Dry needling is a hands-on technique some of our physiotherapists use as part of physiotherapy treatment. A very fine, sterile needle is placed into a tight or tender part of a muscle to help ease pain and muscle tension, so you can move more comfortably and get on with your rehab. It's available at all three of our clinics, in Melton, Hoppers Crossing and Sunbury, after an assessment. It isn't suitable for everyone. To book, call (03) 9746 6852 or book online.
What dry needling is
The needles used are the same fine, single-use needles used in acupuncture. It's called "dry" needling because nothing is injected. The needle is placed into a tight band or tender point in a muscle, sometimes called a trigger point, and may be moved gently or left in place for a short time.
Dry needling is not the same as traditional Chinese acupuncture. It's based on anatomy and your physiotherapy assessment. The Australian Physiotherapy Association notes it should be part of an overall management plan, based on a clear clinical reason, and done by physiotherapists who have completed additional training.
Research suggests dry needling may help reduce pain and muscle tightness in the short term for some people, especially when it's combined with exercise and other physiotherapy treatment. It's one tool among several, not a stand-alone treatment, and results vary.
Who dry needling may help
- Neck and upper shoulder tension, and headaches that come from the neck
- Lower back pain and buttock or hip muscle pain
- Shoulder pain where muscle tension is part of the picture
- Tennis elbow and forearm pain
- Calf, hamstring and thigh tightness from sport or running
- Work-related muscle pain, for example from desk work or physical jobs
Who it may not suit
Your physiotherapist will check your health history before suggesting dry needling. Please tell us if you:
- are afraid of needles, or have fainted with needles before
- have a bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning medication
- are pregnant or might be
- have diabetes, a weakened immune system, or a condition that slows healing
- have lymphoedema, or have had lymph nodes removed, on the side being treated
- have a skin infection, wound or broken skin near the area
- have a metal allergy, epilepsy, or a pacemaker or other implanted device
If dry needling isn't right for you, there are other treatments we can use instead, such as manual therapy and exercise.
What to expect at your appointment
- Assessment first. Your physiotherapist assesses the problem and decides whether dry needling is likely to help.
- Explanation. They explain what's involved, the possible side effects and the alternatives.
- Getting comfortable. You lie or sit supported, and the skin is cleaned.
- Needling. A fine, sterile, single-use needle is placed into the muscle. You may feel a brief ache or a small muscle twitch. Needles stay in for seconds to a few minutes.
- Afterwards. Needles go straight into a sharps container. Dry needling is usually combined with exercise or hands-on treatment in the same session.
Side effects and safety
Common, usually mild effects include muscle soreness for a day or two, small bruises, a little bleeding where the needle went in, and feeling tired or light-headed for a short time. Gentle movement and heat can help with soreness.
Serious problems are rare. The most important is a pneumothorax (a collapsed lung) when needling around the chest, upper back or shoulders. Infection is also rare. Call 000 or go to an emergency department if you develop increasing shortness of breath or sharp chest pain when breathing after needling around these areas.
At 101 Physio we use sterile, single-use needles, follow infection-control guidelines and dispose of needles in sharps containers straight away. Your physiotherapist stays close by while needles are in.
Where dry needling is offered
Dry needling is available at all three clinics. Not every physiotherapist uses dry needling, so if you'd like it to be an option, mention it when you book and reception will match you with a physiotherapist who has the training.
- Melton — 7/211–223 Barries Road, Melton West.
- Hoppers Crossing — 369 Morris Road, Hoppers Crossing.
- Sunbury — 16-18 O'Shanassy Street, Sunbury (by appointment).
Funding and payment options
Dry needling is part of a physiotherapy appointment, so it's claimed the same way as your physiotherapy session.
- Private health insurance — HICAPS on site for on-the-spot claiming.
- Medicare — eligible patients with a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and a GP referral.
- WorkCover and TAC — for accepted claims, where the treatment is part of the approved plan.
- DVA — eligible Gold and White Card holders with a referral.
- NDIS — self- and plan-managed participants whose plan includes physiotherapy.
- Private payment — accepted. Contact reception for current fees.
Funding eligibility depends on your circumstances, referral, claim approval and appointment type. Please contact reception if you're unsure.
Related services
- Physiotherapy
- Manual therapy
- Neck pain physiotherapy
- Sports physiotherapy
- Shockwave therapy
- Remedial massage and myotherapy (Melton only)
Frequently asked questions
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
The needles are similar, but the approach is different. Dry needling targets tight or tender areas in muscles, based on your physiotherapy assessment. Traditional acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine.
Does dry needling hurt?
Most people feel only a small prick as the needle goes in, then sometimes a deep ache or a brief muscle twitch. Muscles can feel sore for a day or two afterwards.
How soon will I notice a difference?
Some people notice their muscles feel looser soon after a session, while others notice little change. That's why we use dry needling alongside exercise and review whether it's helping.
Is dry needling safe?
When done by a trained physiotherapist with sterile single-use needles, serious side effects are rare. We explain the risks, including the rare risk of a collapsed lung near the chest, before treatment.
Can I book just for dry needling?
Dry needling is always part of a physiotherapy appointment, because we need to assess you first and combine it with other treatment where it helps.
Can I claim dry needling on my health fund?
Dry needling is part of your physiotherapy session, so it's claimed as physiotherapy. How much you get back depends on your fund and level of cover.
Ready to book?
Call (03) 9746 6852 or book online.
Related: physiotherapy · manual therapy · sports physiotherapy · all services
