If you’ve had a stiff, sore neck for weeks or headaches that keep coming back, you may have wondered whether acupuncture is worth trying. Here it’s offered by registered clinicians as one part of your treatment, alongside hands-on work, exercise and advice, when they think it’s likely to help you.
What medical acupuncture is
Medical acupuncture, sometimes called Western medical acupuncture, uses very fine, single-use needles placed in the skin and muscle. It’s based on modern anatomy and physiology, not on traditional Chinese medicine, and is used mainly for pain.
Dry needling is a closely related technique in which needles are placed into tight, tender points in a muscle. Our clinicians use whichever suits your problem, and they’ll explain which they’re suggesting and why.
What it may help with
The evidence for acupuncture is strongest for short-term relief in a small number of conditions:
- Tension-type headaches
- Migraine
- Neck pain, including long-standing neck pain
- Knee pain from osteoarthritis, alongside exercise
Some people also find needling helps tight, sore muscles settle so that they can move and exercise more comfortably. It doesn’t work for everyone, and the effect is usually temporary, which is why we use it together with exercise and other treatment and not on its own.
What it feels like
The needles are much finer than those used for injections. Most people feel a brief scratch, then a dull ache, heaviness or warmth around the needle. With dry needling the muscle may twitch for a moment. Needles are usually left in for anything from a few seconds to around 20 minutes.
Afterwards the area may ache for a day or so, and you might notice a small bruise. Some people feel tired or light-headed, so it’s sensible to have eaten beforehand and to take it easy after your first session.
Your appointment
Acupuncture isn’t booked as a separate treatment. You book a physiotherapy, osteopathy or chiropractic appointment in the usual way, and if your clinician thinks needling would help, they’ll explain what’s involved, the benefits and risks, and ask for your consent. There is no extra charge for it.
If you’d like acupuncture to be considered, tell us when you book so we can place you with a clinician who offers it. If you don’t like needles, that’s fine. There are always other options.
When acupuncture may not be suitable
Tell your clinician before treatment if you:
- Are pregnant or might be
- Take blood-thinning medication or have a bleeding disorder
- Have a pacemaker or other implanted device
- Have epilepsy, diabetes or a weakened immune system
- Have a metal allergy, or have fainted with needles before
None of these necessarily rules it out, but your clinician needs to know so they can decide whether it’s right for you.
Who you'll see
Medical acupuncture is offered by our physiotherapists Corinna Towler, Kirk Proto, Martin Ratcliffe and Jodie Pargeter, who are members of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP). Annabelle Frost, osteopath, offers dry needling and medical acupuncture, and Joe Lancaster, chiropractor, offers dry needling.
We match each patient with the clinician whose skills best fit their problem and what they want to get back to. If you’re not sure who to book with, call us on 01444 817851 and we’ll point you to the right person.
Corinna Towler
Physiotherapist,
Restore C-section Scar Specialist,
APPI Pilates trained
Corinna is a chartered physiotherapist with a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Southampton, building on an earlier qualification in sports therapy. Her background in elite gymnastics and national-level trampolining gives her a trained eye for how people move.
She is trained in APPI Clinical Pilates, medical acupuncture and RESTORE C-section scar therapy, and combines hands-on treatment with clear, progressive rehabilitation tailored to you.
Kirk Proto
Physiotherapist,
Acupuncture Physiotherapist
Kirk is a chartered physiotherapist who came to physiotherapy after a career in finance, graduating from the University of Brighton. He has specialist experience in rehabilitation after knee and hip surgery, and a particular interest in long-standing low back pain and nerve-related symptoms such as sciatica.
He combines soft tissue therapy, medical acupuncture and exercise-based rehabilitation, with the focus on getting you back to the things you enjoy. Outside the clinic he enjoys CrossFit and cricket.
Insurers Kirk Works With
Martin Ratcliffe
Physiotherapist,
Acupuncture Physiotherapist
Martin is a chartered physiotherapist with experience in both private practice and elite sport. He has a particular interest in knee injuries, ACL rehabilitation and planning a safe return to sport, and continues to work with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Under-23s.
