What is Dry Needling at B Revitalised Massage?

At B Revitalised Massage, dry needling may be used as part of your remedial massage treatment when appropriate, always following a clinical assessment by your therapist to ensure it is safe and effective for you.

Dry needling is a technique that uses very fine, sterile needles to target specific points in the muscle, known as trigger points. These tight knots of muscle tissue can create local pain, tension and sometimes what’s called referred pain – where discomfort is felt in a different part of the body than the actual source. For example, a trigger point in the shoulder may cause a headache or tightness in the back muscles which may lead to pain felt down the leg.

By inserting a needle directly into these trigger points, dry needling helps to release the muscle, reducing both local and referred pain and promoting healthier movement. During treatment you may feel a brief twitch, dull ache or tingling sensation, which is a positive sign that the trigger point is releasing.

Dry Needling May Be Considered When:

– you prefer this approach as part of your treatment and have had it performed before with positive results
– during assessment, your therapist identifies a taught band, a trigger point, reproduction of referral pain and after a few treatments, the muscle doesn’t respond effectively to hands on technique
– muscles feel deeply tight or resistant to relaxation
– other remedial techniques have helped but results have reached a plateau
– after completing a clinic assessment, your therapist determines dry needling likely going to be effective and safe.

Conditions Dry Needling May Help With

Dry needling can be a useful addition to remedial massage when you’re experiencing muscle-related pain, tightness or reduced movement. Many clients seek this approach for back and neck discomfort, muscle-related headaches and migraines or shoulder, hip and knee pain. It may also be considered for repetitive strain issues such as tennis or golfer’s elbow, for lower limb conditions like shin splints or plantar fasciitis and for sports-related tightness. Because dry needling helps release stubborn trigger points, it can also restore mobility where chronic muscular tension has left you feeling restricted.

Who May Not Be Suitable for Dry Needling

Dry needling is safe for many people, but it is not always the most suitable technique. It is generally not recommended during pregnancy, for clients taking blood-thinning medications or corticosteroids, or for those living with conditions such as epilepsy, heart disease, or uncontrolled diabetes. People who are immunocompromised may also be advised against it. In some cases, children or adolescents may only be considered following careful assessment.

At B Revitalised Massage, your therapist will always review your health history and complete a clinical assessment to ensure dry needling is safe for you.

What to expect during a session

At B Revitalised Massage, your comfort and safety are our top priorities.

If your therapist deems dry needling to be an appropriate technique for you, we will begin by palpating the trigger point with a clean gloved hand to locate the exact area. The skin will then be cleansed with antiseptic before a sterile, single-use needle is gently inserted and left in place for around five to ten minutes. After removal, all needles are disposed of immediately in a sharps container and the treatment area is disinfected.

Most clients experience only mild discomfort, often described as a quick twitch, dull ache, or tingling sensation. This is a positive sign that the trigger point is releasing and the muscle is beginning to relax.

is dry needling safe?

Yes — when performed by a trained therapist. At B Revitalised Massage, your therapist has completed an 80-hour dry needling training program with CPD Health Courses, one of Australia’s leading providers. This training covers both theory and practical application, with a strong emphasis on safe practice — including how to avoid sensitive structures such as nerves, arteries and lungs.

We use only sterile, single-use needles and follow strict hygiene procedures at all times.

What does research say about dry needling

There is a growing body of evidence-based research supporting dry needling as a safe and effective treatment for musculoskeletal conditions. Studies show that dry needling can provide short-term pain relief, improve range of motion and reduce disability, particularly in the neck and shoulders. Research also highlights benefits for people with chronic low back pain, as well as a reduction in the frequency and intensity of headaches linked to muscular trigger points.

While each individual responds differently, the evidence consistently shows that dry needling can be a valuable technique when thoughtfully integrated into a remedial massage treatment plan.

Aftercare and Recovery

It is common to feel mild soreness for 24 to 72 hours after dry needling. To support recovery and reduce discomfort, we recommend drinking plenty of water, gently stretching the treated area, applying heat or ice if needed, keeping active with light movement and allowing your body to rest if it feels fatigued.

Is Dry Needling Right for You?

Dry needling is not our first choice for releasing trigger points, but it can be a powerful complement to remedial massage when needed. If you’re experiencing ongoing muscle tightness, restricted movement or pain that hasn’t improved with massage alone, dry needling may be an effective option for you.

✨ Book your Remedial treatment today In Studio Only and ask your therapist whether dry needling could support your treatment goals.