DRY NEEDLING PERTH

Dry needling is an effective and evidence-based technique that can help to reduce muscle tightness and pain.

It involves using very fine acupuncture needles, inserted into myofascial trigger points to stimulate the body’s own pain relief system. The purpose of dry needling is to reduce pain and restore function through the release of these trigger points. A myofascial trigger point can be thought of as a ‘knot’ in the muscle. It is where muscle fibres have shortened, causing localised tightness, pain and reduced mobility.

The acupuncture needle causes a relaxation response to the shortened muscle fibres, which in turn reduces pain and improves mobility and function to the treated area.

Dry needling is commonly used to treat:

• Muscle tightness and trigger points

• Neck and back pain

• Headaches and migraines

• Shoulder and rotator cuff issues

• Sports injuries

• Tendinopathies (e.g., Achilles, patellar, or tennis elbow)

• Postural tension and desk-related discomfort

It’s often used alongside other physiotherapy treatments like manual therapy, exercise rehab, and posture correction for best results.

Your physiotherapist will assess your symptoms and discuss whether dry needling is suitable for you. The treatment itself is typically quick, and most people describe the sensation as a brief muscle twitch or dull ache — followed by a noticeable release in tension.

You may feel some soreness after the session, similar to post-exercise muscle fatigue, but this usually settles within 24–48 hours.

Many people feel an immediate improvement in pain and mobility after just one session, but the duration of relief can vary. Some experience relief for a few days, while others notice longer-lasting benefits — especially when dry needling is combined with targeted exercise and hands-on physiotherapy. Our goal is always to create a sustainable, long-term outcome by addressing the underlying cause of your symptoms.