The Physio's Guide to Dry Needling and Why It Works
Dry Needling Physiotherapy: What Is It and How Does It Work?
Dry needling has become one of the most popular hands on treatment tools used in physiotherapy today. If you have never had it, the idea of thin needles going into a sore muscle can sound intimidating. Here is a clear explanation of what dry needling actually is, how it works, what it helps with, and how our physio team at PHYZFIT Bexley North and Marrickville uses it every day.
Short Answer
Dry needling is a physiotherapy technique that uses fine, sterile, single use acupuncture style needles inserted into tight muscles and trigger points to reduce pain, release muscle tension and restore normal movement. Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on Western anatomy and neuroscience. Most patients feel meaningful relief within 1 to 3 sessions when it is used alongside a full physio treatment plan.
Below we walk you through what dry needling actually does, what it feels like, what conditions it helps with, and how our physio team at PHYZFIT uses it.
What exactly is dry needling?
Dry needling is a treatment technique where a physiotherapist inserts thin, sterile, single use needles directly into a tight or dysfunctional muscle. The needle is not injecting anything, which is why it is called "dry" (compared to a "wet" needle which delivers medication or fluid).
The most common target is a myofascial trigger point, which is a small band of overactive, contracted muscle fibres that sits within a larger muscle. Trigger points are often locally tender, can refer pain to other areas, and reduce the strength and range of the muscle they sit in.
How is dry needling different from acupuncture?
The needles look similar, but the framework and intent are quite different:
- Acupuncture comes from traditional Chinese medicine and uses points along energy meridians to influence overall health and flow of qi. Points are chosen based on a whole body energetic assessment.
- Dry needling comes from Western neuroscience, anatomy and physiology. Needles are placed directly into specific muscles, trigger points or fascial layers based on a clinical assessment of the movement, pain and function problem.
Both techniques use very similar needles and both can be helpful. Dry needling is what physios are trained in and use, and the evidence base for musculoskeletal pain sits with dry needling.
How does dry needling actually work?
Several things happen when a needle enters a trigger point or tight muscle:
- Local twitch response. A small involuntary contraction of the muscle fibres, which resets the overactive motor unit and reduces the tightness.
- Improved blood flow. Small local circulation increases around the needled area, helping remove metabolic waste and deliver oxygen.
- Endogenous opioid release. The body releases its own pain reducing chemicals (endorphins, enkephalins, dynorphins) in response to the needle stimulus.
- Neural modulation. Changes in how the nerves and spinal cord process pain signals from that area, reducing central sensitisation.
- Reduced muscle tone. The overactive muscle relaxes, restoring normal length, strength and range.
The combination of these effects is what makes dry needling powerful when it is paired with hands on treatment, exercise and load management.
What does dry needling help with?
Neck pain and headaches
Trigger points in the upper trap, suboccipital and levator scapulae muscles are common drivers of tension type and cervicogenic headaches.
Lower back pain
Deep gluteal, quadratus lumborum and paraspinal trigger points respond well to targeted needling combined with rehab.
Shoulder pain and rotator cuff tightness
Supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor all benefit from dry needling in rotator cuff related pain.
Sciatica and glute pain
Piriformis and deep hip rotator trigger points that refer pain into the buttock and leg.
Tennis and golfers elbow
Wrist extensor and flexor tendinopathies respond well to needling of the surrounding forearm musculature.
Plantar fasciitis and calf tightness
Gastrocnemius, soleus and intrinsic foot muscles for heel and arch pain.
TMJ and jaw pain
Masseter and temporalis trigger points that drive jaw pain and referred temple headaches.
Sports injuries and muscle strain
Hamstring, quad, calf and adductor strains often have residual trigger points that respond well.
What does dry needling feel like?
Most patients describe the experience as follows:
- Needle insertion: the needles are very thin (thinner than a normal injection needle). Most patients feel a light prick or nothing at all as it goes in.
- Twitch response: when the needle finds the trigger point, you may feel a brief cramping, aching or twitching sensation as the muscle contracts and releases. This lasts a second or two.
