Acupuncture & Dry Needling
Acupuncture at Bodyworks Physiotherapy & Wellness
Acupuncture is a gentle, evidence‑supported technique that uses very fine, sterile needles to influence the nervous system, muscles, and circulation. While rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, the acupuncture we use is grounded in modern anatomy, physiology, and pain science. Our physiotherapists that are qualified in acupuncture can integrate it into your treatment plan to help reduce pain, release muscle tension, and support natural healing.
How Acupuncture Works
Western medical acupuncture stimulates nerves in the skin and muscle, prompting the release of natural pain‑relieving chemicals such as endorphins. This can help calm pain, relax overactive muscles, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation.
Traditional acupuncture is based on the concept of Qi—your body’s natural energy—flowing through channels called meridians. While this traditional framework differs from Western medical theory, both approaches share the goal of restoring balance and supporting health.
What It Can Help With
Physiotherapists commonly use acupuncture to support recovery from a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Headaches and migraines
Neck or lower back pain
Osteoarthritis
Muscle tension, spasms, and trigger points
Sports injuries or post‑surgical rehabilitation
(Please note: Bodyworks Physiotherapy & Wellness does not provide acupuncture for infertility, anxiety, or asthma.)
Acupuncture may also be used for ACC‑covered injuries when clinically appropriate.
Acupuncture Assessment & Treatment
Your first session includes a discussion about your health, medical history, and current symptoms, followed by a physical examination. If acupuncture is suitable for you, your physiotherapist will explain how it works, what to expect, and how it fits into your broader treatment plan. Your informed consent is always required before any needling begins.
Please let your physiotherapist know if you are pregnant or have any blood‑borne conditions such as HIV, hepatitis, or hemophilia, as this may influence how we tailor your treatment.
During The Session
You may be asked to sit or lie comfortably, and in some cases remove clothing so the physiotherapist can access the relevant area. The needles used are single‑use, pre‑sterilised, and disposed of immediately after treatment.
Depending on your presentation, your physiotherapist may use anywhere from 1 to 12 needles (sometimes more), placed either just under the skin or deeper into muscle tissue. The needles may remain in place for a few minutes up to around 30 minutes. Some people feel a mild tingling or dull ache when the needles are inserted—this is normal—but you should never feel significant pain. If you do, or if you feel unsure at any point, please tell your therapist straight away.
Occasionally, your physiotherapist may gently rotate the needles or use a mild electrical current (electroacupuncture) to enhance the effect.
Safety, Comfort & Side Effects
Most people find acupuncture comfortable and relaxing. Mild side effects such as temporary drowsiness or lightheadedness can occur but are usually short‑lived. Your therapist will monitor your response throughout the session and adjust the treatment as needed.
You are encouraged to ask questions at any time and to let your physiotherapist know immediately if you feel uncomfortable. Your comfort and safety are always our priority.
What to Expect
If acupuncture is part of your treatment plan, it will be carried out in a calm, professional setting and integrated seamlessly with your physiotherapy session. Many people notice meaningful improvements in pain, mobility, or muscle tension shortly after treatment.
Trigger Point Dry Needling at Bodyworks Physiotherapy & Wellness
Trigger point dry needling is a modern physiotherapy technique that uses very fine, sterile needles to release tight or sensitive areas within muscles. Unlike traditional acupuncture, dry needling is based on Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles. Our physiotherapists trained in this technique can integrate it into your treatment plan to help reduce pain, ease muscle tension, and restore comfortable movement.
How Dry Needling Works
Dry needling targets taut, irritated muscle bands known as myofascial trigger points. When a needle is inserted into one of these points, the muscle may produce a brief “twitch response.” This natural reflex can help the muscle relax, reduce sensitivity, and normalise nerve‑muscle communication. Many people experience short‑term improvements in pain, mobility, and overall muscle function following treatment.
What It Can Help With
Dry needling may be beneficial for:
- Myofascial trigger point pain
- Chronic or recurring muscle tightness
- Neck, shoulder, or lower‑back pain
- Sports‑related tightness or overuse injuries
- Muscle stiffness that limits movement
Its effects are often strongest in the short term, and results are typically enhanced when dry needling is used alongside exercise, manual therapy, or movement‑based rehabilitation.
Assessment & Treatment
Your first session includes a discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals, followed by a physical assessment. If dry needling is appropriate, your physiotherapist will explain how it works, what to expect during the session, and how it fits into your wider treatment plan. Your informed consent is always required before treatment begins.
Dry needling is usually avoided for newly swollen injuries and may not be suitable for certain medical conditions. Your physiotherapist will guide you based on your individual presentation.
During the Session
You may be seated or lying comfortably so the physiotherapist can access the treatment area. Only single‑use, sterile needles are used. Depending on your presentation, anywhere from one to several needles may be inserted into specific muscles. You may feel a brief, sharp sensation, a deep ache, or a quick muscle twitch—these responses are normal and typically short‑lived.
If anything feels uncomfortable, you are encouraged to let your physiotherapist know immediately.
Safety, Comfort & Side Effects
Dry needling is considered very safe when performed by trained practitioners. Mild soreness, heaviness, or a “worked‑out” feeling in the treated area for a day or two is common. More significant side effects are rare. Your physiotherapist will monitor your response and adjust the technique as needed to ensure your comfort.
What to Expect
Dry needling will be integrated smoothly into your physiotherapy session. Many people notice a meaningful reduction in pain or muscle tightness within one to three treatments. Because dry needling addresses muscle tension but not the underlying movement patterns that may have contributed to your symptoms, your physiotherapist will usually pair it with targeted exercises or manual therapy to support long‑lasting improvement.