Medical Acupuncture & Dry Needling in London

David Canevaro BSc (Hons) is a GOsC-registered osteopath and certified medical acupuncturist with over 25 years of clinical experience. At our London osteopathy clinics in Old Street, Beckenham and Orpington, David delivers western medical acupuncture as part of a fully integrated treatment programme — combining it with osteopathic manual therapy and clinical Pilates rehabilitation for lasting, evidence-based results.

✓ GOsC Registered Osteopath & Medical Acupuncturist
✓ 25+ Years Clinical Experience
✓ Certified by the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists
✓ Integrated with Osteopathy & Pilates — not a standalone therapy
✓ 3 Clinics — London & Kent

What Is Western Medical Acupuncture?

Western medical acupuncture — also known as dry needling — is a clinically evidence-based adaptation of traditional Chinese acupuncture. Rather than working from the traditional concept of Qi flowing through meridians, it uses modern knowledge of anatomy, physiology and neurological pathways to achieve highly targeted therapeutic results.

During treatment, fine sterile needles are inserted into specific trigger points — locations where nerves enter a muscle, the midpoint of a muscle, or where muscle joins bone at the enthesis. This stimulates the nervous system to release natural pain-relieving chemicals, reduces localised muscle tension and spasm, and promotes improved circulation and tissue recovery.

At David’s London acupuncture clinic, western medical acupuncture is never applied as a standalone maintenance therapy. It is always integrated within a broader clinical assessment and treatment plan — which may include osteopathic treatment, sports massage or clinical Pilates — depending on your individual presentation.

Conditions Treated with Medical Acupuncture

Medical acupuncture is effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. David uses it as part of an integrated treatment plan for:

Lower back pain — including chronic lumbar pain, disc-related pain and muscle spasm
Neck pain — cervical stiffness, tension and nerve irritation
Shoulder pain — rotator cuff problems, frozen shoulder and impingement
Headaches and migraines — tension-type headaches and cervicogenic headaches
Sciatica — nerve pain radiating from the lower back into the leg
Sports injuries — muscle tears, tendinopathies and overuse injuries
Joint and muscle pain — including knee pain, hip pain and arthritic pain
Myofascial pain and trigger points — deep-seated muscle tension and referred pain patterns
Postural pain — pain arising from prolonged desk work, repetitive strain or poor movement habits

If you are unsure whether acupuncture is appropriate for your condition, David offers a full clinical assessment at your first appointment before any treatment begins. View all conditions we treat →

What to Expect During Your Acupuncture Session

David’s approach begins with a thorough clinical assessment — understanding not just your symptoms, but the underlying mechanical and neurological factors contributing to your pain.

Your first appointment typically includes:

Full case history — David will ask detailed questions: when the pain started, where you feel it, what aggravates or relieves it, and how it affects your daily life and movement.
Physical assessment — postural analysis, range of motion testing and palpation to identify relevant trigger points and areas of dysfunction.
Integrated treatment plan — David will explain his recommended approach, which may combine acupuncture with osteopathic manual therapy, soft tissue work or rehabilitation exercises.
Acupuncture treatment — fine, sterile single-use needles are inserted at precise locations. Most patients feel minimal discomfort — a brief dull ache or tingling sensation is normal and indicates the needle is correctly positioned. Sessions typically last 45–60 minutes.

A typical course of treatment involves 5–8 sessions, initially weekly, adjusting in frequency as your condition improves. David will reassess your progress at each appointment and update your plan accordingly.

Is Medical Acupuncture Safe?

Yes. Western medical acupuncture as practised by a GOsC-registered osteopath is extremely safe when carried out by a qualified clinician. David uses only sterile, single-use needles that are safely disposed of after every session.

