A stiff neck, tight shoulders and jaw tension often go hand in hand. Whether you’re dealing with persistent neck pain, muscle tightness or tension that affects your sleep, work and concentration, acupuncture may offer a supportive approach to managing your symptoms.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, these symptoms may be understood as patterns of tension or disrupted Qi (energy) flow. Your acupuncture treatment is tailored to your individual symptoms, with the aim of easing tension and supporting balance throughout the body.
Our approach combines acupuncture with movement and lifestyle guidance, aimed at easing that tension without long-term medication or costly physio.
Not sure where to start? Take our free 2-minute health assessment for personalised recommendations.
When you’re ready, book your first appointment online. This includes a full consultation and treatment, looking at your symptoms, lifestyle and health history.
At The Get Well Clinics we offer affordable acupuncture at £42 a session.
★★★★★
“I have had chronic shoulder pain for 6 months. George stuck one needle in my wrist and asked if I still had pain, yes I said. He stuck two more in and asked again, as if by miracle the shoulder pain was gone. Admittedly it has returned, but is very much better.” Lily
★★★★★
“Jason is really knowledgeable and delivered great treatment for my neck, shoulder and jaw muscle tension and pain. Great to have professional treatment at an affordable price!” Natalie
★★★★★
“Marion is amazing: super knowledgeable and caring. My stiff shoulder, nerves in my toe and general blockage were all treated and I’m feeling much better. It’s a lovely tranquil space.” Steve
★★★★★
“I had chronic pain for months. The treatments and health advice helped me so much with the pain and my general well being. I now recommend it to all my friends!” Carmen
Individual patient experiences. Results vary.
What Causes TMJ and Neck & Shoulder Tension?
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction affects the jaw joints and the muscles around them, and it rarely stays in the jaw alone. Neck and shoulder tension usually travel with it, which is why treating one without the other tends not to hold.
What Usually Causes It
- Ongoing stress or anxiety, and clenching or grinding your teeth at night (bruxism)
- Desk posture and body alignment that build tension over months
- Jaw, neck or head injuries that never fully resolved
- Dental work, or long periods holding the jaw open
- Arthritis affecting the joint itself
What You May Be Feeling / Experiencing
- Jaw tightness, aching or a jaw that clicks and pops
- Pain around the ear, temple or cheek, often worse when chewing
- Tension across the neck and shoulders that will not shift
- Frequent headaches or migraines, and disrupted sleep
- Waking with a tight jaw or sore teeth
Please see your GP or dentist first if your jaw locks and will not release, if there is facial swelling or you suspect a dental infection, or if the pain came on after a significant injury.
Acupuncture works alongside medical care, not instead of it.
Source: NHS, ‘Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)’ and jaw pain guidance.
How Acupuncture Works for TMJ and Neck & Shoulder Tension
Pain is one of the most common reasons people come to us. High-quality research shows that acupuncture can provide greater pain relief than sham acupuncture for several types of chronic pain (Vickers et al., 2018, 39 randomised controlled trials involving 20,827 patients).
As to why acupuncture works for TMJ and neck tension, researchers point to several mechanisms:
- Calming the nervous system: stress and pain keep the nervous system in alert mode, which is often what holds the jaw and shoulders tight. Acupuncture is aimed at the parasympathetic “rest and restore” side of that system, and a meta-analysis of 9 randomised trials found it affected heart-rate variability and parasympathetic activity (Hamvas et al., 2023).
- Ease chronic neck pain: a Cochrane review of acupuncture for neck disorders found moderate-quality evidence of pain relief compared with sham treatment immediately after a course (Trinh K, et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;(5):CD004870).
- Improve jaw function: a systematic review of acupuncture in temporomandibular myofascial pain found it may reduce pain and support jaw mobility (Fernandes AC, et al. J Oral Facial Pain Headache. 2017;31(3):225-232).
- Relieve muscle tension: a systematic review found acupuncture stimulation was linked to increased local blood flow in muscle and skin, which may help ease stiffness (Kim et al., Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016).
- Releasing endorphins: research points to the release of endogenous opioid peptides, including endorphins, the body’s own pain-relieving and feel-good chemicals (Han, Neuroscience Letters, 2004).
- Acting on brain chemistry: research points to the release of endorphins, the body’s own feel-good chemicals, and has examined the brain regions handling pain and stress alongside the neurotransmitters that affect mood, including serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine (Han, Neuroscience Letters, 2004). These are proposed mechanisms rather than settled conclusions.
Individual results vary. These findings are not a guarantee of outcome for every patient.
