Dry needling is a precise, evidence-informed treatment used to release tight muscle bands, reduce pain, and improve movement. At Musculus Sports Massage, we use dry needling as part of a wider recovery approach to help relieve muscular tension, support rehabilitation, and restore normal function.
This technique involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into trigger points within the muscle. These “knots” can cause pain, restrict movement, and contribute to long-term discomfort. By stimulating these areas directly, dry needling helps the muscle relax, improves blood flow, and supports the body’s natural healing process. It is commonly used alongside sports massage and rehabilitation to enhance recovery outcomes.
Dry needling targets specific points of muscle tightness to reduce pain and improve function without medication or invasive procedures.
It works by stimulating dysfunctional muscle tissue, encouraging it to relax and reset naturally. This helps improve mobility, reduce stiffness, and support faster recovery from injury or overuse.
Dry needling is widely used in sports therapy and rehabilitation to support both acute and chronic conditions.
Key benefits include:
This makes it ideal for athletes, gym users, and anyone dealing with persistent muscular discomfort.
Dry needling is suitable for a wide range of people, not just elite athletes. At Musculus, we use it to help clients dealing with back pain, shoulder tension, sports injuries, and repetitive strain from daily life or training.
It is often combined with sports massage, cupping therapy, and strength-based rehabilitation to create a complete treatment plan tailored to your goals. Whether you are recovering from injury, managing long-term pain, or aiming to improve performance, dry needling can be an effective part of your recovery journey.
EXCELLENT Based on 21 reviews Posted on Google Tom FlemingTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mark is a genuinely nice bloke and also a consummate professional. I have had an on-going problem with my right hip causing shooting pain and the right side of my neck, restricting mobility. Mark rapidly identified the neck/trap issue and released it. He then went to work on the hip issue and the difference between me arriving and leaving were phenomenal. I left the session just enjoying full neck mobility and walking without hip tension and pain. Thanks Mark 👍Posted on Google Ben KimeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Contacted Mark regarding regular pain for advice and session, first consultation Mark was very knowledgeable in his profession, described my pain and locations etc, straight away he knew the problem explained and showed me the causes on the posters he had up, very good price for the service required have had 2 sessions now and will continue, definitely recommend amazing level of service.Posted on Google Hannah FletcherTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had my first session with Mark Powell today. He started by asking loads of questions to really understand what was going on, even things I didn’t realise myself. We went through all the paperwork properly and then he got straight to work. He started off slowly to work out what muscles needed the most attention… but once he found them, there was absolutely no escape. He is so knowledgeable and talks you through everything, what muscle he’s working on, what he can feel, and why it’s causing problems. As someone trained in massage therapy (beauty), I actually found that side of it really interesting. Mark did have to get quite close to some more intimate areas, but he was completely professional and always asked for consent and only ever pushing as far as you’re comfortable. We had a good laugh through it, which definitely helped because I don’t think I’ve ever willingly let someone hurt me like that before… and yet I’ve already prepaid for another session next week, so clearly it works 😅 I’ll probably be sore for a few days, but I can already tell it’s going to be worth it. Great guy, massive respect for what he does and how he works. 10/10 would definitely recommend 💪Posted on Google AndrewTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a gym user Id been getting shoulder pain and problems lifting above the head. Cant recommend Mark enough. He found the issue immediately and just one session has made a huge difference. Will be booking a follow up. Thanks Mark great work and professional servicePosted on Google Melissa ClarkeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Welcoming and friendly, Mark certainly knows his stuff when it comes to sports massage. Felt instantly at ease and was talked through the whole process. I walked out of the session feeling ‘lighter’ than I had done in a long time, after many years of discomfort, due to poor posture through work and now with menopause aches and pains. I’ll be going for further sessions without a doubt. Can’t recommend Mark enough.Posted on Google Adam SwannTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. One of the best sports massages I’ve ever had. Mark is very knowledgeable and really gets to the root of the problem. I came in with a lot of tension from office work and elbow pain from the gym. After seeing Mark twice the elbow is much better and my neck, back and shoulders are pain free. Booking is really easy and a really professional service.Posted on Google Finley ByrneTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mark was amazing! He was very professional and did a great job of clearing my shoulder pains. Will be visiting him again in the future.Posted on Google Harper CoeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a massage with Mark this morning and I honestly couldn’t fault the experience. He really listened to what I was feeling, explained why I was in pain, and talked me through what I can do to help fix it — not just mask it. I felt completely comfortable the whole time; he was polite, professional, and really knowledgeable. He also taught me things I genuinely didn’t know about recovery, which I appreciated. I walked out feeling so much better and have already booked back in — not because I was pushed into a follow-up, but because Mark clearly works on actually fixing the issue rather than dragging it out over endless sessions for the sake of it. Would highly recommend.Posted on Google Dan QuickTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Injuried my shoulder at the gym and been trying to manage the recovery myself for the past 2 weeks but only got worse. Called Mark this morning and managed to fit me in the same day. During the initial consultation at his premises it was immediatly clear this guy knows about his trade. Very knowledgeable and knew exactly what the issue was even before laying a hand on me. The session was intense and worked solid on manipulating my injury. Explained exactly what he was doing and provided some good tips to prevent the injury in future. Although I need another session to fully recover the injury I would say its a million times better than before. Having been to other therapists in the past with huge dissapointment ive come away from this one knowing ill be returning and using mark for maintainance. Dont hesitiate to book in with him, youll feel the benefit from session 1. Thanks again mate!Posted on Google Helen LillieTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been receiving treatment for my leg and knee from Mark over past couple of months. I can't begin to state how much he has helped get me walking much better with less pain. Each session helps more and removes the sharp stabbing in my thigh. I would highly recommend seeing mark at Muscululas as he instantly understands the symptoms and works to relieve.
Whether you’re dealing with pain, getting back into training, or just looking to feel better in your body – we’re here to help. Reach out with any questions, book your first session, or tell us what you need. We offer flexible options at the gym or in your own home, with expert support every step of the way.