Common concerns:

Fear of needles — The needles used in medical acupuncture are extremely fine — far thinner than those used for blood tests or injections. Most patients are surprised at how comfortable the experience is. David takes time to explain the process fully and works at your pace.
Side effects — Mild temporary effects such as slight bruising or localised soreness at needle sites can occasionally occur. Feeling relaxed or mildly tired after a session is common and a positive sign of your body’s response.
Safety in pregnancy — Certain acupuncture points are avoided during pregnancy. Please inform David if you are pregnant or trying to conceive before your appointment.

Acupuncture as Part of the Osteolates® Method

David is the creator of the Osteolates® Method — a unique integrated treatment framework combining osteopathic assessment, clinical Pilates rehabilitation and western medical acupuncture into a single structured programme.

This integrated approach is particularly effective for patients with complex or long-standing pain conditions, where a single-therapy approach has previously failed to deliver lasting relief. By addressing the root mechanical cause of pain through osteopathy, reinforcing recovery through Pilates-based rehabilitation, and using acupuncture to reduce acute pain and muscle tension — David’s patients achieve faster, more durable results.

Acupuncture Clinic Locations in London

David offers medical acupuncture at all three of his clinic locations:

Central London — Old Street 325–327 Old Street, Hoxton, London EC1V 9LE Near Old Street, Shoreditch & Liverpool Street stations Tel: 020 7127 8771

Beckenham 22 Oakfield Gardens, Beckenham, Kent BR3 3AZ 2 mins from Eden Park station | On-site parking Tel: 020 3633 6132

Orpington / Petts Wood 1a West Way, Petts Wood, Orpington BR5 1LN 2 mins from Petts Wood station (Zone 5)

View all clinic details, directions & opening hours →

Acupuncture Treatment Fees

Session	Duration	Fee
Initial Consultation (includes acupuncture)	45–60 min	From £99
Follow-up Treatment Session	30–45 min	From £55
Acupuncture as part of combined treatment	Within session	Included

Prices may vary by clinic. View full fee schedule →

David is recognised by AXA Health, BUPA, Aviva and Vitality. Please confirm your policy covers medical acupuncture before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions — Medical Acupuncture London

What is the difference between medical acupuncture and traditional acupuncture?
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Traditional (Chinese) acupuncture is based on the concept of Qi energy flowing through meridians. Western medical acupuncture — the approach David uses — is based entirely on modern anatomy, neuroscience and evidence-based clinical practice. Needles are placed at anatomically defined trigger points to stimulate the nervous system, reduce pain and improve tissue function. Both use similar needles, but the diagnostic framework and reasoning are entirely different.

Does acupuncture hurt?
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Medical acupuncture needles are extremely fine — much thinner than injection needles. Most patients feel little or no pain on insertion. A brief dull ache, tingling or warmth at the needle site is common and is a positive sign that the point has been correctly activated. Many patients find the experience deeply relaxing.

How many acupuncture sessions will I need?
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This depends on your condition and how long you have had it. Most patients see meaningful improvement within 3–5 sessions. A typical course is 5–8 sessions, initially weekly. David will review your progress at each appointment and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. View our pricing for session packages →

Can acupuncture be combined with osteopathy?
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Yes — and this is exactly how David uses it. Acupuncture is most effective when integrated with a full clinical assessment and osteopathic treatment plan. The combination allows David to address both the structural and neurological components of pain simultaneously. This integrated approach is central to the Osteolates® Method.

Is acupuncture covered by health insurance?
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Many private health insurance policies cover medical acupuncture when delivered by a registered practitioner. David is recognised by AXA Health, BUPA, Aviva and Vitality. Please check with your insurer before your appointment to confirm coverage.

Do I need a GP referral for acupuncture?
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No. You can self-refer directly to David without a GP referral. Simply book an appointment online or call your nearest clinic to arrange an initial consultation.

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
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Certain acupuncture points are contraindicated during pregnancy. David takes a full medical history before treatment and adapts his approach accordingly. Please inform David at the time of booking if you are pregnant.

Where are your acupuncture clinics in London?
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David provides medical acupuncture at Central London (Old Street), Beckenham and Orpington / Petts Wood. All three clinics offer the same full range of treatments. View clinic details →