Dry neddling is another tool in our box that we as physios employ to provide pain relief from tight muscles. It’s a great way to ease muscle tension and relax the spasm around an inflamed joint. We get asked so many times about the difference between dry needling and acupuncture. So here’s some information that will help you in figuring out if you’d like to give dry needling a try and how beneficial it can be for you!

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a scientifically supported treatment using very thin, sterile needles to help relieve issues such as pain and dysfunction in muscles, headaches and sinus problems. The needles are so thin you may not even feel them going in! If you do it might feel like a tiny pinch. There are different lengths and thicknesses of the needles depending on the desired effect and area of the body.

Dry needling vs Acupuncture

Acupuncture also uses thin needles placed in certain areas of the body, however this is based on traditional Chinese medicine. There is a heavy focus on the flow of energy or “Chi” which is believed to be present in all living things. According to Chinese Medicine, Chi flows through the body along 12 pathways called meridians. The insertion of needles is believed to redirect chi to relieve stress and pain.

Dry needling on the other hand is a western medicine and myotherapy technique. According to Wikipedia, it is also called “myofascial trigger point dry needling”. The stimulation the needles provide to the muscle is effective in reducing over-active muscle activation associated with trigger points.  There are also electrical (nerve) and chemical (hormonal and neurotransmitter) changes that assist in the healing process.

What does it feel like? Are there any side effects?

As mentioned above, most people don’t feel any more than a pinch when the needles are inserted. Once the needles are in the muscle you may feel a deep ache and a twitch. These are normal sensations and are a good indicator that the needles are inserted in an effective area. Any side effects are short lived and should resolve on their own. These include slight bruising and tenderness, as well as some sweating or feeling cold. Fainting can occur in some people.

The most rare and severe side effect is when needles are inserted into the shoulder, neck or chest area. If this is done incorrectly and a lung is punctured it constitutes a medical emergency known as pneumothorax. This is an extremely rare risk when performed by a trained professional.

At Get Better Physiotherapy, we have massage therapists and physiotherapists that are specifically trained in performing dry needling and may recommend this as part of your treatment. If you would like to know more, please ask your therapist, they would be happy to answer any questions and ensure you are comfortable with your treatment. If you would like to make a booking for massage or physiotherapy please call 07 3800 3417 at Browns Plains.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Needling

Learn what to expect from dry needling, how it differs from acupuncture, and how it can support pain relief as part of your physiotherapy treatment.

Dry needling is a physiotherapy technique that uses very fine, sterile needles to target tight muscles and trigger points. It helps reduce muscle tension, relieve pain, and improve movement.

Dry needling helps relax tight muscle fibres and reduce spasms around painful or inflamed joints. This can improve blood flow, reduce pain signals, and restore normal muscle function.

Dry needling may help with a wide range of muscle and joint-related pain, including:

  • neck and back pain

  • shoulder pain

  • hip pain

  • muscle tightness and spasms

  • trigger points (“knots”)

  • headaches and sinus-related tension

Your physiotherapist will assess if it’s suitable for you.

Dry needling is based on western medicine and focuses on treating muscles, trigger points, and pain patterns. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on energy flow (“Chi”) through meridians.

Most people describe dry needling as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. You may feel a small pinch when the needle goes in, but the needle is extremely thin and many people barely feel it.

You may feel a deep ache, muscle twitch, or brief cramping sensation. These are normal and often indicate the needle is working on a tight or overactive muscle.

After dry needling, it’s common to feel:

  • muscle soreness (like after exercise)

  • mild bruising

  • tenderness in the treated area

These effects usually settle within 24–48 hours.

Most side effects are mild and temporary. These may include:

  • slight bruising

  • local tenderness

  • fatigue

  • sweating or feeling cold

Your therapist will explain what’s normal and what to watch for.

Yes. Dry needling is safe when performed by a trained physiotherapist or qualified therapist using sterile, single-use needles and correct anatomical technique.

Pneumothorax (a punctured lung) is an extremely rare risk when needling around the chest, neck, or shoulder region. This is why dry needling should only be performed by trained professionals.

The number of sessions depends on your condition, how long the pain has been present, and how your muscles respond. Some people feel improvement after one session, while others need several treatments as part of a physiotherapy plan.

Dry needling is usually combined with physiotherapy treatments such as manual therapy, massage, stretching, mobility work, and strengthening exercises. This helps address the cause of the pain—not just the symptoms.