Dry Needling Physio Bexley North & Marrickville Release Tight, Sore Muscles
Tight, knotted muscles stopping you sleeping, training or turning your head? Our award winning dry needling physio team eases the pain fast, then builds strength so it stays away.
- Same day appointments
- No referral needed
- Part of a full physio plan
- ⭐5.0 Google Rating240+ reviews
- 🏆2026 Award WinnerBayside Business Awards
- ⏱️60 Minute First VisitFind the real cause
- 💳HICAPSClaim on the spot
Dry Needling explained
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a hands on treatment where your physiotherapist places very thin, sterile needles into tight, tender trigger points in a muscle. It helps release tension, ease pain and get you moving more freely. It is not acupuncture. At PHYZFIT it is one part of your physio plan, used only when it suits you.
Does This Sound Like You?
- Tight knots in your neck and shoulders that never let go
- Tension headaches after long days at the desk
- Lower back or glutes that lock up after sitting
- Massage helps for a day, then the tightness is back
- Sore calves or hamstrings holding back your running
- Muscle pain that wakes you at night or stops you training
Who dry needling helps
- 💻Desk workers
- 🏋️Gym goers and lifters
- 🏃Runners and weekend sport
- 🔨Tradies and Workers Comp
- 🤕Tension headaches
- 👶Busy parents
Two Clinics, Same Day Appointments
Book a physio at Bexley North or Marrickville, whichever is closer to home, work or the gym. Same award winning team at both.
20 Shaw Street, Bexley North. Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm, Saturday 8am to 1pm.
Book Bexley North →Inside World Gym, 4 Carrington Road, Marrickville. Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm.
Book Marrickville →Know the signs
Signs Dry Needling Could Help You
Dry needling suits muscle tightness and trigger points that just will not let go. Here are the signs our dry needling physio team looks for when deciding if it fits your plan.
- 📍
Where You Feel It
- Neck and the tops of your shoulders
- Between your shoulder blades
- Lower back and glutes
- Calves, hamstrings or forearms
- ⚡
What It Feels Like
- Tight, ropey knots in the muscle
- A tender spot that sends pain elsewhere
- A deep ache stretching will not shift
- Muscles that feel tired and heavy
- 📈
When It Gets Worse
- Long days sitting at a desk
- Stress and poor sleep
- A jump in training or running
- Driving or long stretches on your phone
- 🔍
Signs It Is Time to Act
- Massage helps for a day, then it returns
- Tension headaches building through the day
- Tightness limiting how freely you move
- Muscle pain stopping you training or sleeping
Book with our physio if muscle tightness has hung around for more than a week or two or keeps coming back, and we will use dry needling only if it suits you.
Real Patient Recoveries
★★★★★
Been seeing Sam for a few weeks now. He has been helping me rehab my foot after being hit by a car. It has been very helpful and helped me progress faster… deep tissue massage, dry needling and supportive conversation, have all really been good.
Phill P.Treated by Sam · Google review
★★★★★
Went in for treatment on my traps and left feeling so much better. Julian was professional, knowledgeable, and really took the time to understand the issue. Highly recommend if you’re dealing with muscle pain or tightness!
Shayan M.Treated by Julian · Google review
★★★★★
When I first started seeing Ari I had very limited neck movement and was having sleepless nights with pain. After a few trips to see Ari,he has helped me manage my pain to a level of helping me sleep and much better neck movement.
Seaghan M.Treated by Ari · Google review
More from our 240+ Google reviews
What Dry Needling Can Help
Dry needling works on tight, overactive muscles. These are the problems our physiotherapists use it for most, always alongside exercise.
01Neck Pain and Headaches
Feels like: tight neck and shoulders, and headaches that build through the day.
Needling tight upper trap and neck muscles can ease tension fast, while posture and strength work stops it building again.
Read about neck pain physio →02Lower Back Pain
Feels like: a tight, achy lower back that locks up when you bend or sit.
Releasing guarded back and glute muscles helps you move again, so you can start the strength work that protects your back.
Read about lower back pain physio →03Shoulder Pain
Feels like: a sore, tight shoulder that aches reaching overhead or lying on it.
Needling tight shoulder and rotator cuff muscles can free up movement and make your rehab exercises easier to do.
Read about shoulder pain physio →04Hip and Glute Pain
Feels like: a deep ache in the buttock that can spread down the back of the leg.
Tight glute and hip muscles often refer pain. Releasing them, then building strength, takes the pressure off.
Read about hip pain physio →05Tennis Elbow
Feels like: a sore outer elbow when you grip, lift a kettle or type.
Needling tight forearm muscles can settle pain while a loading program strengthens the tendon.
Read about tennis elbow physio →06Calf and Hamstring Tightness
Feels like: tight calves or hamstrings that flare up with running or sport.
Releasing overworked leg muscles helps you train comfortably while we fix the load and strength behind it.
Read about hamstring physio →Not sure which one you have? Call (02) 8021 0969
Your options
Why Choose Dry Needling at PHYZFIT?
