Dry needling is one of the techniques our physiotherapists may use. Fine needles are inserted into trigger points or tight bands of muscle to help with pain and movement.
Dry needling uses thin, sterile, single-use needles. “Dry” means nothing is injected.
It is based on Western anatomy and physiology. It targets trigger points: tender, tight bands of muscle that can cause pain and restrict movement.
Research on how dry needling works is still developing. It is thought to:
We use dry needling alongside other treatment, such as exercise, hands-on therapy and advice. We start with an assessment, and your physiotherapist will tell you whether dry needling suits your condition. Treatment is tailored to you.
All our physiotherapists have completed training in dry needling. As registered physiotherapists, they work within AHPRA standards of practice.
You may feel a twitch or a brief cramp when the needle reaches the trigger point. Some people feel little or nothing.
The area may feel sore or achy for a day or so afterwards, similar to after a workout. Tell your physiotherapist during the session if anything is uncomfortable, so they can adjust the treatment.
When done by a trained practitioner, side effects are usually minor. They include soreness, bruising or slight bleeding where the needle went in. Needles are sterile, used once, and disposed of in a sharps container.
Dry needling may be used as part of treatment for:
Trigger points often develop from:
Finding and addressing the cause matters as much as treating the trigger point.
Your physiotherapist may needle:
The choice depends on your assessment.
Both use fine needles. They differ in their basis:
Dry needling may not suit you, or may need to be adjusted, if you:
Tell your physiotherapist about any of these before treatment. Book online, or call 03 7046 6082.
