Acupuncture & Dry Needling

A New Option for Pain, Tension & Better Sleep

At Fleet Sports Therapy, I’m always looking for tools that genuinely help clients recover faster, move better and feel calmer in their bodies.

After completing advanced training in acupuncture and dry needling, I’m now integrating these techniques into treatment plans where appropriate.

But what exactly is it… and who is it for?

What Is Acupuncture & Dry Needling?

Both techniques use very fine, sterile needles placed into specific points in the body.

• Dry needling focuses on releasing tight muscle bands and trigger points.

• Acupuncture works through specific points that influence pain pathways, circulation and the nervous system.

They are gentle, safe when performed correctly, and often surprisingly relaxing.

Most people describe the sensation as:

• A dull ache

• A twitch response in a tight muscle

• Or a warm, heavy feeling that eases quickly

  
  

Who Is It For?

Acupuncture can be a great option if you:

• Struggle with persistent neck, shoulder or back pain

• Have recurring knee pain

• Carry a lot of muscular tension

• Feel “tight everywhere” despite stretching

• Experience stress or anxiety that affects your sleep

• Have pain that hasn’t fully resolved with massage alone

It’s particularly helpful for people who:

• Train regularly

• Sit at a desk for long hours

• Wake up stiff

• Or feel stuck in a cycle of flare-ups

Why Is It a Good Option?

🪡 It Targets Deep Muscle Tension

Needling can reach areas that hands alone sometimes can’t - especially deep trigger points that refer pain elsewhere.

🧠 It Calms the Nervous System

Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural pain-modulating chemicals and encourages a parasympathetic (rest and recover) response.

For clients dealing with stress and poor sleep, this can be powerful.

💪 It Improves Blood Flow & Healing

Inserting the needle increases local circulation, helping to:

• Reduce inflammation

• Promote tissue repair

• Improve mobility

🔄 It Works Well Alongside Massage

This isn’t a replacement for hands-on therapy - it’s an upgrade. Used together, results are often faster and longer lasting.

When Should You Try Acupuncture?

Consider it if:

• You’ve had the same pain for weeks or months

• Massage helps but doesn’t quite “finish the job”

• You keep getting recurring tightness in the same area

• You’re stuck in a stress–tension cycle

• You’re struggling with muscular pain and poor sleep

It’s also a great option during:

• High training loads

• Stressful work periods

• Post-injury rehab phases

  
  

Areas It Works Particularly Well For

Acupuncture and dry needling are especially effective for:

• Neck tension and headaches

• Shoulder pain

• Lower back pain

• Knee pain

• Upper back tightness

• Jaw tension

• Anxiety-related muscle tension

• Sleep disturbances linked to stress

Is It Painful?

Short answer: rarely.

You may feel:

• A brief twitch

• A dull ache

• A warm spreading sensation

Most clients say it’s far less uncomfortable than they expected - and many feel deeply relaxed afterwards.

Is It Safe?

Yes, when performed by a trained practitioner using sterile, single-use needles.

As with all treatments at Fleet Sports Therapy, sessions are tailored to you. Not everyone needs needling - and if it’s not appropriate, I won’t use it.