Dry needling is a physiotherapy treatment used to reduce muscle pain, tightness, and movement restrictions. It involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific areas of muscle known as trigger points.
At The Healthy Body Company clinics (including in Penrith and Mount Annan), dry needling is used where indicated as part of a broader physiotherapy treatment plan that may include education, hands-on therapy including myofascial release techniques, and targeted exercise rehabilitation.
When appropriate, dry needling can help reduce pain and muscle tension, allowing you to move more comfortably and progress more effectively with your rehabilitation.
Dry needling is a physiotherapy technique where thin needles are inserted into tight or sensitive areas within muscles, known as trigger points.
Trigger points may develop when muscles are overloaded, injured, or held in prolonged positions. They can feel like small knots within the muscle and may cause:
Local muscle pain
Pain felt in another area (referred pain)
Reduced movement
Muscle stiffness or weakness
By inserting a needle into a trigger point, the physiotherapist stimulates the muscle and surrounding nerves. This stimulation can help the muscle relax and reduce pain.
The term “dry” simply means that no medication is injected.
Dry needling in a physiotherapy clinic is used as an adjunct to a range of treatment options.
Dry needling works through several physiological mechanisms.
Research suggests that inserting a needle into a trigger point can:
Reduce muscle tension
Improve local blood flow
Stimulate the nervous system
Reduce pain sensitivity
Sometimes the needle may cause a local twitch response, a brief involuntary contraction of the muscle. This response is thought to help reduce sensitivity in the muscle and assist it to relax.
Many people notice a reduction in pain and tightness after treatment. This can create a useful window where movement feels easier, allowing physiotherapists to progress exercises and address the underlying cause of the problem.
Dry needling may assist with a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Neck and shoulder pain
Headaches related to muscle tension
Sports and gym-related muscle injuries
Persistent muscle tightness
Your physiotherapist will determine whether dry needling may be helpful as part of your treatment plan.
Dry needling and acupuncture both use very fine needles, but they are based on different principles.
Based on modern Western medicine
Focuses on muscles, nerves, and movement
Targets trigger points and tight muscle tissue
Originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Focuses on balancing energy (Qi) along meridian pathways
Physiotherapists who use dry needling apply their knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, and clinical reasoning to decide when the technique may be helpful.
Dry needling is usually performed with the patient in a comfortable position, often lying down.
Your physiotherapist will:
Assess your condition and identify suitable muscles to treat
Clean the area and use sterile, single-use needles
Insert the needle into the trigger point
The needle may be:
Gently moved in and out of the muscle, or
Left in place for several minutes
Most people feel only a small prick when the needle enters the skin. If a trigger point is stimulated, you may feel a brief twitch or deep ache.
After treatment you may experience:
Mild muscle soreness for 24–48 hours
Temporary heaviness in the treated muscle
Occasionally a small bruise
This is similar to the sensation after a deep massage.
Your physiotherapist may guide you through movement or exercise immediately after treatment to help reinforce improved muscle function.
Dry needling is considered very safe when performed by appropriately trained physiotherapists.
At The Healthy Body Company:
Physiotherapists complete additional training before using dry needling
Sterile, single-use needles are always used
Your medical history is reviewed before treatment
Your consent is always obtained before needling is performed
If dry needling is not suitable for you, your physiotherapist will recommend other treatment options.
Dry needling can help reduce pain and muscle tension, but long-term improvement usually comes from addressing the underlying cause.
Treatment may also include:
Education about your condition
Hands-on physiotherapy techniques
Strength and mobility exercises
Gym-based rehabilitation using modern equipment
This approach helps support lasting improvements in movement, strength, and confidence in your body.
If you are experiencing muscle pain or persistent tightness, a physiotherapy assessment can help identify the cause and determine the most appropriate treatment options.
Our physiotherapists at The Healthy Body Company will work with you to develop a treatment plan that supports your recovery and helps you return to the activities you enjoy.
Most people feel only a small pin-prick when the needle enters the skin. If the needle stimulates a trigger point, you may feel a brief twitch or deep ache in the muscle. This sensation usually lasts only a few seconds.
Many people notice reduced muscle tightness or pain soon after treatment. The effects can last for several days and may help create an opportunity to progress exercise rehabilitation.
Yes. Dry needling is considered very safe when performed by trained physiotherapists. At The Healthy Body Company we use sterile, single-use needles and always review your medical history before treatment.
No. Physiotherapists must complete additional training before performing dry needling. At our Penrith, Jordan Springs, Caringbah and Mount Annan clinics, our trained physiotherapists can discuss whether this treatment may be appropriate for you.
