There’s nothing quite like a soft tissue injury to throw a spanner in the works. Whether it’s a dodgy hammy from your local footy match or a tight calf after chasing your toddler around the backyard, muscle pain can really slow you down.
In our clinic here in Melbourne, I often see patients who’ve “tried everything” — from rest and massage to pain meds and orthotics — without lasting relief. That’s where dry needling can make a real difference.
My First-Hand Experience With Dry Needling
When I first trained in dry needling over a decade ago, I’ll admit I was a bit sceptical. It sounded too simple: just insert a needle into a tight muscle and voilà, pain gone? But after using it on hundreds of patients (and even a few brave family members), I’ve seen how powerful it can be — especially when combined with other hands-on treatments.
One patient comes to mind: a netball player in her 30s who came in with chronic hip tightness and knee pain. She’d been to multiple specialists, trialled cortisone injections, and was even considering surgery. After a few sessions of dry needling combined with foot mobilisation and rehab, she was back on court in six weeks — pain-free and grinning.
What Is Dry Needling, Really?
Dry needling isn’t some New Age fad. It’s a science-based technique used by trained health professionals — like myself — to treat muscle pain and dysfunction. While it might look like acupuncture, it’s based on Western anatomical and neurological principles.
Let me break it down for you.
It’s All About Trigger Points
In simple terms, dry needling targets trigger points — those tight, ropey knots in your muscles that feel like a “zing” when pressed. These can form from overuse, poor posture, or just everyday stress. You might feel them in your shoulders after a long day at the desk, or in your calves after walking the dog too far in thongs.
A trigger point can also cause referred pain. That means the spot that hurts isn’t always the actual problem. I’ve had patients with what they thought was plantar fasciitis, only to discover it was a tight calf muscle referring pain to the heel.
The Technique (Minus the Fluff)
Here’s what typically happens in the clinic:
- I assess and locate the specific muscle that’s misbehaving.
- Using a very fine, sterile needle (no meds injected — that’s why it’s called “dry”), I insert it into the trigger point.
- You might feel a twitch, a deep ache, or a small cramp. This is usually a good sign — the muscle is “releasing”.
- The session takes around 15–30 minutes, and we often combine it with other treatments like shockwave therapy or mobilisation, depending on your case.
Dry Needling vs Acupuncture
Yes, both use needles — but that’s where the similarities end.
- Acupuncture: Based on traditional Chinese medicine, focusing on meridians and energy flow (Qi).
- Dry needling: Based on musculoskeletal science. It’s about calming down cranky muscles, improving function, and helping you move better.
How Dry Needling Actually Works (And Why It’s a Game-Changer)
One of the most common things patients ask me is, “How can sticking a needle in my muscle possibly help?” Fair question. I’d probably wonder the same if I hadn’t seen it work time and time again — from tradies with stiff backs to teens hobbling off the netball court with tight calves.
Let’s walk through exactly what happens during dry needling — and more importantly, what it does to your body.
1. It Reduces Pain — Fast
We’re not talking about dulling the pain temporarily like a Panadol. Dry needling works by changing the way your nervous system reacts to pain.
When we insert the needle into a tight muscle, we often get what’s called a local twitch response — a quick little spasm. This tells us we’ve hit the right spot. It might feel odd, even a bit uncomfortable, but it’s actually your muscle saying, “Thanks — I needed that.”
What’s happening under the skin?
- The needling interrupts pain signals between your brain and the affected area.
- It boosts blood flow to the muscle, helping it relax and recover.
- It triggers the release of endorphins — your body’s natural painkillers.
Real-life example:
One of my patients — a school teacher with constant neck and shoulder tension — described it as “like someone flicking off a pain switch.” Her headache, which she’d had for three days, disappeared after one session.
2. It Releases Muscle Tension
Chronic tension isn’t just uncomfortable — it stops your body from moving the way it should. This is especially true in areas like your glutes, calves, or lower back.
Needling breaks the pain–spasm–pain cycle:
You hurt, so your muscles tighten. That tightness causes more pain. And round it goes.
