Massage Therapy · Dry Needling
Release stubborn tensionat the trigger point
Dry needling uses fine, sterile needles to release tight bands of muscle that hands-on massage can't always reach — a precise, evidence-informed technique for stubborn pain.
- Session length
- 60 minutes
- From
- $115
- Health fund
- Claimable on most extras
- Where
- Hamlyn Heights
What it is
A Western technique — not acupuncture
Dry needling is grounded in Western anatomy and trigger point science, not traditional Chinese medicine. A very fine needle is inserted directly into a myofascial trigger point — a taut, irritable band of muscle — prompting it to release. It's a different practice from acupuncture, with a different purpose: releasing specific muscles that are driving your pain.
Most people feel a brief twitch or deep ache as the trigger point releases, followed by a noticeable easing of tension. It's quick, targeted, and often reaches what massage alone cannot.
Often helps with
- Chronic neck and shoulder tension
- Lower back pain
- Tension headaches
- Sports injuries and tight muscle bands
- Pain that keeps returning after massage
When dry needling earns its place
Chronic muscle tension
01Knots in the neck, shoulders or back that massage loosens but never quite clears.
Direct trigger point release that reaches the taut bands hands can't fully resolve.
Tension headaches
02Headaches driven by tight upper trapezius and neck muscles.
Releasing the specific trigger points that refer pain up into the head.
Sports injuries
03Tight, overloaded muscles that limit training and slow recovery.
Precise release to restore muscle function, integrated with massage and cupping.
Persistent lower back pain
04Deep gluteal and lumbar tension that flares with sitting or lifting.
Needling deeper stabilising muscles alongside hands-on treatment of the whole area.
Our approach
Included in your massage, always your choice
Dry needling isn't booked as a separate appointment here — it's offered within your remedial massage session, at your discretion and at no additional cost. If a stubborn trigger point would respond better to a needle than to pressure, your therapist will explain why and ask first.
Every session starts with assessment and informed consent. Single-use sterile needles, careful technique, and a practitioner who talks you through each step — especially if it's your first time.
Your journey
How we work with you
Assessment
Your therapist talks through your pain, history and anything that rules needling out, and assesses where the tension is sitting — needling is only offered where it would genuinely help.
Hands-on treatment
Massage begins the session and loosens the area. Where a trigger point would respond to a needle, your therapist explains why and asks first — nothing happens without your consent.
Precise release
A fine, single-use needle is placed into the tight band of muscle. The quick twitch you might feel is the muscle releasing, and many people feel looser almost immediately.
Aftercare
Tenderness for a day or so is normal, like after a workout. Keep moving gently, drink water, and skip hard training on the treated area that day.
Good to know
Questions, answered
Dry needling uses fine, single-use needles placed into tight bands of muscle, called trigger points. The needle disrupts the contracture in that tight band, which helps the muscle release. It also brings blood flow to the area, delivering oxygen and helping clear by-products. It's done within your remedial massage session.
Curious whether dry needling could help?
Book a remedial massage and we'll assess together — dry needling is included within your session at no extra cost, only ever with your consent.