As the needle hits ‘a sweet spot’ within the muscle belly, it can cause a local twitch response. When this happens, neurotransmitters get released on a chemical level such as acetylcholine and serotonin. This then works to aid in loosening off tight soft tissue. It essentially is a slightly more invasive way of calming the nervous system down and releasing tight muscles, assisting on your road to recovery.
This is different to traditional Chinese medicine such as acupuncture, which works on the meridian lines and the nervous system as a whole. It doesn’t focus necessarily on the point of pain but rather treating the whole system as a full body approach.
What dry needling is
Dry needling uses a fine single-use filament needle — the same kind used in acupuncture — inserted directly into a tight, irritable band of muscle known as a trigger point. The needle is “dry” because nothing is injected. The aim is to reduce the tension and referred pain that trigger point produces, so you can move more freely and get more out of the rest of your treatment.
It is not acupuncture. Acupuncture works from traditional Chinese meridian theory; dry needling is based on musculoskeletal anatomy and the physiotherapist’s assessment of which muscle is generating your symptoms.
What it feels like
Most people are surprised by how little they feel the needle itself — it is far finer than one used for injections or blood tests. What you may feel is a brief, deep cramping or twitching sensation as the muscle responds. That local twitch is generally a sign the needle has found the right spot. It lasts a second or two.
Afterwards the area can feel heavy or mildly bruised for around 24 hours, much like the day after a hard session at the gym. That settles on its own.
What we use it for
- Neck and shoulder tension — particularly the upper trapezius and levator scapulae, which commonly refer pain into the head and along the shoulder blade.
- Tension-type and cervicogenic headache, where the driver is muscular rather than neurological.
- Lower back and gluteal pain, including deep hip muscles that are difficult to reach with hands-on treatment alone.
- Calf, hamstring and quadriceps tightness in runners and field sport athletes.
- Jaw pain and TMJ dysfunction.
- Persistent trigger points that keep returning despite massage and stretching.
Dry needling is almost always used as one part of a plan rather than on its own. It creates a window in which a muscle is less guarded — the strength and movement work done in that window is what makes the change last.
Is it safe?
In trained hands it is a low-risk technique. Needles are sterile, single use, and disposed of immediately. The most common side effects are minor: temporary soreness, and occasionally a small bruise.
Tell your physiotherapist before treatment if you are pregnant, take blood-thinning medication, have a bleeding disorder, have a needle phobia, or have a pacemaker or other implant. None of these automatically rule it out, but they change how and where we needle — and it is never compulsory. If you would rather not have needles, say so and we will use other techniques.
How to book
Dry needling is not booked as a standalone appointment. It is used within a standard physiotherapy consult where your physiotherapist judges it appropriate, so book an Initial Consult if you are new to the clinic or have a new problem, and a Subsequent Consult if you have been seen here in the last six months.
| Appointment | Length | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consult | 30 min | $110 |
| Subsequent Consult | 30 min | $105 |
| Long / 2 Areas Consult | 60 min | $210 |
There is no additional charge for dry needling — it is included in the consult fee where it is clinically appropriate. Private health rebates apply if you hold extras cover with physiotherapy.
Common questions
Does dry needling hurt?
The needle insertion itself is usually barely felt. What people notice is a brief deep ache or twitch as the muscle responds, lasting a second or two. Most describe it as strange rather than painful. You are in control throughout — tell us at any point and we will stop.
How is it different from acupuncture?
The needles are the same; the reasoning is not. Acupuncture works from traditional Chinese medicine and meridian points. Dry needling targets specific muscles identified during a physiotherapy assessment as the source of your symptoms.
How will I feel afterwards?
Often looser and more mobile straight away. It is also normal to feel a dull, heavy soreness in the area for up to a day, similar to post-exercise muscle soreness. Drink water, keep moving gently, and avoid a maximal gym session that same day.
How many sessions will I need?
Dry needling is part of a treatment plan rather than a course of its own. Some people notice a clear change after one session; more commonly it is used across the first two or three visits while the exercise program builds. If it is not helping after a few attempts, we will change approach rather than persist with it.
Can I have it if I am pregnant or on blood thinners?
Often yes, but tell us first. Both change which areas we will needle and how, and in some cases we will use other techniques instead. The same applies if you have a bleeding disorder, an implant such as a pacemaker, or a strong dislike of needles.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book physiotherapy directly. A referral is only required for certain funding arrangements such as a Medicare care plan, workers compensation or a motor vehicle claim.