Dry needling has gained traction recently, yet it is nearly identical to ancient needle-based practices. Does inserting these finely sharp needles pricking deep your skin have benefits? As a popular therapy, it induces micro-injuries to rebuild and replenish your dermal layers with new, healthier tissues.

The critical question is whether it can relieve muscle tightness and pain. Dry needling is a fairly common practice in Australia’s therapy-based clinics. Most of these, if not all, employ it in their daily treatment and care plans. Statistically, over 50% of the Australian population engages with complementary medicine, a category in which the procedure falls. 

This article covers dry needling usage stats, effectiveness data, treatment insights, and notable distinctions from acupuncture. These insights will guide you in this alternative therapy, whether you’re old or new to it.

Our industry insights also clarify misconceptions about dry needling, founded on decades of a holistic, evidence-based chiropractic approach.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling involves skillful skin penetration using very thin filiform needles. These finer than injection, thin needles stimulate myofascial trigger points deep within connective tissues to ease muscle pain and movement restrictions.

It targets irritable spots that feel sore or sensitive when pressed, stretched, and strained from lifting weights. When a sharp, throbbing pain radiates to other body parts, it is difficult to spot the origin of the pain. This is why practitioners carefully insert the needles where the pain is felt.

If these needles pierce deep enough, isn’t it possible to prod a nerve or blood vessels? Experienced practitioners are adept at palpating to locate trigger points without severe harm, whether it’s a superficial or deep needle probe. Despite being safe, it’s still not advisable for children under 12 or patients with delicate conditions.

In Australian clinics, dry needling is a relatively new modality designed mostly for athletes inflicted with mobility restraints or injuries. This procedure might even be thought of as acupuncture, as both use needles. Acupuncture focuses on energy flow, while dry needling distinctly involves gentle stimulation for pain relief and muscle relaxation.

How Common is Dry Needling in Australia?

Dry needling has gained traction only in recent years, with an uptick of individuals seeking natural, pain-free therapies. One survey revealed that roughly 64% of Aussie physiotherapists used dry needling to curtail pain intensity and muscle tension in their clinical practice.

This is similar to the global trend, with a bibliometric analysis indicating that dry needling has substantially grown in the past decades. The notable increase in its adoption comes from sports professionals and rehabilitation centres countrywide.

Who Uses Dry Needling?

Dry needling is for anyone on the lookout for relief from musculoskeletal issues, not only for sporty Aussies conditioning their bodies for upcoming games. If you have a needle phobia, however, dry needling may not suit you.

Let’s categorise the most common user groups ideal for dry needling:

  • Athletes: Active players use dry needling to enhance performance, prevent injuries, and hasten recovery.
  • Employees with posture-related tension: Workers spending long hours sitting or lifting heavy weights can likely develop poor posture and may benefit from the spinal and muscle reset the therapy provides.
  • Older patients with chronic pain: Adults dealing with chronic pain, such as arthritis, back pain, or sciatica, are included.
  • Post-injury rehabilitation patients: Individuals recovering from injuries, such as those sustained in accidents, sports, or falls.
  • Proactive wellness seekers: Health-conscious individuals exploring alternative, safer methods as part of their preventive care strategy.

As a safe practice, it’s best to consult your doctor before engaging in dry needling. Besides unwillingness to try, this is not ideal for pregnant (1st trimester) or patients with localised edema, systemic infections, or compromised immune systems.

Dry Needling Outcomes and Effectiveness

Several clinical studies reported that dry needling reduces pain and restores movement, with proven results. A recent study corroborates that it is more effective than other pain relief therapies in both genders and more beneficial even to those aged over 40.

Likewise, dry needling is often used with other physical therapy techniques, like physiotherapy exercises and chiropractic adjustments. This combination enhances the treatment effect overall.

Patients with neck pain may reduce discomfort and tension after undergoing dry needling. Notable improvements vary per person, as each adapts uniquely depending on treatment duration and frequency. Some may experience immediate relief, even in just a single session.