Meet our Specialists
Jason Crowl LicAC MBAcC
Jason uniquely combines his 11+ years of training in corrective exercise and movement therapy with traditional acupuncture techniques. Patients often experience improved mobility, reduced pain, and greater energy.
Jason’s holistic method blends modern rehabilitation strategies with time-tested acupuncture. He regularly supports patients dealing with:
- Lower back and neck pain
- TMJ (jaw pain) and tension headaches
- Frozen shoulder and post-surgical recovery
- Fibromyalgia and nerve-related symptoms (e.g., drop foot, loss of sensation)
- PMT (premenstrual tension) and fluid retention (edema)
What Makes Treatment at The Get Well Clinics Different?
Jaw, shoulder and neck tension rarely responds to one thing on its own, so treatment is tailored to you and combines acupuncture with support you can carry on between sessions:
- Mind-body techniques: breathing and relaxation practices to reduce stress and the night-time clenching that comes with it.
- Remedial movement: targeted exercises and stretches to restore range of motion and break tension cycles.
- Nutrition & lifestyle support: reducing inflammation and supporting healing through diet and daily routines.
Flavio Cabral
3 months ago
The service I received was unhurried, kind, personal, as well very educative from both treatments I had on full body and head only (ear). I strongly recommend it.
Mdm Pleguebyrne
3 months ago
I first came to the Gate Well Clinic last year, and it was a fantastic experience. I'm now back again to help get myself back on the healthy path I was on before.
I feel that we live in a very different world compared to a couple of generations ago. Life moves at such fast pace, and much of our food has been depleted of its nutrients or replaced with ultra-processed alternatives, making it increasingly difficult to maintain good health.
Coming back to the clinic is helping me regain control of my health. The acupuncture treatment with George, together with the guidance and natural supplements he recommends, have given me the support I need to feel better, more balanced, and more in tune with my body.
I'm truly grateful for the care, knowledge, and support that George and the whole team provide. I would highly recommend the Gate Well Clinic to anyone looking to take a more natural approach to improving their overall health and well-being.
Tom Tom C
5 months ago
I have been seen by the fantastic Luke Warburton for a year for acupuncture & bodywork. He combines both skills in treatment at the get well clinics in Paddington. His knowledge really helps me maintain my health conditions like Fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis and anxiety. The get well clinics is my go to comfort zone for well being. Tom
Vincent Crooks
5 months ago
It's so good to have a place like the getwell clinic which for me is acceptable,affordable, clean and pleasant, with experience and professional practioners ,with the knowledge to read and diagnose ailments,
Vincent Crooks.
Emma Williamson
6 months ago
Marion is an excellent acupuncture therapist - I have really benefited from her treatment and highly recommend her.
Daria
8 months ago
Very good services at affordable prices. Acupuncture treatments have been helping me to balance my energy - either to bring it up or down depending on how I was feeling. Sheree is very helpful.
Fiona Blakeman
9 months ago
I couldn’t recommend this highly enough and I’m very grateful that this service is available in my local community. I’ve had a lot of experience receiving acupuncture, and despite the heavily discounted cost, the level of care, attention, and quality of treatment is exceptional.
The initial consultation is carried out privately, with treatments taking place alongside other patients. The setting is calm and peaceful, and I felt very safe and supported by both the practitioner and the environment overall.
Lucy Brook
11 months ago
This was a first time trying acupuncture, in a welcoming and tranquil space that's affordable to have professional treatment in a community clinic. I have several issues with my spine and I came initially with my sciatica pain at a 10 so severe for months struggling to walk and cope with daily functioning using mobility aids. I felt a major difference in pain relief after the first treatment and by the third session it has drastically reduced to a 2 and sometimes no pain on good days.
George is excellent and I feel so thankful, his knowledge and recommendations has been helpful and I've slowly been implementing. I come away from the sessions feeling relaxed and able to sleep better. I look forward to continuing my journey of pain relief, health and wellbeing, plus getting some normality slowly back in my daily life and functioning.
Elisa R
11 months ago
I went for several sessions this year to help with an extra heartbeat caused by stress. I also changed my lifestyle slightly, but acupuncture definitely made a difference. It takes time and trusting the process, and since I’m not used to slowing down, having this dedicated ‘me time’ was exactly what I needed.
John and Marion are knowledgeable, kind, and genuinely take the time to listen. I love how welcoming the community clinic is, and I always felt in very good hands.
Thank you to both of them, I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for support with stress or overall well-being.
Lucia Krupova
6 months ago
If you are preparing for IVF or struggling with back pain, you need to book an appointment with John.
I was a little bit worried about sharing room with other people but the place is incredibly peaceful which is exactly what you need when dealing with the stress of fertility treatments.
