Dry needling is a technique performed by appropriately trained practitioners that involves the use of a thin, sterile, single-use needle applied to specific areas of muscle, including myofascial trigger points.
At JB Essential Wellbeing, our chiropractor in Kilmore may incorporate dry needling into an individualised care plan following a thorough assessment, where appropriate. It is often used alongside other therapies such as chiropractic care, soft tissue therapy and exercise advice as part of a patient-focused approach to musculoskeletal care.
Individual experiences vary, and dry needling may not be suitable for everyone. Your chiropractor will discuss whether this technique is appropriate for your individual circumstances and answer any questions you may have before treatment.
Following a thorough assessment, dry needling may be incorporated into an individualised management plan for some musculoskeletal presentations, including:
-Neck pain and associated muscle tension
-Upper Back muscle tension
-Low back pain
-Shoulder pain
-Hip and gluteal muscle pain
-Tennis elbow/ Extensor tendonitis (lateral elbow pain)
-Golfers elbow/ Flexor tendonitis (medial elbow pain)
-Muscle tightness associated with sporting or recreational activities
-Myofascial trigger points
-Calf, Achilles and Hamstring muscle tightness
Although both dry needling and acupuncture use thin, sterile needles, they are based on different clinical frameworks.
Dry needling is commonly used by appropriately trained health practitioners as part of the management of musculoskeletal presentations. It is guided by a clinical assessment and focuses on muscles and other soft tissues that may be contributing to a person's presentation.
Acupuncture is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and uses a different assessment and treatment framework.
While the same type of needle may be used, the assessment, clinical reasoning and overall approach differ between the two techniques.
Before any treatment, your chiropractor will complete an assessment, discuss your health history and determine whether dry needling may be appropriate for your individual circumstances.
If dry needling is included as part of your care, the skin will be cleaned where appropriate and thin, sterile, single-use needles will be gently inserted into selected muscles or myofascial trigger points. The number of needles used and the areas treated will vary depending on your individual assessment.
Dry needling may be incorporated alongside other approaches, including chiropractic care, soft tissue therapy, movement advice and rehabilitation exercises, where appropriate.Your chiropractor will explain the procedure, discuss any potential risks and obtain your informed consent before treatment begins.
People experience dry needling differently. Some individuals report very little discomfort, while others may notice a brief sensation as the needle is inserted or when a muscle responds during treatment.
It is also possible to experience temporary muscle soreness following a session. Your chiropractor will explain what you may expect, monitor your comfort throughout the appointment and answer any questions you have before treatment.
Dry needling is not suitable for everyone. Before recommending this technique, your chiropractor will take a detailed health history and perform an assessment to determine whether it is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Dry needling may not be recommended for some people, including those with certain medical conditions, individuals taking particular medications, those with needle-related anxiety, or where there are other factors that may affect the suitability of treatment. Pregnancy, skin infections or other clinical considerations may also influence whether dry needling is appropriate.
If dry needling is not considered suitable, your chiropractor will discuss other management options that may be appropriate for your presentation.
What should I wear to my appointment?
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that allows access to the area being assessed or treated. For example, shorts may be helpful for hip or leg concerns, while a sleeveless top or loose-fitting shirt may be suitable for shoulder or upper back presentations. If needed, gowns or towels can be used to help maintain your comfort and privacy during treatment.
How long does a dry needling appointment take?
Dry needling is usually incorporated into a scheduled chiropractic appointment rather than being provided as a stand-alone service. The time spent using dry needling will vary depending on your assessment, the areas being treated and your individual management plan. Your chiropractor will discuss the proposed treatment with you during your consultation.
Can dry needling be combined with chiropractic care?
Yes. Where clinically appropriate, dry needling may be incorporated alongside chiropractic care, soft tissue therapy, rehabilitation exercises and movement advice as part of an individualised management plan. Your chiropractor will determine whether this combination is suitable following a thorough assessment.
Will I be able to return to normal activities afterwards?
Many people are able to return to their usual daily activities following dry needling. Some individuals may experience temporary muscle soreness or fatigue after treatment, and your chiropractor may provide individualised advice regarding activity, exercise or recovery based on your presentation and the treatment provided.
Are the needles sterile?
Yes. At JB Essential Wellbeing, only sterile, single-use needles are used for dry needling. Each needle is opened immediately before use and disposed of safely after treatment in accordance with infection prevention and control procedures.
What are the possible risks or side effects?
As with many manual therapy techniques, dry needling carries some potential risks and side effects. Common temporary effects may include mild discomfort during treatment, local muscle soreness, minor bleeding or bruising at the insertion site, or temporary fatigue following the appointment.
Less common risks will be discussed with you before treatment as part of the informed consent process. Your chiropractor will explain the procedure, answer any questions and determine whether dry needling is appropriate for your individual circumstances
How do I know if dry needling may be suitable for me?
The suitability of dry needling can only be determined following a thorough assessment. Your chiropractor will discuss your health history, current presentation, goals and any factors that may influence whether dry needling is appropriate for you.
If dry needling is considered suitable, it may be incorporated into your individualised management plan. If it is not considered appropriate, your chiropractor will discuss other management options that may better suit your needs and preferences.
At JB Essential Wellbeing, every patient begins with a thorough assessment to help guide an individualised approach to care. Where appropriate, dry needling may be incorporated alongside chiropractic care, soft tissue therapy, movement advice and rehabilitation exercises as part of a management plan tailored to your needs and goals.
With more than 16 years of clinical experience, Dr Jennifer Barker (Chiropractor) provides care for people of all ages from Kilmore and surrounding communities, including Broadford, Wallan, Seymour, Wandong and Lancefield.
Our focus is on providing professional, patient-centred care in a welcoming environment, with time taken to explain your assessment findings, discuss suitable management options and answer any questions you may have.
Research investigating dry needling has explored its use as one component of the management of certain musculoskeletal presentations. Current evidence suggests that, for some individuals, dry needling may be incorporated alongside exercise, manual therapy and movement advice as part of a broader management plan.
At JB Essential Wellbeing, dry needling is never used in isolation. Following a thorough assessment, it may be incorporated into an individualised chiropractic management plan where clinically appropriate.
Individual responses vary, and treatment recommendations are based on your assessment findings, health history and personal preferences.
Further Reading
-Kietrys DM, Palombaro KM, Azzaretto E, et al. Effectiveness of Dry Needling for Upper-Quarter Myofascial Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2013.
-Gattie E, Cleland JA, Snodgrass SJ. The Effectiveness of Trigger Point Dry Needling for Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2017.
-Liu L, Huang QM, Liu QG, et al. Effectiveness of Dry Needling for Myofascial Trigger Points Associated with Neck and Shoulder Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2015.
-Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Review article examining proposed neurophysiological mechanisms of dry needling. 2025.