Acupuncture Treatment in Essex and East London
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Your Go-to Destination for Medical Acupuncture Treatment in East London & Essex
At Spine Plus we provide specialist (Medical) Acupuncture therapy from our team of osteopaths and physiotherapists in London, focusing on myofascial pain and trigger points (trigger point dry needling). In addition, Osteopathy and Physiotherapy both involve manual manipulation of the body, together with exercise and lifestyle advice, to help with a range of conditions such as back pain, rehabilitation from orthopaedic surgery, whiplash, repetitive strain (RSI) and sports injuries.
At Spine Plus, one of our hallmarks is that our osteopaths use medical acupuncture/acupressure, alongside traditional treatment. We have found medical acupuncture to be particularly effective when combined with traditional osteopathic / physiotherapy manual treatment. This requires additional postgraduate training which they have all undertaken. Also, our physiotherapists and osteopaths are trained in the use of electrotherapy, such as ultrasound, which can be very useful for certain ligament and tendon problems. This means our osteopaths and physiotherapists have all the necessary skills and abilities to provide the gold standard of treatment.
About Trigger Point Dry Needling – Medical Acupuncture
One of the distinguishing features of our therapists is that they are all trained in acupuncture including trigger point dry needling (medical acupuncture) and acupressure (which can be used if preferred by the patient). This can be highly effective for relieving painful muscle knots called trigger points. Trigger points form tight bands or knots in muscle tissue which are often a major component of persistent or chronic conditions such as chronic back pain, tension headaches and other “referred pain” conditions.
A very common area for trigger points to occur is in the muscle at the top of your shoulder. This trigger point usually causes referred pain to the head and neck and restricted movement of the neck. Other common areas for trigger points to form are in the deep gluteal muscles around the hip. These can cause pain down the leg which can be mistaken for, or co-exist with, “sciatica” pain from a trapped nerve in the lower back.
Painkillers can help mask the symptoms but within a trigger point, there is usually spontaneous electrical activity causing the fibres to be permanently contracted. Consciously trying to relax the area, stretching, massaging and even taking muscle relaxant medication will often not be enough to make the knot “let go”. Some forms of massage and stretching can even make the tension worse by irritating the sensitive nerve endings within the trigger points.
Orthopaedic Therapy clinics in East London & Essex
How does trigger point dry-needling work?
Dry needling works by promoting blood flow and reducing the spontaneous electrical activity within the trigger points and by stimulating the body to release growth factors that promote healing. Dry needling also offers several advantages over injections, no medication is involved so there are fewer side effects, it is a lot cheaper to perform and can be repeated however many times is required. Dry needling can be performed once or twice a week initially before the intervals are extended, a typical course takes between 3 and 12 sessions of dry needling. In the case of stubborn Trigger Points that do not fully respond to dry needling, we may refer for injections.
Trigger point dry needling is sometimes referred to as medical acupuncture. However, dry needling is quite different from traditional acupuncture. With dry needling, there is no intention of affecting energy meridians. Dry needling is based on modern science and knowledge of anatomy and physiology. You may feel nothing at all when the needle is first inserted. When the needle contacts the trigger point it should cause a “twitch response”. The twitch response is a momentary contraction of the muscle. It may just be a mild twitch, or it may feel like a “cramping” of the muscle. You might also experience referred pain in a distant area of your body. This is a good thing, especially if it’s a “familiar” pain for you. This means that we’ve needed an active trigger point which is causing some of your symptoms.
Why Choose Us
We understand that dealing with musculoskeletal disorders can be challenging. That’s why we are committed to providing exceptional care that goes beyond standard treatment. Here’s why you should choose Spine Plus for addressing these health issues:
Expert Multi-Disciplinary Team
Our team of highly skilled therapists is trained in a variety of disciplines, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your care. Whether you need physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, or specialised rehabilitation, our experts collaborate to create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Comprehensive Care for All Musculoskeletal Conditions
While our name highlights our expertise in spinal care, our services extend to a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions, including sports injuries. Our holistic approach ensures that every aspect of your musculoskeletal health is addressed, helping you achieve optimal well-being.
Patient-Centred Ethos
At Spine Plus, your health and well-being are our top priorities. Our patient-centred ethos means that we listen to your concerns, understand your goals, and involve you in every step of your treatment process. We are dedicated to making your journey to recovery as smooth and effective as possible.

100’s of 5 star Google and Facebook reviews
Established >20 years
Experts in Spinal problems and many other musculoskeletal conditions.
Free resources and helpful guides
Established IDD Therapy Centre – Specialists in Disc Care
Rapid referral for MRI if required (we can refer to our partner MRI centre and you will receive a discount) or if required to our partner Doctor Consultants
Same day appointments, early and late availability
Video consultations if required
Online booking system, book whenever – wherever
Access to our Exercise App for home rehab drills
What We Treat
At Spine Plus, we treat various musculoskeletal disorders and other issues using advanced, multi-disciplinary therapies for effective and lasting relief. Here’s just a few examples:

Repetitive Strain Injury
Manage RIS symptoms such as wrist and forearm stiffness, neck and shoulder tension with acupuncture, to ease muscle tension and restore flexibility.

Rehab from Surgery
Support post-operative recovery by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration with specialised treatments incorporating acupuncture.

Tension Headaches
Alleviate headache symptoms by targeting trigger points in the neck and shoulders, providing relief and preventing recurring pain, aches and tensiopn
Clients Testimonial Video
Watch our client testimonial videos to see how Spine Plus has changed lives. Here, our satisfied clients share their experiences getting treatment for various musculoskeletal disorders.
Client’s Testimonials
Here, we have shared some real stories of our clients. These testimonials show how our patients have recovered from musculoskeletal disorders and why we are the UK’s top choice for treatment.