Bond OsteopathyDry needling uses fine, sterile filament needles placed into specific points in a muscle, often a tight band or a tender trigger point. At Bond Osteopathy in Glen Iris it may be used by your registered osteopath where appropriate, as one part of a broader management plan based on your assessment. It is different from acupuncture: the reasoning is based on muscle and movement, not traditional meridians.
How it works
The exact mechanism is still being studied, but dry needling is thought to work in several ways. Placing a needle into a tight or irritable point may prompt a brief local twitch response, which can help the muscle release and may reduce local tenderness. It is also thought to influence how the nervous system processes pain in that area, which can make movement feel easier afterward. Where it suits your presentation, a gentle electrical current can be applied through the needles (electro-dry needling, or e-stim), producing a light, rhythmic pulsing that may enhance the effect. Any benefit tends to work best alongside the active side of your plan, such as exercise rehabilitation.
What it can help with
Dry needling is commonly used, where appropriate, for muscular involvement in presentations such as:
- Neck and upper-back muscle tightness, including some headaches
- Back and neck pain with a muscular component
- Shoulder and arm pain
- Hip, knee and ankle pain with related muscle tightness
- Lower-limb tightness common in sports and gym injuries and running injuries
Whether it is the right tool for you is decided after assessment.
What to expect
Before any needling, we explain what we are doing and why, and gain your consent. A very fine needle is inserted quickly through the skin into the target muscle. You may feel a brief ache, a heaviness, or a short muscle twitch as the point is reached, which usually settles in seconds. Needles may be left in place briefly or removed after the response, and e-stim may be added if it suits your goals. We talk with you throughout and check how you are going. Afterward you will get simple aftercare advice, such as keeping the area moving and expecting some mild soreness. For a fuller walk-through, see our article on what to expect with dry needling.
Is it right for you?
Dry needling is used where appropriate as one part of a broader plan, not as a standalone treatment, and it may not suit everyone. Some people prefer not to have needles at all, and that is completely fine. There are always other ways to treat a muscle, and we will happily use an alternative if you would rather not proceed.
Safety and things to know
Dry needling is very safe in trained hands, but like any procedure it carries some risks. The most common effects are minor and short-lived: temporary soreness, minor bruising or bleeding at the insertion site, and occasionally brief lightheadedness. A rare but serious risk is pneumothorax (a partial lung collapse), which can occur when needling over the chest wall or ribcage. This is why James is specifically trained to needle safely and selects the technique and depth accordingly in those areas. Dry needling may not suit people with a strong needle phobia, certain bleeding disorders or those taking some blood-thinning medication, or during pregnancy without discussion first. As with everything we do, nothing is done without your consent, and you can decline at any time.
Common questions
Does it hurt? The insertion itself is usually brief. You may feel a deep ache or a short twitch rather than a sharp pain, and most people find it very manageable.
Is it safe? Yes, it is very safe when performed by a trained, registered practitioner. We screen your suitability first and choose technique and depth to keep risk low.
How many sessions will I need? It varies with your presentation and goals. Dry needling is usually one part of a plan, and we review progress rather than book open-ended visits.
Is it covered by health funds? When provided by your osteopath as part of a consultation, it is generally claimable through private health extras cover. See the FAQ for details.
Written and reviewed by Dr James Beninati (Osteopath), Bachelor of Health Science, Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy), AHPRA registered. Last reviewed September 2026. More about James.
General information, not personal health advice. Sources: Healthdirect Australia on dry needling and pain management; Better Health Channel on muscle pain and self-care.