry Needling?
Dry needling may not be suitable if you:
- Have an active infection
- Have a bleeding or clotting disorder
- Are currently pregnant
- Have a known allergy to needle materials
- Are taking blood-thinning medication
Your suitability is always assessed before treatment.
Practitioner Credentials & Safety
Dry needling is provided by Richard Williams, a fully qualified osteopath based in Cranleigh.
- Registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC)
- Clinically trained in Western dry needling
- Uses sterile, single-use needles
- Full assessment before treatment begins
- Aftercare guidance provided at every visit
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is dry needling painful?
You may feel a brief twitch or aching sensation when a trigger point releases. This is normal and temporary.
How many sessions will I need?
Some people notice improvement after one session, while others benefit from a short course.
What’s the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?
Dry needling is based on muscle anatomy and Western medicine. Acupuncture follows Traditional Chinese Medicine principles.
Can dry needling help sports injuries?
Yes. It’s commonly used for muscle strains, tightness, and overuse injuries.
What should I expect after treatment?
You may feel mild soreness for 24–48 hours, similar to muscle ache after exercise.
Testimonials
See what our happy patients have to say about us!
Ready to book?
Click the link below or if you would prefer to speak to someone, please call 01483 268628. Our reception is open 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 8:30am-5:30pm on Saturday.