I came in for fertility support and a bad back, and I am amazed at how quickly it worked.
It only took a few sessions for my back pain to disappear entirely, and my periods are now perfectly on schedule. It has given me so much peace of mind and physical comfort heading into my IVF cycle.
Camilla Cooper
8 months ago
Get Well Community Acupuncture clinic is absolutely incredible. I’ve had really healing and helpful treatments with both Phil and Luke who are both exceptional & extremely caring practitioners. I can’t recommend this clinic enough for all your Community Acupuncture needs.
Maria del Mar Arranz Martin
11 months ago
Excellent service and professionals
John Watson
12 months ago
Very sympathetic and thoughtful treatment from Marion. I like the no-nonsense (and affordable) approach of having a communal treatment room. You still get plenty of attention and then lie and relax with the needles in whilst other people are attended to.
Vicki Zhang
1 year ago
Marion is super attentive and skilful - would highly recommend her to anyone considering acupuncture.
Sehr schön
2 years ago
I landed at Paddington location in Marion Rolling’s magical hands at the end of Jan 25.
I had high anxiety, heart palpitations and frequent migraines. I was always on high alert expecting a catastrophe at every corner and on the verge of tears at all time.
After a few Acupuncture sessions with Marion, my anxiety is manageable , I have more energy and I go for days without my previous symptoms. Also have not had a migraine since then.
I’m looking forward to seeing Marion a few more times this spring to help me with my hayfever.
Can’t recommend them enough. Thank you 🙏
Isabel Pitcaithly
2 years ago
Recently I attended The Get Well Clinic in Paddington where I had 3 accupuncture sessions a week apart with the very knowledgeable Marion Rollings. I did my homework before choosing Marion who has trained extensively including 7 years in China. I was impressed with how she managed to remember all I had told her in pre treatment forms and lying there relaxing with the needles in place ( completely painless) I could tell she remembered all about her other patients. I felt very relaxed and well cared for.
I had a problem with my ankle/foot which was very debilitating and this has greatly improved. I am so pleased as I was afraid to go out in case I suddenly couldn't walk any more. I no longer have this problem.
I was also concerned about headaches which seemed to take over my life. I can honestly say since the first treatment up to now several weeks down the line I have only had one headache which for me is amazing !!
To anyone considering a treatment with Marion go ahead. You will not be disappointed !!!
I plan on further treatments for my back when I have finished work in the garden. Isabel 76
Common Questions Answered
Research suggests acupuncture may help improve jaw function and mobility in people with TMJ dysfunction. Individual results vary.
Yes. Acupuncture is intended to be used alongside conventional treatment, and many patients have it while taking prescribed medication or having talking therapy. Never stop or change your medication without speaking to your GP first, and do tell us what you are taking so we can plan around it.
Mind-body techniques and acupuncture can help reduce stress and nighttime jaw clenching, alongside remedial movement to break the tension cycle.
Acupuncture works by building change slowly over time, small shifts that add up, rather than one big fix. Everyone is different, but most patients start to notice a difference after several regular sessions rather than a single visit.
Why Choose Our Low Cost Acupuncture Clinics in London?
Expert
Our highly qualified acupuncturists, without the private clinic price tag.
Whole-body approach
We use traditional acupuncture diagnostic principles to look at your symptoms in the context of your whole health, not just the area that hurts
Convenient locations
Our clinics in Camberwell and Paddington are close to bus, train, and Tube lines, so getting here is simple.
Acupuncture Articles
You don’t need to understand how acupuncture works for it to work. But if you’re curious about the science, we’ve linked some articles below, with more on Traditional Chinese Medicine in our Articles section.
Acupuncture can be difficult to study. Researchers use sham acupuncture as a control, with needles placed away from recognised acupuncture points, but these “fake” points can still have an effect. Many studies are also small because research funding is limited. This means some conditions have not yet been studied at the scale needed for firm conclusions. That is not the same as acupuncture being tested and failing.
Where high-quality, large-scale research has been carried out, the evidence is much stronger.
What Is TMJ and What Causes It?
Fernandes AC, Duarte Moura DM, Da Silva LGD, De Almeida EO, Barbosa GAS. Acupuncture in temporomandibular disorder myofascial pain treatment: a systematic review. Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache. 2017;31(3):225-232.
Acupuncture for temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Park EY, Cho J-H, Lee S-H, Kim K-W, Ha I-H, Lee YJ. Is acupuncture an effective treatment for temporomandibular disorder?: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine. 2023;102(38):e34950. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000034950.
Acupuncture for neck pain
Trinh K, Graham N, Irnich D, Cameron ID, Forget M. Acupuncture for neck disorders. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2016;(5):CD004870.