Dry needling helps by:
- Loosening up those tense fibres
- Calming overactive nerves
- Improving oxygen and nutrient delivery via better blood flow
Local detail:
In Melbourne’s cooler months (hello, June footy season), I often see people clenching their shoulders and walking more rigidly. This often leads to muscle guarding. Dry needling, especially combined with warm-up mobility work, can ease those stubborn knots caused by cold-weather bracing.
3. It Improves Range of Motion and Function
We’ve had dancers, gym junkies, weekend warriors, and even Auskick kids come in unable to touch their toes, squat properly, or get their hip past 90 degrees.
Once the muscle releases, you get:
- Better joint mobility — the muscle isn’t holding the joint hostage anymore.
- Improved muscle length — no more shortened, contracted tissue pulling on tendons and ligaments.
- Clearer neuromuscular feedback — your brain can re-learn how to move that muscle properly.
Hypothetical scenario:
Picture this: a runner comes in with “tight hamstrings” and knee pain. They’ve stretched, foam rolled, and iced. Nothing’s worked. After needling the hamstrings and calves, they suddenly have full knee extension, no pinching behind the knee, and their stride returns to normal.
Quick Snapshot: How Dry Needling Works
| Benefit | What Happens Physically | What You Might Feel |
| Pain relief | Disruption of pain signals; endorphin release | Relief, dull ache, or twitch |
| Muscle release | Trigger point deactivation; better blood flow | Loosening, warmth |
| Improved function | Normalised muscle tone; improved range | Freer movement, less stiffness |
Why Dry Needling Helps Soft Tissue Injuries Heal Faster (And Better)
Soft tissue injuries are the kind that sneak into everyday life — rolling your ankle stepping off a curb in Fitzroy, or straining your shoulder trying to lift a heavy bag of potting mix at Bunnings. These injuries don’t just hurt — they limit how you move, and left untreated, can drag on for months.
I’ve found dry needling to be one of the most effective hands-on treatments to support recovery — especially when paired with strengthening, mobility, and education. Let’s look at how it speeds up healing and why it can be a turning point in your rehab.
1. It Stimulates Tissue Repair
When we use dry needling to create a very small, controlled injury in the tissue, it actually kicks your body’s natural healing response into gear. This process is called microtrauma, and it’s not a bad thing — it tells your body, “Hey, send help here.”
What happens next?
- Local inflammation begins — but don’t worry, it’s a good, healing kind.
- Blood flow increases, carrying oxygen, white blood cells, and healing nutrients.
- Fibroblasts — cells that make collagen — are activated to help rebuild muscle, tendon, or ligament fibres.
Example from clinic:
A mum recovering from an Achilles strain she copped chasing her toddler in gumboots had hit a plateau with physio alone. We introduced dry needling to her calf and Achilles, and within three weeks she noticed less morning pain, smoother walking, and better control in single-leg exercises.
2. It’s Minimally Invasive (and Medication-Free)
This is a big drawcard, especially for patients who want to avoid medications or surgery.
- No drugs involved — just a thin, sterile needle.
- Appointments are short — 15 to 30 minutes.
- You can usually walk in and walk out, with little to no downtime.
Important detail:
There might be some mild soreness afterward — like you’ve done a workout — but most people bounce back quickly. I always give patients advice on how to manage this with gentle movement and hydration.
3. It Works Brilliantly Alongside Other Therapies
Dry needling doesn’t replace a good rehab plan — it amplifies it.
In our Melbourne clinic, we often combine dry needling with:
- Foot mobilisation therapy — great for post-ankle sprains or plantar fascia issues.
- Shockwave therapy — for stubborn tendon pain (especially Achilles or patellar tendinopathy).
- Prescribed strength work — to make sure the pain doesn’t return.
Hypothetical case:
A weekend hiker develops medial knee pain after a long walk in the Dandenongs. Imaging shows mild pes anserinus tendinopathy. We dry needle the adductors and hamstrings, release tension around the tibia, and follow up with load-based rehab. Within a month, they’re back to hiking — and this time, with better form and fewer niggles.