Massage and pain relief can take the edge off, and that has its place. Dry needling as part of a physio plan also finds the cause and builds strength so it lasts.
Questions first? Call (02) 8021 0969
How Dry Needling Fits Your Plan
Dry needling is one tool in a full physiotherapy plan, never the whole plan. We use it when it suits you, then build the strength that keeps the pain away.
- 1
Find the Cause
A full 60 minute assessment to work out why your muscles keep tightening up, so we treat the cause, not just the knot.
- 2
Release the Tension
Dry needling where it suits you, with hands on treatment and movement to ease pain and free up stiff, sore muscles.
- 3
Build Strength
Simple, gym based exercises so the muscle can handle your work, training and daily life again.
- 4
Keep It Away
A clear plan to stop the tightness creeping back, so you are not relying on needles forever.
Treatments we may use
- Shockwave therapy
- Hands on therapy
- Individualised rehabilitation programming
Related conditions we treat
How Many Dry Needling Sessions Will I Need?
Everyone responds differently, but this is what most people notice with dry needling as part of their physio plan.
- Session 1
Feel the Release
Many people feel looser and move more easily straight away, with some mild soreness for a day or two.
- Sessions 2 to 4
Ease and Move
Pain and tightness keep settling as we combine needling with hands on treatment and exercise.
- Weeks 4 to 8
Build It Strong
Less needling, more strength work, so your muscles stay relaxed and the pain stays away.
Pain that has lasted months can take longer. Your physio will give you your own plan, or call (02) 8021 0969 to ask.
Your first appointment
What Happens at Your First Dry Needling Physio Appointment
60minutes, one on one
with your physio
Your first visit is a full 60 minutes. Dry needling is part of a physio plan, so we assess you properly first and only use needles when they suit you and you are happy to try them.
What to wear and bring
- Shorts or loose gym gear so we can reach the sore area
- A list of any medications, especially blood thinners
- Your health fund card, HICAPS lets you claim on the spot
Same day appointments available
- 0 to 10 min
Your Story
We listen to where it hurts, what makes it worse and what you want to get back to.
- 10 to 30 min
Full Assessment
We check how you move, find the tight and tender spots, and go through your health history to make sure needling is safe for you.
- 30 to 40 min
Clear Explanation
You find out what is causing your pain, what dry needling involves, and you decide if you want it.
- 40 to 55 min
Treatment
Dry needling if it suits you, with hands on therapy and movement to ease your pain that same day.
- 55 to 60 min
Your Plan
A structured plan and two or three simple exercises, so you know exactly what to do next.
After Your Dry Needling Session
Three simple things that help most people feel the full benefit of dry needling.
- 🚶01
Keep Gently Moving
Easy walking and light movement keep the muscle loose and ease any soreness.
- 🔥02
Use Heat if Sore
A heat pack for 15 to 20 minutes helps settle the dull ache some people feel that evening.
- 💪03
Do Your Exercises
Your strength and mobility work is what makes the change last, so keep it going.
Soreness lasting more than two days? Call (02) 8021 0969
?Quick answers
Dry Needling Quick Answers
Short answers to what people search most about dry needling, from our physios in Bexley North and Marrickville.
How long does dry needling take to work?
Often quite quickly
Many people notice less tightness or pain soon after a session, though some feel sore for a day first. It works best combined with exercise and other hands on treatment.
What conditions does dry needling help?
Muscle pain and tightness
It's commonly used for neck and back pain, tight shoulders and sports muscle tightness. Our physio Bexley North team uses it as one part of a broader treatment plan, never on its own.
Why am I sore after dry needling?
Normal muscle response
Mild soreness for 24 to 48 hours is common, a bit like after a workout. Gentle movement, heat and staying hydrated usually help it settle.
Can you dry needle the lower back?
Yes, commonly
The lower back and buttock muscles are common areas for dry needling. Your physio will check whether it suits your pain before using it, alongside exercise and advice to keep you moving.
Is dry needling better than massage?
Different tools
Both can ease muscle tightness. Dry needling targets deeper trigger points quickly, while massage covers broader areas. Our physio Marrickville team chooses what suits your body and goals, often alongside other hands on treatment.
Does dry needling help headaches?
Often, yes
Needling tight neck and shoulder muscles can ease tension headaches for many people. It works best with posture, strength and neck exercises. Sudden or severe headaches need a doctor first.
Is Dry Needling Safe for You?
Dry needling is very safe with a trained physiotherapist. We check your health history first, and you can always say no.
✓Great For
Dry needling often helps if you have:
- Tight, knotted muscles that keep coming back
- Neck tension and headaches
- Back, hip or glute pain that limits movement
- Sore muscles from training or sport
!Not Suitable If
We use other treatment instead if you:
- Are pregnant
- Take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder
- Have lymphoedema in that limb
- Have an infection, wound or skin problem over the area
- Feel very anxious about needles
?Does It Hurt?