He combines hands-on treatment with progressive exercise rehabilitation, uses VALD ForceDecks force plates to measure strength, jumping and landing, and provides Össur knee braces. A keen runner and golfer, he understands what it means to want to get back to your own sport.
Insurers Martin Works With
Jodie Pargeter
Physiotherapist,
Acupuncture Physiotherapist,
Women’s Health Specialist,
Restore C-section Scar Specialist
APPI Pilates trained
Jodie is co-founder of The Health Hub and a chartered physiotherapist with over 20 years’ experience in NHS and private practice. She leads our women’s health physiotherapy service, supporting women through pregnancy, recovery after birth and long-term pelvic health.
She is a certified Mummy MOT® practitioner, trained in RESTORE C-section scar therapy and APPI Clinical Pilates, and uses real-time ultrasound to help you see and learn how your deep core muscles are working.
Annabelle Frost
Osteopath
Annabelle is a registered osteopath who graduated from the International College of Osteopathic Medicine with a first-class Master of Osteopathy degree. A keen athlete and former osteopathy patient herself, she understands how pain and injury can affect everyday life.
She takes time to listen, explain her findings and involve you in decisions about your care. Treatment can include hands-on osteopathic techniques, myofascial release, dry needling and dry cupping, alongside advice and exercises to help you stay active.
Joe Lancaster
Chiropractor
Joe is a chiropractor with a first-class Master of Chiropractic degree. He treats all areas of the body, with a particular interest in neck, back and shoulder problems.
He looks beyond where it hurts to understand why the problem has developed, and combines hands-on techniques with a rehabilitation plan you can follow at home. He is registered with the General Chiropractic Council and a member of the Royal College of Chiropractors and the British Chiropractic Association.
Insurers Joe Works With
Prices and insurance
- Initial assessment and treatment (45 minutes): £79
- Follow-up treatment (30 minutes): £64
Acupuncture and dry needling are included in your appointment at no extra cost when your clinician thinks they will help. No GP referral is needed. You pay at your appointment and we’ll give you an invoice to claim back from your insurer if you’re covered. Many of our clinicians are recognised by AXA, Aviva, BHSF, Cigna, Simplyhealth, Westfield Health and WPA. Recognition varies by clinician, so ask us when you book.
Frequently asked questions
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, call us and we’ll be glad to help.
- Does acupuncture hurt?
-
Most people feel a brief scratch as the needle goes in, followed by a dull ache or heaviness. It shouldn’t be sharply painful, and you can ask for a needle to be removed at any time.
- Is it safe?
-
In trained hands it is very safe. We use sterile, single-use needles. Minor effects such as a small bruise, an ache or feeling tired are the most common. Serious problems are rare, and your clinician will go through the risks with you before you agree to treatment.
- How many sessions will I need?
-
It varies. Your clinician will usually try it for a small number of sessions and continue only if it’s helping.
- Can I book acupuncture on its own?
-
No. It’s used as part of a physiotherapy, osteopathy or chiropractic appointment, after an assessment, so that it sits within a plan for your problem.
- What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?
-
Both use the same fine needles. Dry needling targets tight, tender points within a muscle. Medical acupuncture uses a wider range of points, often with the needles left in for longer.
- Do I need a GP referral?
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No, you can book directly. If you’re claiming on private health insurance, check whether your insurer needs a GP referral first.
Based in Haywards Heath, we see patients from:
You’ll find us at Unit 3, 2-8 Sussex Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 4EA. There’s free on-street parking on Sussex Road and two pay and display car parks a short walk away, and our entrance, treatment rooms and toilets are wheelchair accessible. We’re open Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm, and Saturday 8am to 1pm.
Book an appointment
If you’d like to know whether acupuncture could be part of your treatment, book online or call us on 01444 817851.
Reviewed by our chartered physiotherapists, Martin Ratcliffe, Kirk Proto, Corinna Towler and Jodie Pargeter, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. Last reviewed November 2026.
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