At Mid West Physiotherapy, we offer dry needling as part of our comprehensive approach to relieving pain, improving movement and supporting our patients’ recoveries.
When used correctly and appropriately, dry needling can be very effective in releasing tight muscles, reducing discomfort and helping you move more freely and comfortably.
Dry needling is a specialised service and is not suitable for everyone, so it is important to consult with your physiotherapist first to see whether this treatment may be effective for your pain presentation.
Dry needling is an evidence-based technique used by physiotherapists for specific conditions, mainly muscular pain and dysfunction. It involves the gentle insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific trigger points or tight bands within muscles, which can help to relieve pain and improve muscle function.
Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is rooted in Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles.
By targeting these trigger points, dry needling helps reduce muscle tension, improve blood flow and restore normal movement patterns. It is often used alongside other physiotherapy treatments to enhance recovery and relieve pain.
Dry needling can benefit people experiencing muscle pain or tightness, sports-related injuries, chronic pain conditions such as neck, shoulder, or lower back pain, postural tension from desk work or repetitive strain, and restricted joint movement due to muscle spasm.
Your physiotherapist will assess whether dry needling is appropriate for you as part of your personalised treatment plan.
When a fine needle is inserted into a trigger point, it stimulates a small, local twitch response in the muscle. This helps to reset the muscle’s natural tone, reduce tension, decrease pain signals and promote healing.
Many people experience an immediate sense of relief and improved movement following treatment. Dry needling is most effective when combined with manual therapy, targeted exercise and posture correction.
No. Although both use fine needles, dry needling is based on modern anatomy and neuroscience, while acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. Dry needling targets specific muscle trigger points to relieve tension and pain.
Yes. When performed by a trained physiotherapist, dry needling is very safe. Single-use, sterile needles are always used and strict infection control standards are followed.
You may feel a slight prick as the needle is inserted and sometimes a brief muscle twitch. Most people describe the sensation as mild and short-lived. Some temporary muscle soreness, similar to post-exercise tightness, can occur afterward.
Mild muscle soreness, fatigue or small bruises can occur after treatment but usually settle within 24 to 48 hours. Serious side effects are extremely rare.
Dry needling is usually incorporated within a standard 30-45 minute physiotherapy session. The actual needling component typically lasts only a few minutes, depending on how many areas are being treated.
Most people feel more relaxed and notice an improvement in movement or pain levels. Some may feel mild muscle soreness that resolves within a day or two.
Stay hydrated, keep moving gently and avoid intense exercise for 24 hours. Applying heat or gentle stretching can also help relieve any post-treatment soreness.
The number of sessions varies depending on your condition and response to treatment. Some people notice improvement after one session, while others may require a series of treatments to achieve optimal results. Your physiotherapist will discuss this with you as part of your individual plan.
Dry needling is not suitable for everyone. People with certain bleeding disorders, needle phobias or who are pregnant may not be suitable. Your physiotherapist will assess this before starting treatment.
Yes, depending on the particular presentation. Dry needling can help relieve tension in the neck and shoulder muscles that contribute to tension-type headaches and some migraines. Your physiotherapist will be able to advise you if dry needling is a suitable treatment option for you.
Shane Brennan and Ryan Barrett are both qualified and experienced in providing dry needling as part of their physiotherapy treatments.
No. Dry needling is only offered as part of a standard physiotherapy appointment or assessment, and only if your physiotherapist determines that it is medically indicated and appropriate for your treatment goals.
Absolutely. Dry needling is often used alongside other treatments such as manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, taping or massage to achieve the best results. Your physiotherapist will work with you to develop the most appropriate treatment plan for your lifestyle and recovery goals.
