Ultrasound Guided Tendon Dry Needling
A precise, image-guided treatment for chronic tendinopathy — performed at our CQC-registered private clinic in Hinchley Wood, serving patients across Esher, Cobham, Oxshott, Surbiton, Hampton, South West London and the wider Surrey area.
A targeted treatment for chronic tendon pain
Dry needling is a recognised alternative method used to treat chronic tendinopathy — a persistent condition affecting tendons that has not responded to conservative therapy. The procedure is performed under live ultrasound guidance for accuracy and safety.
A fine needle is used first to deliver local anaesthetic to the affected area, then repeatedly passed through the abnormal tendon. This controlled disruption encourages localised micro-bleeding, which is thought to stimulate fibroblasts — the cells responsible for the body’s natural healing and tissue-repair response.
Symptomatic improvement is usually felt over the following weeks. In some cases the procedure may need to be repeated for optimal results, and we routinely recommend physiotherapy after the appointment to support recovery.
What to expect at your appointment
A clear, four-step process performed by our specialist clinician using high-resolution diagnostic ultrasound.
Assessment & ultrasound
A focused clinical review and diagnostic ultrasound scan to confirm the area of tendinopathy and plan the safest needle pathway.
Local anaesthetic
The skin is cleaned in an aseptic manner and local anaesthetic is delivered through the needle to numb the treatment site.
Needling under guidance
The needle is repeatedly passed through the abnormal tendon under live ultrasound vision, encouraging the body’s healing response.
Aftercare advice
You are given written and verbal post-procedure instructions, with onward physiotherapy guidance to support optimal recovery.
Chronic tendinopathies we manage
Dry needling can be considered when conservative treatment, rest and physiotherapy have not delivered lasting relief.
Tennis elbow
Lateral epicondylitis affecting the outer elbow tendons.
Golfer’s elbow
Medial epicondylitis affecting the inner elbow tendons.
Achilles tendinopathy
Chronic pain and degeneration of the Achilles tendon.
Patellar tendinopathy
“Jumper’s knee” affecting the tendon below the kneecap.
Rotator cuff tendinopathy
Persistent shoulder tendon pain not responding to rehab.
Gluteal tendinopathy
Chronic lateral hip pain related to gluteal tendons.
Risks, recovery and aftercare
Dry needling is generally considered a safe procedure when performed under ultrasound guidance with sterile equipment. Full informed consent is taken before treatment.
Risks of the procedure
Dry needling is generally considered safe — ultrasound guidance is used throughout to minimise risk, and the injection is performed in an aseptic manner using sterile, single-use equipment.
However, there is a small risk of infection (approximately 1 in 10,000) following any injection. If you experience unexpected pain, warmth, redness around the area, or develop a temperature, you should immediately consult your GP or attend A&E and explain that you have recently had an injection, as this could potentially be serious.
- Temporary increase in pain (usually within the first 24–48 hours)
- Bruising at the site of the injection
- Tendon damage or rupture
- Damage to surrounding vessels or nerves
- Failure of the procedure to relieve symptoms
Post-procedure care
The local anaesthetic typically lasts 4–6 hours. After it wears off, the treated area may feel uncomfortable or heavy — this is a normal part of the healing response.
- Be cautious with the affected area for the first 48 hours
- Avoid strenuous activity for 7–10 days post procedure
- Apply ice and use simple analgesia if comfort is needed
- Continue with prescribed physiotherapy to support recovery
- Arrange a friend or family member to accompany you or drive you home
Important — patients on anticoagulants
We are unable to perform dry needling if you are taking an anticoagulant medication (for example warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran or edoxaban). This will need to be discussed with your referrer in advance so a safe plan can be agreed before your appointment.
View tendon dry needling pricing
Detailed pricing for dry needling and our full range of ultrasound-guided procedures — including steroid injections, barbotage, hydrodilatation, PRP, Ostenil® and Arthrosamid® — is available on our main ultrasound services page.
Tendon dry needling near you
Conveniently located on Station Approach in Hinchley Wood with ample on-site parking and direct rail links — patients travel to us from across Surrey and South West London.
Hinchley Wood
KT10 — On-site clinicEsher
KT10 · 5 min driveCobham
KT11 · 10 min driveOxshott
KT22 · 8 min driveSurbiton
KT6 · 10 min driveHampton
TW12 · 15 min driveWeybridge
KT13 · 12 min driveSouth West London
Direct rail to WaterlooOur private ultrasound clinic also welcomes patients from Kingston upon Thames, Walton-on-Thames, Thames Ditton, Long Ditton, Claygate, Stoke D’Abernon, Leatherhead, Teddington, Twickenham, Wimbledon and the wider Surrey region. Hinchley Wood station is one stop from Surbiton and offers direct services from London Waterloo.
Your tendon dry needling questions answered
Local anaesthetic is delivered first to numb the treatment site, so the needling itself is generally well tolerated. You may feel pressure or a deep ache during the procedure. The treated area can feel sore once the anaesthetic wears off — this typically settles within 24–48 hours.
Symptomatic benefits build gradually over the weeks following treatment as the body’s natural healing response progresses. Some patients require more than one session and we always recommend continuing with a structured physiotherapy programme to maximise the long-term outcome.
A referral from your GP, physiotherapist, sports medicine doctor or musculoskeletal specialist is usually preferred so we have appropriate clinical context and any relevant prior imaging. If you do not have a referral, please contact us — our team can advise on the best route, including arranging a private GP review at our Hinchley Wood clinic.
We strongly advise arranging a friend or close family member to accompany you to clinic or drive you home, especially after lower-limb procedures. The local anaesthetic lasts 4–6 hours and the area may feel heavy or numb during this time.
We are unable to perform dry needling if you are currently taking an anticoagulant. This needs to be discussed with your referring clinician in advance — they will advise whether the medication can safely be paused, or whether an alternative treatment is more appropriate. Please tell our team about any blood-thinning medication when booking.
Tendon dry needling at Hinchley Medical is offered to patients aged 18 and over only. Younger patients will be directed to a more appropriate paediatric musculoskeletal pathway.
Up-to-date prices for dry needling and all of our ultrasound-guided procedures are listed on our main ultrasound services page. View ultrasound pricing & packages →
Specialist tendon care in Surrey
Speak to our team about ultrasound-guided dry needling and whether it is the right next step for your chronic tendinopathy. Same-week appointments are often available.