Dry Needling in Sydney CBD.
Targeted trigger point release for muscle tension, referred pain, and chronic tightness. Performed by advanced-certified physiotherapists at 25 Martin Place.
Not a cure-all. Not a gimmick. A genuinely useful clinical tool — when it’s the right tool for the job. All dry needling at City Physio is integrated into your physiotherapy treatment plan, not offered as a standalone add-on.
Dry needling is a clinically proven physiotherapy technique that uses fine, sterile needles to release trigger points — tight, overactive bands of muscle that cause local pain, referred pain, and restricted movement.
Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is grounded in Western anatomy, physiology, and neuroscience. The needle targets a specific trigger point within the muscle tissue — not an acupuncture meridian.
When the needle hits the trigger point it typically produces a local twitch response — a brief, involuntary muscle spasm. That twitch is the therapeutic effect: it resets the muscle contraction cycle, reduces nerve sensitisation, restores blood flow to the tissue, and switches off the referred pain pattern the trigger point was generating.
Your physiotherapist identifies the trigger points contributing to your pain pattern through hands-on assessment — not guesswork. Dry needling is only recommended where it’s clinically indicated.
A fine, sterile, single-use needle is inserted directly into the trigger point. Most people feel minimal discomfort on insertion. The twitch response — if it occurs — feels like a brief cramp or deep ache. It’s quick, and it’s what you want.
The twitch response releases the muscle contraction, reduces local inflammation, restores normal neuromuscular signalling, and allows the tissue to recover. Many patients notice immediate improvement in range of motion and pain levels.
Dry needling is most effective as part of a broader physiotherapy approach — combined with manual therapy, exercise prescription, and load management. We don’t offer it in isolation, and we don’t recommend it where it’s not the right tool.
Dry needling in Sydney CBD at City Physio & Pilates is used across a wide range of musculoskeletal and pain conditions.
TMJ and orofacial dry needling — a genuinely specialist area.
Dry needling for the jaw, face, and surrounding musculature requires significantly more training and anatomical knowledge than standard musculoskeletal dry needling. The structures involved are complex, the margins are tighter, and getting it wrong is not a minor inconvenience.
Our Principal Physiotherapist Nicola Michell holds a Masters specialisation in orofacial pain with certification in Orofacial Myology, and advanced certification in facial and TMJ dry needling through the Australian Dental Association. She is the only member of our team certified to perform specialised facial and jaw dry needling.
If you’re dealing with TMJ dysfunction, jaw clicking or locking, bruxism, orofacial pain, or chronic headaches stemming from the jaw — Nicola’s appointments are in high demand. Book early.
Dry needling — what you actually want to know.
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
No. They both use fine needles but the similarities end there. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and targets energy meridians. Dry needling is based on Western anatomy and neuroscience — it targets specific trigger points within muscle tissue to release tension, reduce pain, and restore neuromuscular function. Different philosophy, different training, different clinical rationale.
Does dry needling hurt?
The needle insertion itself is usually minimal — most people barely feel it. The twitch response, when it occurs, feels like a brief deep ache or cramp. It’s quick and it means the technique is working. Most patients experience mild muscle soreness for 24–48 hours post-treatment, similar to the feeling after a deep massage or hard training session.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the condition, how long it’s been present, and how your body responds. Some people notice significant improvement after one session. Others need three to five sessions as part of a broader physiotherapy plan. Your physiotherapist will give you a realistic indication after your initial assessment.
Is dry needling safe?
Yes — when performed by a qualified, trained physiotherapist using sterile, single-use needles. At City Physio & Pilates, all dry needling is performed in accordance with clinical best practice guidelines. Side effects are typically mild and short-lived — soreness and occasional minor bruising at the needle site.
Who performs dry needling at City Physio?
All of our physiotherapists hold advanced dry needling certification for standard musculoskeletal presentations. Specialised facial and TMJ dry needling is performed exclusively by Nicola Michell, our Principal Physiotherapist, who holds advanced certification in orofacial and facial dry needling through the Australian Dental Association.
Can dry needling help with headaches?
Yes — particularly cervicogenic headaches (headaches originating from the neck) and tension-type headaches driven by trigger points in the neck, upper back, and jaw musculature. Our team includes Watson Headache trained physiotherapists and a specialist in orofacial pain — both approaches address the muscular drivers of headache effectively with dry needling as one component of treatment.
Can I book dry needling as a standalone appointment?
No — and that’s deliberate. Dry needling at City Physio is always integrated into a physiotherapy treatment session. It’s a tool within a broader clinical approach, not a standalone treatment. If you haven’t seen us before, you’ll start with an initial consultation so we can assess your presentation and determine whether dry needling is the right approach for you.
Is dry needling covered by private health insurance?
Dry needling performed as part of a physiotherapy consultation is typically covered under physiotherapy extras with most major private health funds. Bring your HICAPS card and we’ll process your rebate on the spot. Coverage varies by fund and policy — check your specific extras cover if you’re unsure.
Dry needling is often used alongside these treatments:
Ready to sort the knot that won’t quit?
Book online or call us. If you’re unsure whether dry needling is right for your presentation, mention it when you book and your physio will assess and advise at your appointment.
hello@cityphysio.com.au · Shop 10, Level 6, 25 Martin Place
— The City Physio team