At Auckland Physiotherapy, our experienced Physiotherapists use dry needling as an effective treatment technique to help you overcome pain, restore movement, and get back to doing the things you love.
Dry needling is considered a safe treatment when performed by a trained, registered physiotherapist using single-use, sterile needles in a clean clinical environment. Most people tolerate it well, but it is normal to feel some temporary muscle soreness, a dull ache, or mild bruising around the area for up to 24–48 hours after treatment. Serious complications are very rare, and your physio will discuss your medical history, explain any specific risks, and let you know if dry needling is appropriate or if another treatment option would be safer for you.
People usually describe dry needling as a brief, sharp sensation as the needle goes in, followed by a deep ache, heaviness, or a quick “twitch” in the muscle when the trigger point is reached. This sensation is typically short-lived and many patients feel it as a “good pain”, similar to a strong massage or post-exercise ache that eases off afterwards. Some soreness can remain for a day or so, but your physio will guide you on simple ways to manage this, such as gentle movement, stretching, or heat, and will adjust the intensity of treatment to your comfort level.
Dry needling is often used to help with musculoskeletal problems where tight, overworked, or sensitive muscles are contributing to pain and stiffness. This can include common issues such as neck and shoulder pain, headaches linked to muscle tension, lower back pain, sports injuries, tendon problems, and postural or work-related muscle strain. At a physiotherapy clinic, dry needling is usually combined with other treatments like manual therapy, exercise, and load management to address both the symptoms and the underlying causes of your pain.
Some people notice a change in their pain or movement after their first dry needling session, while others feel a more gradual improvement over a few treatments. The number of sessions you need depends on factors such as how long you have had the problem, how irritable the tissues are, your general health, and how well you can follow your exercise and activity plan between appointments. Your physiotherapist will review your progress regularly and discuss a tailored plan, which might include a short block of dry needling alongside strengthening, mobility work, and education to help you maintain results.
In New Zealand, dry needling is usually provided as part of a standard physiotherapy session rather than as a separate standalone charge, so the fee is the same as your normal consult. If your injury is covered by ACC, the usual ACC physio co-payment applies, and for private appointments the cost will depend on the clinic’s fee structure and any cover you may have through a health insurer such as Southern Cross. It is always best to check with the clinic and your insurer beforehand so you know what is covered and what your out-of-pocket cost is likely to be.