Quick Checklist: When Dry Needling Might Help
| Injury or Condition | Benefit of Dry Needling | What We Also Use |
| Hamstring strain | Speeds healing, reduces guarding | Strength rehab, neural glides |
| Achilles tendinopathy | Boosts collagen production | Shockwave, eccentric loading |
| Neck/shoulder tightness | Releases trigger points | Postural retraining |
| Plantar fasciitis | Offloads tension in calves | Foot mobilisation, taping |
| Hip pain (e.g., glute med strain) | Improves range and stability | Pilates-based strengthening |
Why Dry Needling Helps Soft Tissue Injuries Heal Faster (And Better)
Soft tissue injuries are the kind that sneak into everyday life — rolling your ankle stepping off a curb in Fitzroy, or straining your shoulder trying to lift a heavy bag of potting mix at Bunnings. These injuries don’t just hurt — they limit how you move, and left untreated, can drag on for months.
I’ve found dry needling to be one of the most effective hands-on treatments to support recovery — especially when paired with strengthening, mobility, and education. Let’s look at how it speeds up healing and why it can be a turning point in your rehab.
1. It Stimulates Tissue Repair
When we use dry needling to create a very small, controlled injury in the tissue, it actually kicks your body’s natural healing response into gear. This process is called microtrauma, and it’s not a bad thing — it tells your body, “Hey, send help here.”
What happens next?
- Local inflammation begins — but don’t worry, it’s a good, healing kind.
- Blood flow increases, carrying oxygen, white blood cells, and healing nutrients.
- Fibroblasts — cells that make collagen — are activated to help rebuild muscle, tendon, or ligament fibres.
Example from clinic:
A mum recovering from an Achilles strain she copped chasing her toddler in gumboots had hit a plateau with physio alone. We introduced dry needling to her calf and Achilles, and within three weeks she noticed less morning pain, smoother walking, and better control in single-leg exercises.
2. It’s Minimally Invasive (and Medication-Free)
This is a big drawcard, especially for patients who want to avoid medications or surgery.
- No drugs involved — just a thin, sterile needle.
- Appointments are short — 15 to 30 minutes.
- You can usually walk in and walk out, with little to no downtime.
Important detail:
There might be some mild soreness afterward — like you’ve done a workout — but most people bounce back quickly. I always give patients advice on how to manage this with gentle movement and hydration.
3. It Works Brilliantly Alongside Other Therapies
Dry needling doesn’t replace a good rehab plan — it amplifies it.
In our Melbourne clinic, we often combine dry needling with:
- Foot mobilisation therapy — great for post-ankle sprains or plantar fascia issues.
- Shockwave therapy — for stubborn tendon pain (especially Achilles or patellar tendinopathy).
- Prescribed strength work — to make sure the pain doesn’t return.
Hypothetical case:
A weekend hiker develops medial knee pain after a long walk in the Dandenongs. Imaging shows mild pes anserinus tendinopathy. We dry needle the adductors and hamstrings, release tension around the tibia, and follow up with load-based rehab. Within a month, they’re back to hiking — and this time, with better form and fewer niggles.
Quick Checklist: When Dry Needling Might Help
| Injury or Condition | Benefit of Dry Needling | What We Also Use |
| Hamstring strain | Speeds healing, reduces guarding | Strength rehab, neural glides |
| Achilles tendinopathy | Boosts collagen production | Shockwave, eccentric loading |
| Neck/shoulder tightness | Releases trigger points | Postural retraining |
| Plantar fasciitis | Offloads tension in calves | Foot mobilisation, taping |
| Hip pain (e.g., glute med strain) | Improves range and stability | Pilates-based strengthening |
Is Dry Needling Right for You? What You Need to Know
Dry needling can be a real game-changer for many people, but it’s not for everyone. Before booking in, it’s important to get a thorough assessment from a trained podiatrist or musculoskeletal therapist — someone who can tailor the treatment to your individual needs.
