Blog - WA Health Group

Why Chiropractors Use Dry Needling - And How It Helps

Written by Dr Marlon Thoresson | 3 August 2026

If you’ve ever searched for “dry needling chiropractor near me” or “dry needling near me”, you’re likely dealing with muscle pain, stiffness, or an injury that’s slowing you down.


Dry needling is becoming an increasingly popular technique used by chiropractors to help patients recover faster, relieve pain, and restore movement. But what exactly is it, and how can it help you?

In this guide, we’ll cover:

  • What is dry needling?
  • Dry needling benefits
  • Our multidisciplinary approach
  • Conditions Chiropractors Treat with Dry Needling
  • What to Expect at Your First Dry Needling Session
  • Is dry needling safe?

What is dry needling?

 

Dry needling is a safe and effective therapy where a chiropractor inserts a very thin, sterile needle into specific points in your muscles, known as trigger points or knots. These trigger points are tight bands of sensitised muscle that can cause pain locally or refer pain to other areas of the body.

Despite looking similar to acupuncture needles, dry needling is not the same as acupuncture. While acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and the Meridian system, dry needling focuses on modern anatomy and neuromuscular function to release tension, improve movement, and promote healing. In short, both use the same needles but the location will vary based-off fundamental differences in origins.

 

Dry needling benefits

 

Patients often choose dry needling because it offers fast relief, targeted treatment, and long-lasting results, especially when combined with other chiropractic care techniques. Whether you’re an athlete, dealing with chronic pain, or recovering from an injury, dry needling can make a noticeable difference in your mobility and comfort.

Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Reduces muscle pain & tension

 

Dry needling works directly on trigger points; the tight bands of sensitised muscle that can cause pain and discomfort. By releasing these trigger points and improving blood flow to the area, it helps relieve muscle tension, reduce soreness, and restore natural movement patterns.

2. Speeds up recovery

 

Because dry needling stimulates the body’s natural healing process, it can accelerate recovery from sports injuries, muscle strains, and sprains. Increased circulation means more oxygen and nutrients reach the affected area, helping tissues repair faster.

3. Improves Range of Motion

 

Tight muscles and fascia can limit how far and how freely you can move. Dry needling helps loosen restricted areas, allowing joints and muscles to move more easily. This is especially beneficial for athletes, office workers, or anyone dealing with stiffness from poor posture.

4. Targets Chronic Pain

 

For conditions like lower back pain, neck pain, and tension headaches, dry needling can provide lasting relief by reducing muscle tension and breaking the pain cycle. Many patients notice significant improvements even after just a few sessions.

5. Supports Other Treatments

 

Dry needling isn’t a stand-alone solution. It works beautifully alongside chiropractic adjustments, physiotherapy, massage, and exercise rehabilitation. By reducing muscle tension before or after these treatments, it helps your body respond better and maintain results for longer.

 

The Power of Combining Chiropractic and Physiotherapy for Dry Needling

 

At WA Health Group, both our chiropractors and physiotherapists are trained in dry needling, and patients often see the best outcomes when these professions work together. By integrating chiropractic care and physiotherapy, we’re able to deliver faster relief, stronger recovery, and longer-lasting results.

Here’s how our collaborative approach makes a difference:

  • Holistic Care – Chiropractors restore joint and tissue movement, while physiotherapists strengthen weak muscles, improve flexibility, and retrain movement patterns.

  • Faster Relief & Improved Mobility – Chiropractic adjustments and dry needling can provide immediate pain relief, while physiotherapy builds on that foundation by addressing muscular imbalances and long-term flexibility.

  • Sustainable Recovery – Strengthening exercises and movement retraining help reduce the risk of reinjury.

  • Better Patient Engagement – With input from multiple professionals, patients feel more supported, which often leads to greater confidence, better adherence to treatment, and higher satisfaction with care.

This approach reflects our commitment to providing high-value, outcome-based care through a truly integrated allied health model.



Conditions Chiropractors Treat with Dry Needling

 

Dry needling can be effective for a wide range of issues, from everyday aches to long-term muscle problems.
At our clinic, we use it to treat:

  • Lower back pain
  • Hip pain

  • Neck and shoulder tension

  • Headaches and migraines

  • Jaw dysfunction

  • Sports injuries

  • Sciatica

  • Muscle strains / tension

  • Postural problems


If you’re dealing with any of these concerns or simply want to move more freely, our chiropractors can assess whether dry needling is right for you.

Book your complimentary health assessment today and find out how dry needling can help you recover faster and feel your best.

 

What to expect at your first dry needling session?

 

If you’ve never experienced dry needling before, our team is here to make the process comfortable, clear, and effective. Here’s how we guide you through your first session:

  • Consultation – We start by discussing your symptoms, health history, and goals. From there, we conduct a physical assessment on the spine, joints, and involved muscles so we can fully understand your needs.

  • Treatment Plan – Based on our assessment, we’ll decide what treatment is best, and if dry needling is an appropriate treatment for you. We will also discuss the other modalities we offer in conjunction with dry needling and curate a personalised treatment plan for you. Before your first session, we will explain exactly what will happen and what to expect.

  • Needling Session – Using fine, sterile needles, we treat specific trigger points. You may feel a quick, sharp sensation or a small muscle twitch as the tension releases.

  • Aftercare – It’s normal to feel mild soreness for 24–48 hours, followed by noticeable relief and improved movement. We’ll provide aftercare tips to help you get the best results.

 

If you’d like to book a dry needling session with our experienced chiropractors in Burswood, you can easily check our appointment availability. We often have same-day and next-day appointments to help you.

 

Is dry needling safe?

 

Yes, when performed by a qualified chiropractor or physiotherapist, dry needling is safe. All needles are single-use, sterile, and extremely fine. Side effects are minimal and typically include mild soreness or redness at the needle site.

 

Conclusion

 

Dry needling is a powerful tool chiropractors use to relieve pain, improve mobility, and speed up recovery from injuries. Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, chronic muscle tension, or stubborn headaches, it could be the missing link in your treatment plan.

If you’re ready to explore how it can work for you, we’d be happy to see you for your first appointment and start your personalised treatment plan.