- Referred sensation: sometimes the trigger point sends a familiar pain pattern into a nearby area. This is often a positive sign that the physio has found the source.
- Post treatment: the muscle typically feels lighter, freer and often a little sore or achy for 24 to 48 hours, similar to the day after a hard workout.
Your physio will always let you know before they insert a needle and can stop at any time if you are uncomfortable.
Curious if dry needling could help you?
Book a physio assessment and we will let you know if it is the right fit.
Is dry needling safe?
Yes, when performed by a qualified physiotherapist with specific training. Australian physios who use dry needling complete accredited postgraduate courses covering anatomy, technique, contraindications and hygiene protocols.
Serious side effects are rare. The most common temporary side effects are mild bruising, transient soreness for 24 to 48 hours, and occasionally a light headed feeling immediately after treatment.
Dry needling is not suitable if you have
- A needle phobia or strong fear response
- Uncontrolled bleeding disorders or are on strong blood thinners without medical clearance
- Active local infection over the area to be treated
- Are in the first trimester of pregnancy (some points avoided later in pregnancy too)
- Severely compromised immune system without medical clearance
How does PHYZFIT use dry needling?
Our physio team (Julian De Rosa, Ari Moushis and Sam Nunan) uses dry needling as part of a broader treatment plan, never as a standalone quick fix. A typical session includes a full assessment, hands on treatment, dry needling of the specific trigger points involved, and a home exercise program.
Julian is head physio for NPL football club Fraser Park FC and uses dry needling regularly across sports rehab, back and neck pain, chronic tension patterns and post surgical recovery.
Most patients notice a meaningful reduction in muscle tension and pain within 1 to 3 sessions when needling is combined with a good rehab program.
How much does dry needling cost at PHYZFIT?
Dry needling is included as part of your standard physio consult at PHYZFIT when it is clinically indicated. There is no additional fee on top of your session cost. Medicare Chronic Disease plans, private health Extras (through HICAPS on the day), Workers Compensation, CTP and NDIS (plan managed and self managed only) are all accepted.
We support patients across Bexley, Kingsgrove, Beverly Hills, Bardwell Park, Earlwood, Rockdale, Kogarah and Hurstville from Bexley North, and Marrickville, Newtown, Enmore, Dulwich Hill and Petersham from Marrickville.
Frequently asked questions about dry needling
The needle insertion itself is usually painless or feels like a light prick. When the needle finds a trigger point you may feel a brief cramp or twitch. Most patients rate the discomfort as low and short lived.
Most patients notice benefit within 1 to 3 sessions. Chronic conditions may need more. The goal is always to combine needling with a rehab program so the results last, not to become dependent on the treatment.
Yes, generally with light to moderate activity. Avoid maximal effort or heavy loading in the first 24 hours as the treated muscle can feel a little sore. Gentle movement helps flush the area.
Electrical dry needling adds a low level electrical current between two needles to further stimulate the tissue. It is a variation of standard dry needling and can be useful for stubborn cases.
Generally avoided in the first trimester. From the second trimester onwards, needling can be used in specific areas with appropriate precautions. Always inform your physio if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.
Yes. Because dry needling is delivered as part of a physiotherapy consult at PHYZFIT, it is claimable under Medicare Chronic Disease plans, private health Extras through HICAPS, Workers Compensation, CTP and NDIS (plan managed and self managed only).
Ready for Us to Help You With Your Pain?
If tight muscles, chronic tension or a stubborn injury are dragging on, book a physiotherapy assessment at PHYZFIT Bexley North or Marrickville with Ari Moushis, Sam Nunan or Julian De Rosa. Same day appointments are usually available.
📍 20 Shaw Street, Bexley North 2207
📍 4 Carrington Road, Marrickville 2204 (inside World Gym)
✉ admin@phyzfit.com.au
PHYZFIT Health and Rehab | Bexley North and Marrickville, Sydney | Helping you rebuild trust in your body and live a life without limits.