Most people say it is much easier than they expected.
- You may feel a small prick, then a dull ache or quick twitch
- Mild soreness or a small bruise can last 24 to 48 hours
- Your physio checks in the whole time and stops whenever you ask
Unsure if it is urgent? Call (02) 8021 0969
🏆 2026 Award Winner
Meet Your Award Winning Dry Needling Physios
Winners of Outstanding Health Improvement Services at the Bayside Local Business Awards 2026. Every dry needling session is done by one of our trained physiotherapists in Bexley North and Marrickville.
Julian De Rosa
Physiotherapist Head physio for Fraser Park FC with a Master of Physiotherapy. Has competed in ICN natural bodybuilding and is passionate about helping people with lower back pain and chronic pain.
Read bio →
Sam Nunan
Physiotherapist Head physio for the Wests Tigers reserve grade team in the NSW Cup, and formerly with the Canterbury Bulldogs junior pathways. Loves powerlifting, cricket and rugby league.
Read bio →
Ari Moushis
Physiotherapist An Ironman triathlete who is excellent with runners, cyclists and swimmers, with a background in powerlifting, tennis and golf.
Read bio →
Easy Ways to Access Dry Needling Physio
Dry needling is part of your physio session, so you can claim with physio extras cover on the spot using HICAPS. Medicare care plans, DVA, Workers Comp and CTP are welcome too.
- 💳Private Health InsuranceAll major health funds. Claim on the spot if you have extras cover.
- 🩺Medicare Care PlanHave a GP care plan? Bring it along and we'll handle the rest.
- 🎖️DVAVeterans with a DVA referral are bulk billed.
- 👷Workers CompensationSIRA approved. We liaise with your doctor and insurer.
- 🚗Car Accident (CTP)SIRA approved CTP physiotherapy after a road accident.
- 🤝NDISSelf managed and plan managed participants welcome.
Not sure if you're covered? Call (02) 8021 0969 and we'll check for you.
Before You Book
Dry Needling Questions, Answered
Quick answers about dry needling physio in Bexley North and Marrickville. Still unsure? Call us on (02) 8021 0969 and we'll help you out.
Physio Bexley North
20 Shaw Street, Bexley North NSW 2207
Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm
Saturday 8am to 1pm
Physio Marrickville
4 Carrington Road, inside World Gym, Marrickville NSW 2204
Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm
Most people feel only a small prick, then a dull ache or a quick twitch in the muscle. Any soreness afterwards is usually mild and settles within 24 to 48 hours.
No. Both use very thin needles, but dry needling is based on anatomy and pain science and targets tight trigger points in muscles. Acupuncture comes from traditional Chinese medicine. Our physiotherapists use dry needling.
Some people feel a big change after one or two sessions. Long standing pain usually needs a few sessions alongside exercise. Your physio will give you a clear plan at your first visit.
The most common are mild soreness, a small bruise or feeling a little light headed. These usually pass within a day or two. Serious problems are very rare with a trained physiotherapist.
We may skip dry needling if you are pregnant, take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, lymphoedema or an infection in the area. Your physio checks your health history first and uses other treatment if needling does not suit you.
Yes, as part of a physio session with physio extras cover. We have HICAPS at both clinics, so you can claim on the spot.
No. You can book a dry needling physio straight in at Bexley North or Marrickville. You only need a referral for a Medicare care plan, DVA, Workers Compensation or CTP.
Usually, yes. Light movement helps. If the muscle feels sore, go easy on heavy training for that area for a day.
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
Same day dry needling physio in Bexley North and Marrickville, no referral needed, from an award winning team.
Find Your Dry Needling Physio
Two award winning clinics. Bexley North for Kingsgrove, Earlwood, Bardwell Park, Bexley and Rockdale. Marrickville inside World Gym for Dulwich Hill, Sydenham, Petersham, Tempe and the Inner West.
Physio Bexley North
20 Shaw Street, Bexley North NSW 2207
Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm, Saturday 8am to 1pm
Physio near
- Kingsgrove
- Bardwell Park
- Earlwood
- Bexley
- Rockdale
- Turrella
Physio Marrickville
4 Carrington Road, inside World Gym
Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm, private on site parking
Physio near
- Dulwich Hill
- Sydenham
- Petersham
- Newtown
- Tempe
- Enmore
Ready to Move Without the Knots?
Book a 60 minute dry needling physio assessment in Bexley North, close to Kingsgrove, Earlwood and Bardwell Park, or Marrickville for Dulwich Hill, Sydenham and the Inner West. Same day appointments, no referral needed.
- 2026 Award Winner
- 5.0 from 240+ Google reviews
- Same day appointments
- No referral needed
- HICAPS claim on the spot
Got a Question? Contact Us
Not sure if dry needling is right for you? Our admin team is happy to help you find the right physio and time.
Bexley North: Mon to Fri 7am to 7pm, Sat 8am to 1pmMarrickville: Mon to Fri 8am to 7pm