What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a technique used by physiotherapists to treat muscle pain and movement restrictions. It involves inserting a thin needle directly into a muscle to target trigger points. These are areas of muscle that are tight, overactive, or contributing to pain. The needle stimulates the muscle to release, which can reduce pain and improve how the muscle moves and functions.
At Onward Physiotherapy, dry needling is performed by Joshua Onden Lim, who holds a dry needling certification. It is used as part of a broader treatment plan where clinically appropriate, not as a standalone technique in isolation from other assessment and treatment.
How Is Dry Needling Different from Acupuncture?
Dry needling and acupuncture both use thin needles but they are based on different frameworks and have different goals.
Dry needling targets specific muscles to help reduce pain and improve movement. It is based on anatomy, physiology, and an understanding of how muscles and the nervous system contribute to pain and dysfunction. It is used within a physiotherapy assessment and treatment context.
Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and aims to support overall wellbeing through the body’s energy pathways. It is a distinct practice with its own framework and training.
At Onward Physiotherapy, the approach is dry needling within a physiotherapy context. It is used where the assessment indicates that a muscle is contributing to your pain or movement restriction and that needling is an appropriate part of your treatment.
Who This Is For
Dry needling at Onward Physiotherapy is suited to you if:
- You have muscle pain or tightness that is not responding to other treatment approaches
- You have persistent neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, or headaches with a muscular component
- You have jaw pain or TMJ dysfunction with significant muscle involvement
- You want a hands on treatment approach that addresses muscle tension directly
- You have been told dry needling may help your condition
- You are open to needling as part of a broader physiotherapy treatment plan
Conditions Commonly Treated with Dry Needling
Dry needling is used at the clinic as part of treatment for a range of conditions, including:
- Headaches with a muscular or cervical component
- TMJ jaw pain and associated facial muscle tension
- Neck pain and upper back stiffness
- Lower back pain with significant muscle involvement
- Shoulder pain including rotator cuff related conditions and muscle tension
- General muscle tightness contributing to pain and restricted movement
What to Expect
Dry needling is incorporated into a physiotherapy appointment where it is clinically appropriate. It is not a separate appointment or an add on with an additional cost. It forms part of your treatment within the same session as your assessment and other hands on work.
When a needle is inserted into a muscle, you may feel a local twitch response — a brief involuntary contraction of the muscle. This is a normal response and is often associated with a release of tension in the muscle. Some patients feel a dull ache or heaviness during the treatment, and some experience mild muscle soreness in the treated area for a day or two afterwards, similar to post exercise soreness.
Joshua will explain what to expect before beginning and dry needling will only be used where it is appropriate for your presentation and where you have given consent.
What It Costs
Dry needling is included within the cost of a standard physiotherapy appointment at no extra charge. There is no additional fee for dry needling on top of your consultation fee.
- Initial consultation: $130 for 45 minutes
- Follow up consultation: $120 for 40 minutes
- Medicare: paid upfront, $61.80 rebate processed on the spot with a Chronic Condition Management Plan from your GP
- WorkCover, CTP, Linfox and FPES: billed direct to insurer
Book an Appointment
Phone: 0439 134 490
Website: onwardphysiotherapy.com.au
Address: 9 East Street, Lidcombe NSW 2141
Hours: Sunday 8:30am to 3:30pm, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:30am to 8pm, Tuesday 8:30am to 5pm
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FAQ — Dry Needling at Onward Physiotherapy
Is dry needling included in the cost of a standard appointment?
Yes. Dry needling is included within the cost of a standard physiotherapy consultation at no extra charge. The initial consultation is $130 for 45 minutes and follow ups are $120 for 40 minutes.
How is dry needling different from acupuncture?
Dry needling targets specific muscles to help reduce pain and improve movement. It is used within a physiotherapy assessment and treatment context based on anatomy and physiology. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and aims to support overall wellbeing through the body’s energy pathways. They are distinct practices with different frameworks and goals.
Does dry needling hurt?
Most patients feel a dull ache or local twitch response when the needle is inserted into the muscle. Some experience mild muscle soreness in the treated area for a day or two afterwards, similar to post exercise soreness. Joshua will explain what to expect before beginning.
What conditions is dry needling used for?
At Onward Physiotherapy, dry needling is used as part of treatment for headaches, TMJ jaw pain, neck pain, lower back pain, shoulder pain, and general muscle tightness contributing to pain and restricted movement.
Do I have to have dry needling as part of my treatment?
No. Dry needling is only used where it is clinically appropriate for your presentation and where you have given consent. It is one tool within a broader treatment approach, not a compulsory part of every appointment.
Is dry needling safe?
Yes. Dry needling is performed by Joshua Onden Lim, who holds a dry needling certification. It is a widely used technique within physiotherapy practice when performed by a trained and certified practitioner.
What should I do after dry needling?
Staying well hydrated after dry needling is generally recommended. Some mild muscle soreness in the treated area is normal for a day or two. If you have any concerns after your appointment, contact the clinic directly on 0439 134 490.