Relieve Muscle Pain and Tension at Our Clinics in Richmond, South Yarra, Hawthorn & Surrounds

Dry needling is a highly effective technique used by physiotherapists to target muscle tightness, reduce pain, and improve mobility. If you're suffering from ongoing musculoskeletal pain, tension, or limited range of motion, dry needling could be a safe, evidence-based solution to help get you moving freely again.

In our Melbourne physiotherapy clinics – servicing Richmond, South Yarra, Hawthorn, Toorak, and nearby suburbs – dry needling is often integrated into tailored treatment plans for clients seeking long-term relief from pain and injury.

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a treatment technique where a thin, sterile needle is inserted directly into tight muscles or “trigger points” to release tension and restore function. The goal is to stimulate a healing response in the body, desensitise the nervous system, and improve circulation to the affected area.

Unlike injections, dry needling uses no medication – hence the term “dry.” It works by causing a tiny local twitch response in the muscle, which can reduce inflammation, ease pain, and reset the muscle’s natural tone.

Dry needling is commonly used for:

• Lower back pain

• Neck and shoulder tightness

• Sports injuries

• Headaches and migraines

• Myofascial pain

• Tendonitis and overuse injuries

When performed by a qualified physiotherapist, dry needling is a safe, evidence-based method to accelerate recovery and improve physical function.

What Does Dry Needling Actually Do?

Dry needling affects both the muscular and nervous systems. By inserting the needle into a myofascial trigger point (a small, tight knot in the muscle), the treatment can:

• Reduce muscle spasm and tightness

• Improve local blood flow and oxygenation

• Trigger a natural pain-relieving response via endorphins

• Reset nerve signals that may be amplifying pain signals

This results in improved movement, reduced stiffness, and better overall function.

Many patients notice immediate changes in how their muscles feel after dry needling – often describing a release of tension or even a sensation of “lightness” in the treated area.

What Are the Downsides of Dry Needling?

Dry needling is generally very safe when performed by a trained physiotherapist. However, like any physical treatment, it may not be suitable for everyone, and it can come with some minor side effects, such as:

• Mild soreness or bruising at the needle site

• Temporary fatigue or dizziness after the session

• Small risk of infection, which is mitigated by strict hygiene practices

• Mild discomfort during the needling process, especially if tight trigger points are being targeted

It’s important to communicate openly with your physio about your comfort levels and any underlying health conditions before beginning dry needling.

Does a Physio Need Additional Training and Certification in Dry Needling?

Yes. Although physiotherapists are highly trained in anatomy, physiology, and injury management, dry needling is considered an advanced clinical skill. To legally and safely offer dry needling, physiotherapists must complete postgraduate training or certification through an accredited dry needling course.

These training programs cover:

• Safe needling techniques

• Infection control and hygiene protocols

• Identification of myofascial trigger points

• Contraindications and patient safety

• Clinical decision-making for when to use dry needling

At our Richmond, South Yarra, Hawthorn, and Toorak clinics, all dry needling is performed by fully qualified and AHPRA-registered physiotherapists who have completed recognised dry needling certification and meet all safety standards.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) supports dry needling as part of a physiotherapist’s toolkit when applied within the scope of evidence-based practice and individual clinical reasoning.

Our current certified physiotherapists are:

• Roisin Guerin - Richmond

• Himmat Dhillon - Richmond

• Bradley Bennett - South Yarra

Who Can Benefit from Dry Needling?

Dry needling is particularly effective for people suffering from:

• Repetitive strain injuries (e.g. tennis elbow, ITB syndrome)

• Chronic tightness in the neck, shoulders, or lower back

• Postural pain from long hours at a desk

• Muscle imbalances in athletes and active individuals

• Headaches or migraines linked to muscular tension

Whether you're an office worker from South Yarra, a recreational runner from Toorak, or a tradie from Richmond managing chronic back pain, dry needling may be an ideal complement to your physio treatment plan.

What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session

Your physiotherapist will begin with a full assessment to identify areas of tension or trigger points. Once dry needling is deemed appropriate, you’ll be guided through the process step by step.

The treatment is typically painless, although you may feel a deep ache or twitch when the needle hits a trigger point – this is a good sign the muscle is responding. Sessions usually last between 15–30 minutes, and dry needling may be combined with hands-on physiotherapy, exercise rehab, or postural correction.

You’ll be given aftercare instructions, such as light movement, hydration, and possibly applying heat to reduce post-treatment soreness.

Claim Dry Needling be Claimed Through Private Health?

Yes – if dry needling is performed as part of your physiotherapy consultation, it is generally covered under physiotherapy extras with most private health insurance funds.

Please check with your fund to confirm your level of cover, or speak to our friendly team at any of our clinics in Richmond, South Yarra, Hawthorn, or Toorak..