Back & neck pain
Targeted relief for muscular back and neck pain, including long-standing tension.
Treatment · Medical Acupuncture
Medical Acupuncture in Potters Bar
Fine-needle acupuncture and dry needling that releases deep muscle tension, eases trigger points and relieves back, neck and joint pain — delivered by Gugan Hair, a registered osteopath with over twenty years of clinical experience.
The treatment
What is medical acupuncture?
Medical acupuncture — often called dry needling — uses very fine, sterile needles placed into tight muscles, trigger points and targeted points around the body. Unlike traditional Chinese acupuncture, it is grounded in modern anatomy and neurophysiology and is used to release muscle tension, calm irritated nerves and stimulate the body's own pain-relieving response.
At Potters Bar Spine Clinic, acupuncture is never a standalone quick fix. It is combined with osteopathic treatment and rehabilitation advice so the underlying cause of your pain is addressed — not just the symptoms.
How it helps
What can medical acupuncture help with?
Medical acupuncture is especially effective for pain with a muscular component — tension, trigger points and overload.
Muscle knots & trigger points
Releases tight, irritable bands of muscle that refer pain elsewhere.
Tension-type headaches
Eases neck and shoulder tension that drives recurring headaches.
Sports injuries & recovery
Supports recovery from muscle strains and heavy training loads.
Joint-related muscle pain
Relaxes the overworked muscles around stiff or arthritic joints.
Chronic pain support
A drug-free option to take the edge off persistent, long-term pain.
Benefits
Why choose medical acupuncture?
Drug-free pain relief
A non-invasive way to manage pain without relying on medication.
Releases trigger points
Directly targets the tight muscles that stretching alone often can't reach.
Complements osteopathy
Combines with hands-on treatment and rehabilitation for better results.
Precise & targeted
Treatment is directed at the exact muscles and points driving your symptoms.
Minimal side effects
Fine, sterile, single-use needles with only mild, short-lived after-effects.
Tailored to you
Needle placement and treatment goals are planned around your assessment.
Your visit
What to expect during a session
Your visit begins with an osteopathic assessment so Gugan can establish whether acupuncture is right for you, and exactly where it will help most.
Session length
Standard consultation 45 minutes; extended treatment 60 minutes — acupuncture is included where appropriate.
What it feels like
A brief prick, ache or muscle twitch as a knot releases. Most people find sessions comfortable and relaxing.
Afterwards
Mild soreness for 24 hours is normal. You'll leave with simple aftercare and movement advice.
Questions
Medical acupuncture FAQ
What is medical acupuncture?
Medical acupuncture — sometimes called dry needling or Western medical acupuncture — uses very fine needles inserted into muscles, trigger points and targeted points. It is based on modern anatomical and neurophysiological knowledge rather than traditional Chinese meridians, and is used to relieve muscle tension and pain alongside osteopathic treatment.
Does medical acupuncture hurt?
The needles are extremely fine — nothing like an injection needle — so most people barely feel them going in. You may notice a brief ache, heavy sensation or small twitch as a tight muscle releases. This is a normal and often useful response, and most patients find the treatment comfortable and relaxing.
What can medical acupuncture help with?
It is commonly used for back and neck pain, muscle tension and myofascial trigger points, tension-type headaches, sports injuries and joint-related muscle pain. At Potters Bar Spine Clinic it is combined with osteopathic treatment and rehabilitation advice for lasting results.
Is medical acupuncture safe?
Yes, when performed by a trained, registered practitioner. Gugan Hair is a registered osteopath (GOsC reg. 6041) and uses sterile, single-use needles. Mild, short-lived soreness or occasional light bruising at the needle sites is the most common after-effect.
How much does medical acupuncture cost?
A standard consultation is 45 minutes at £60 and an extended treatment session is 60 minutes at £82.50. Where appropriate, medical acupuncture is included within your osteopathic treatment session — Gugan will advise during your assessment.
Ready to release that tension?
Book a session with Gugan and she'll assess whether medical acupuncture is the right fit for your pain.