Dry needling
Fine needles in tight or overactive muscle, used alongside hands-on treatment and exercise where it suits.
- No referral needed
- Book directly. Claim on the spot with eligible private health extras.
- Open six days
- Monday to Friday 8am–7pm, Saturday 8am–2pm.
- First visit
- Allow 45 minutes to an hour. Wear shorts and a loose top.
- Rear entrance
- 92 Parsons Street, Kensington, inside Renegade BJJ.
What dry needling is
Dry needling uses very fine, sterile, single-use needles inserted into tight or overactive areas of muscle, sometimes called trigger points. It's "dry" because nothing is injected.
It's used to help ease pain and muscle tension so you can move and load more comfortably. We use it alongside hands-on treatment and exercise, never on its own as the whole plan.
Dry needling is different from acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine.
What to expect
We talk about it first
Dry needling is only used where it suits your problem, and only with your consent. If you'd rather not have needles, there are other ways to do the same job.
How it feels
You may feel a small prick, a dull ache, or a brief twitch in the muscle. Most people find it uncomfortable rather than painful.
Afterwards
Some soreness for a day or two is common. Bruising is possible. Keep moving as normal.
Safety
Needles are sterile and single use. Serious problems are rare, and we explain the risks for the area being treated before starting.
Let us know first if you
- are pregnant or might be
- take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder
- have a pacemaker, a lymphoedema-affected limb, or a weakened immune system
- have had a bad reaction to needles before, or a fear of needles
Dry needling may not be suitable, and we'll use other treatment instead.
Questions people ask
Does dry needling hurt?
You may feel a small prick, a dull ache or a brief muscle twitch. Most people find it uncomfortable rather than painful, and some soreness for a day or two afterwards is common.
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
No. Both use fine needles, but dry needling targets tight or overactive muscle based on anatomy, while acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine.
Do I have to have dry needling?
No. It is only used with your consent and where it suits your problem. Other treatment options are always available.
Can I book just for dry needling?
Dry needling is used as part of an osteopathy appointment, alongside assessment and other treatment. Book a standard osteopathy appointment.
Book an osteopathy appointment
Dry needling is used within osteopathy appointments where it suits.