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Dry needling in Brisbane.
A clinical technique performed by qualified physiotherapists targeting myofascial trigger points. Used as one component of a broader physiotherapy plan — not as a standalone treatment.
50 Sumners Rd
Sumner QLD 4074
Post-graduate trained
Physiotherapists certified in the technique
Single-use sterile needles
Standard infection control
Used with physio
One tool within a broader plan
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a technique in which a fine, sterile filiform needle is inserted into a myofascial trigger point — a hypersensitive spot within a taut band of muscle tissue. The term “dry” refers to the absence of any injected substance; the needle itself is the therapeutic tool. This distinguishes it from corticosteroid injections or other needle-based procedures that deliver medication.
The physiological mechanisms behind dry needling are an active area of clinical research. Current evidence suggests that needling a trigger point may stimulate a local muscle twitch response, thought to be associated with changes in muscle activity and pain processing. At Alpha Physio, dry needling is performed by physiotherapists who have completed post-graduate training in the technique, following appropriate infection control and clinical screening procedures.
Both use fine needles, but they’re distinct. Dry needling uses a Western musculoskeletal framework, targeting trigger points from anatomical assessment. Acupuncture follows traditional Chinese meridian pathways.
Dry needling is typically used in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions — manual therapy, exercise prescription, and education — rather than as a sole treatment. Your physiotherapist will discuss whether it is appropriate for your presentation as part of your initial assessment.
Who can benefit?
Dry needling may be considered as part of a management approach for several musculoskeletal presentations, particularly those involving myofascial trigger points contributing to pain or movement restriction. Conditions our physiotherapists commonly assess in the context of dry needling include:
- Neck pain with associated muscle tension or restricted movement
- Cervicogenic headaches and tension-type headaches related to cervical and upper trapezius muscle involvement
- Shoulder pain involving the rotator cuff, deltoid, or periscapular muscles
- Upper back and thoracic muscle tightness
- Lower back pain with an identifiable myofascial component
- Calf and lower limb trigger points affecting gait or activity
Dry needling is not appropriate for all presentations or all patients. Your physiotherapist will screen for contraindications and precautions at your assessment.
What to expect
Dry needling is delivered within a standard physiotherapy consultation. The needling itself is brief — it’s surrounded by assessment, explanation, and other treatment.
- Physiotherapy assessment — history, movement, strength, and identification of whether myofascial trigger points are contributing to your presentation.
- Consent & explanation — if dry needling is appropriate, your physio explains the procedure, answers questions, and obtains your consent before proceeding.
- The needling — a fine needle is inserted into the trigger point. You may feel a brief local twitch, a normal clinical response. Needles remain in place seconds to a few minutes.
- Aftercare — mild soreness at the needle site is common for 24 – 48 hours. The session typically continues with exercise or other interventions.
Funding & eligibility
Dry needling at Alpha Physio is provided as part of a physiotherapy consultation. It is not billed separately:
Private health — most extras policies that cover physiotherapy include sessions where dry needling is used.
WorkCover — covered as part of physiotherapy management for an accepted WorkCover QLD claim.
DVA — covered where included in a DVA-funded physiotherapy session.
Billing — claimed under your standard physiotherapy consultation, no separate dry needling fee.
Related conditions
Common presentations where dry needling may form part of the physiotherapy management approach:
Frequently asked questions
Many people are concerned about discomfort before their first dry needling session. The needles used are very fine, much thinner than a standard injection needle. You may feel a brief muscle twitch or a dull aching sensation when the needle enters a trigger point, which is a normal response. Most people find the sensation manageable. Your physiotherapist will explain what to expect and can adjust the approach based on your comfort.
Dry needling may form part of a management approach for neck pain, headaches (particularly cervicogenic and tension-type headaches), shoulder pain, lower back muscle tension, and other musculoskeletal presentations involving myofascial trigger points. Your physiotherapist will assess whether dry needling is appropriate for your specific presentation as part of a comprehensive initial assessment.
Dry needling and acupuncture both use fine needles, but they are distinct in their theoretical basis, training requirements, and application. Dry needling is performed by physiotherapists using a Western musculoskeletal framework, targeting myofascial trigger points based on anatomical assessment findings. Acupuncture is a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine that follows meridian pathways. At Alpha Physio, dry needling is used as one component of a broader physiotherapy assessment and treatment approach.
Dry needling performed by a qualified physiotherapist is a recognised clinical technique. At Alpha Physio, our physiotherapists who use dry needling have completed post-graduate training in the technique. Standard infection control procedures are followed, including the use of single-use sterile needles. As with any intervention, there are contraindications and precautions, which your physiotherapist will screen for at your assessment. Common temporary effects include mild soreness at the needle site for 24–48 hours following a session.