Who Benefits Most?
- People with persistent muscle tightness that hasn’t improved with stretching or massage.
- Those recovering from soft tissue injuries like strains, sprains, or tendon issues.
- Anyone with pain that seems to come from “knots” or trigger points.
- Patients looking for a medication-free, minimally invasive treatment to complement their rehab.
- Athletes or active Aussies wanting to recover quicker and return to sport without nagging pain.
When Dry Needling Might Not Be Suitable
There are some important exceptions where dry needling isn’t recommended, such as:
- If you’re on blood-thinning medication — increased bleeding risk means we need to be extra careful.
- Skin infections, wounds, or open sores in the treatment area.
- Needle phobia — it’s totally okay to feel nervous, but we want you to be comfortable and confident.
- Certain medical conditions, like uncontrolled epilepsy or some bleeding disorders — always disclose your full health history.
I always discuss these openly with patients before we start. Safety comes first.
What to Expect in Your Treatment Journey
Dry needling isn’t a magic wand. Some patients feel relief after one session, but often it takes a few treatments spaced over weeks to fully unlock stubborn muscles and restore function. Patience and consistency are key.
After treatment, you might feel a bit sore or tender for 24-48 hours, similar to how your muscles feel after a good workout. I usually recommend gentle movement, staying hydrated, and avoiding heavy activity for the rest of the day.
A Holistic Approach for Lasting Results
At Well Heeled Podiatry, dry needling is just one part of a bigger picture. We combine it with hands-on therapies, tailored exercises, footwear advice, and patient education to give you the best chance of lasting recovery.
One thing I love about working here in Melbourne is how our patients appreciate this hands-on, personalised approach — especially as we juggle Melbourne’s changeable weather, active lifestyles, and local sports like netball, footy, and soccer.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re struggling with persistent muscle pain or a soft tissue injury that just won’t shift, dry needling could be the missing piece you’ve been looking for.
Book an assessment with us today. We’ll chat about your history, take a detailed look at your muscles, and work out if dry needling fits into your recovery plan. Because every step counts — and you deserve to move pain-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Dry Needling And How Does It Work?
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used to treat muscle pain and soft tissue injuries. It involves inserting thin needles into specific “trigger points” or tight muscle areas to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve movement. The needle does not inject any substance, hence the term “dry”. It works by stimulating the muscles and fascia to promote healing, increase blood flow, and decrease muscle spasm, which can alleviate pain and improve mobility.
What Types Of Injuries Can Dry Needling Help Treat?
Dry needling is commonly used to treat a variety of soft tissue injuries, including muscle strains, tendonitis, and ligament sprains. It’s particularly effective for conditions like chronic neck and back pain, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, and sciatic pain. It can also address issues like muscle knots, tension headaches, and IT band syndrome. The treatment is used to target muscle groups that are often stiff or overused, helping to reduce pain and improve function.
Is Dry Needling Painful?
Dry needling can cause some discomfort, but it is generally not considered painful. Most people report a feeling of muscle twitching or a mild ache when the needle is inserted into a trigger point, which is often followed by relief. Some patients may experience slight soreness in the area for a day or two after treatment, similar to the feeling after a deep muscle stretch or massage. However, the discomfort is typically short-lived, and the benefits can be substantial.
How Many Dry Needling Sessions Are Required To See Results?
The number of dry needling sessions required depends on the severity and chronicity of the injury, as well as the individual’s response to treatment. Many people report significant improvement after one or two sessions, though more chronic conditions might require several treatments over a few weeks. Your healthcare provider will assess your progress and determine the most effective treatment plan, adjusting the number of sessions based on your recovery and response.
Are There Any Risks Or Side Effects Of Dry Needling?
Dry needling is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and qualified practitioner. However, as with any treatment, there are some risks, including minor bleeding, bruising, or soreness at the needle insertion site. In rare cases, there can be more serious complications like nerve injury or infection, although these are uncommon. It’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to ensure dry needling is appropriate for your specific condition and to discuss any concerns before starting treatment.
