Dry Needling
At Osteopathic Movement in South Yarra, our osteopaths use dry needling as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to relieve muscle tension, decrease pain, and help you move pain-free. This technique involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific trigger points within muscles to release tightness and restore normal function.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a clinical technique aimed at reducing muscle tightness and improving movement by stimulating trigger points — small, hyper-irritable spots within the muscle tissue. The name “dry” refers to the fact that no medication or fluid is injected; instead, the needle itself produces a local twitch response that helps reset muscle tone and relieve pain.
How Does It Work?
When a fine needle is inserted into a trigger point, it can:
Increase blood flow and oxygenation to the area
Reduce local chemical irritation contributing to pain
Release tight muscle fibres and improve flexibility
Influence the nervous system to reduce pain sensitivity
As a result, dry needling often leads to decreased muscle tension, improved joint range of motion, and faster recovery from musculoskeletal pain or injury.
What Conditions Can Benefit from Dry Needling?
Our osteopaths frequently use dry needling to complement manual therapy in treating:
Gluteal and hip tightness
Chronic myofascial pain syndromes
What Does It Feel Like?
You may feel a brief twitch or ache when the needle activates a trigger point, followed by a sense of muscle relaxation. Some mild post-treatment soreness can occur but usually settles within 24 hours. Most patients describe the treatment as comfortable and highly effective once the initial tightness is released.
Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture
Although both use fine needles, the intent is different. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, while dry needling is grounded in modern anatomy, neurophysiology, and pain science. At Osteopathic Movement, dry needling is used within a clinical osteopathic framework to target specific muscles and restore healthy movement patterns.
Integrated Osteopathic Care
Dry needling is often combined with other osteopathic techniques such as:
This integrated approach ensures your treatment is targeted, evidence-based, and designed to help you move pain-free in everyday life.
Benefits of Dry Needling
Decrease pain and muscle tension
Improve joint range of motion
Accelerate recovery from injury
Enhance athletic performance and flexibility
Promote better posture and movement efficiency
Why Choose Osteopathic Movement
Qualified osteopaths trained in dry needling safety and technique
Treatments tailored to your specific goals and comfort level
Convenient South Yarra wellness centre with modern facilities
Health fund rebates available for eligible appointments
Ready to Book?
Experience the benefits of dry needling with our team of osteopaths in South Yarra. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic tension, or aiming to move pain-free, we’ll tailor your care to you.