How long and frequent should it be to become effective? Once the needles reach the subcutaneous tissue, they can be left for up to 20 minutes, enough to trigger the muscles’ twitch response. This can be scheduled and spaced out within 2-4 weeks to facilitate optimal, lasting results.

Besides its tingling sensation, dry needling helps patients rely less on pain medication and gradually enhances life quality. This is relevant especially to individuals with intense neck, shoulder or back issues, almost crippled even with slight muscle shift and stretch.

Safety and Regulation of Dry Needling in Australia

Professional commissions like AHPRA regulate practitioners handling dry needling. Before anyone can therapeutically prick needles on you, the practitioner must undergo a formal training course, spanning anatomy, needle handling, and safety protocols. 

This even includes a nationally recognised diploma or advanced diploma to ensure utmost safety and skill competence. Even if dry needling has only temporary side effects that are rarely adverse, adhering to these regulations is a clinical and ethical standard.

Like other clinical procedures, dry needling can have minor adverse events, even at the hands of the most expert practitioner. These include bleeding on the insertion site (16%), bruising (7.7%), and pain (5.9%), with one of these likely affecting one in every two patients.

At MVMT Sports Chiro, patient safety is a top priority. Our skilled practitioners provide patient-focused dry needling, anchored by decades of quality care, safety, and expertise.

Benefits of Dry Needling for Pain and Recovery

Dry needling is a top option for patients seeking a drug-free, proven treatment to speed up recovery from muscle knots, discomfort, or even poor alignment. This procedure offers several benefits, including:

  • Reducing chronic pain: Tight, knotted muscles can result in high pain levels. Fine needle insertion stimulates these stiffened, sore muscle layers to relax and raise blood flow, curbing persistent discomfort.
  • Improving postural tension: Poor posture aggravates muscle tension, specifically in the lower back, neck, and shoulder. Prodding these tight muscles facilitates better alignment, supported with proper self-exercise.
  • Enhancing athletic performance and recovery: Excessive stretching, lifting, or exhaustion can result in muscle fatigue, impairing mobility. Incorporating dry needling expedites muscle recovery and improves flexibility.
  • Supporting injury rehabilitation: This requires a patient-centred treatment and care plan to sidestep recurrence. Personalised rehab programs often include dry needling to improve patients’ recovery times.

MVMT Sports Chiro carefully incorporates dry needling into the patients’ bespoke treatment plans. Our clients have noticed substantial relief and improved mobility after each session, even with post-race muscle soreness, posture issues, and chronic back pain.

Why Choose MVMT Sports Chiro for Dry Needling?

At MVMT Sports Chiro, our chiropractors have extensive experience providing patient-focused dry needling treatments. We combine needle-based procedures with other proven treatments to suit your needs and condition, whether you’re dealing with muscle stiffness, sports injuries, or bodily tenderness post-surgery. 

Contact us at 0421 151 778 or book online today to see one of our chiropractors in North Strathfield.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dry needling backed by science?

Clinical reports strongly suggest dry needling reduces short-term pain, especially targeting trigger points. It is more effective than no treatment or placebo to soothe intense pain levels, though there’s limited data as to its mid- and long-term effects.

Does dry needling hurt?

Given that pain tolerance varies per patient, it feels like a sudden, tolerable twitch or a slight pinch or cramp followed by relief. Feeling slightly sore is normal, but it should not inflict excessive discomfort.

How long do results last?

How results last depends on individual patient factors, specifically the type of condition and its severity. With experienced practitioners, patients can notice immediate pain relief and improved mobility, coupled with personalised exercise and rehab.

Does health insurance cover dry needling in Australia?

Yes. Australian private health insurance covers it depending on specific policies. For instance, HIF Extras coverage extends to complementary therapies, including myofascial dry needling. While this eases the financial burden, it is best to check your coverage or potential out-of-pocket expenses for this therapeutic treatment.

How many sessions do I need?

Dry needling typically involves about 4 to 6 sessions. Spacing each session a week or two is best to assess how your condition slowly responds to it; otherwise, discontinue it when symptoms worsen. In clinical practice, optimal relief and recovery are possible when complemented with other therapies and exercises suited to your needs.