
Treatments
Dry Needling
Dry needling tailored to your presenting symptoms. Used to address muscle tension, trigger points and musculoskeletal pain, treatment is designed to support recovery, improve movement and restore normal muscle function.
Dry Needling in Chatswood
At Feel Amazing Wellness Centre in Chatswood, our qualified and experienced practitioners use dry needling to help manage muscle pain, release tension and support recovery from injury and musculoskeletal strain. Dry needling involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into targeted areas of muscle and soft tissue. There is no fluid in the needles, hence the name “dry” needling.
Dry needling is commonly used as part of musculoskeletal treatment and may be incorporated alongside massage or chiropractic care depending on your individual needs.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling may look similar to acupuncture, as both use fine, sterile, stainless-steel needles inserted into the skin. However, dry needling is a Western-developed treatment specifically focused on musculoskeletal issues, whereas acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and works on different principles. Learn more about acupuncture at Feel Amazing
In dry needling treatment, needles are inserted into targeted areas of muscle tension and trigger points to help reduce tightness, improve movement and support normal muscle function. Treatment may also help reduce sensitivity in areas that are painful, restricted or overactive.
What Can Dry Needling Help With?
Dry needling is commonly used to treat pain and dysfunction in musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Shoulder impingement
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Headaches and migraines
- Knee pain and osteoarthritis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Lower back pain
- Hip pain
- Muscle strains and sprains
- TMJ (jaw) tension
What Makes Feel Amazing Different for Dry Needling?
At Feel Amazing, we have practitioners across multiple disciplines who use dry needling, each bringing their own expertise to the treatment.
Dry Needling with Massage
Our massage therapists can combine dry needling with remedial massage in the same session. Dry needling may be used first to help release muscles that are very tight, in spasm or sensitive to touch, followed by massage treatment focused on reducing tension and improving comfort and movement..
Our clients have found this combination helpful for relieving pain, reducing inflammation, easing headaches and migraines, and improving their overall sense of wellbeing.
Claimable under remedial massage through HICAPS.
Dry Needling with Chiropractic
Our chiropractor Elijah may incorporate dry needling into chiropractic treatment where appropriate. Dry needling can help address muscle tension, trigger points and restricted soft tissue areas alongside joint and movement-based treatment approaches.
This approach is commonly used for both acute and longer-standing musculoskeletal concerns.
Claimable under chiropractic through HICAPS.
class=”wp-block-heading”>Acupuncture>For those interested in a traditional approach, our acupuncturist Sumin provides TCM-based needling treatment. While the technique looks similar, acupuncture works on different principles and may be suited to different concerns. Learn more about acupuncture at Feel Amazing
Claimable under acupuncture through HICAPS.
Does Dry Needling Hurt?
Some temporary discomfort is normal when the needles are inserted. A brief twitch response can sometimes occur when treating a trigger point. This is a common muscular response during dry needling treatment. Pain usually subsides as the muscle releases, though a duller ache may be felt.
While dry needling can feel intense in some areas, treatment should remain manageable and your practitioner will always adjust their approach based on your comfort level and response.
What to Expect After Dry Needling
Some soreness may be felt afterwards, varying with the individual and their body’s response. This is similar to the feeling after a solid workout or a firm massage. It may last for 24 to 48 hours.
- Listen to your body and avoid strenuous activity afterwards
- Drink plenty of water
- A heat pack can help with any residual soreness
- Stretch and move your body gently to keep muscles from tightening up again
Some people notice improvement quickly, while others benefit from a series of treatments over time depending on the nature of the issue being treated.
Are There Any Risks?
As with any treatment, there may be some risks:
- Minor skin bleeding or bruising at the insertion site
- Pain during or following treatment
- Some people may feel lightheaded, sweaty or nauseous, particularly if they are nervous about needles
- Contraindications exist for patients with bleeding disorders or who take blood thinners. Please inform your practitioner and seek medical advice before treatment.
All needles used at Feel Amazing are single-use, sterilised, professional-grade acupuncture needles. Only practitioners with appropriate qualifications and experience provide dry needling treatment.
Your practitioner will explain the treatment process, discuss any relevant risks or considerations, and obtain your consent before dry needling begins.
How Dry Needling Works with Our Other Services
- Dry needling and massage – the most common combination at Feel Amazing. Dry needling releases deep tension, massage works through the area afterwards. Can be done in one session. Learn more about massage at Feel Amazing
- Dry needling and chiropractic – Elijah may use dry needling alongside chiropractic care to help reduce muscle tension and support movement and comfort during treatment. Learn more about chiropractic at Feel Amazing
- Dry needling and naturopathy – some clients choose naturopathic support alongside treatment for recovery, stress management and general wellbeing. Learn more about naturopathy
Conditions Commonly Treated with Dry Needling
Book your dry needling.
Bookings available seven days a week. HICAPS on the spot. We’re just a 7-10 minute walk from Chatswood station, with Westfield parking nearby.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?
Dry needling is a Western-developed technique that targets trigger points and musculoskeletal issues. Acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. Both use fine needles, but the underlying approach and treatment goals are different. We offer both at Feel Amazing.
Can I add dry needling to my massage?
Yes. Dry needling can be added to any remedial massage session for an additional $10. Your therapist will assess whether it is appropriate for your situation and discuss it with you during your appointment.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on your condition. Some people notice significant improvement after one session, while others benefit from a series of treatments. Your practitioner will recommend a plan based on your response.
Is dry needling covered by my health fund?
Yes. Dry needling performed during a massage session is claimable under remedial massage. Dry needling performed during a chiropractic session is claimable under chiropractic. HICAPS is available for on-the-spot claiming. See fees and health fund information
Is dry needling safe during pregnancy?
Please discuss this with your practitioner. Dry needling may be appropriate in some situations during pregnancy, but certain areas are avoided. Your therapist will assess your individual situation.
I'm nervous about needles. Is dry needling right for me?
Many people who are initially nervous find the experience much more manageable than expected. The needles are very fine, and the sensation is brief. Your practitioner will talk you through the process and check in with you throughout. If dry needling is not suitable for you, there are other treatment approaches that may still help address muscle tension and movement restriction.
Dry needling is used as part of musculoskeletal treatment provided by qualified practitioners at Feel Amazing Wellness Centre. If you have a serious health condition, are pregnant, or take blood thinning medication, please discuss this with your practitioner before treatment. A full health history, assessment and informed consent process will be completed before dry needling is performed.