Dry Needling: How It Works, What It Helps, and Why It’s Safe

(Dry Needling Melbourne | Trigger Point Therapy Abbotsford | Myotherapy Pain Relief)

If you’ve ever experienced persistent muscle tightness, nagging pain that just won’t go away, or limited movement after long hours at a desk or intense workouts, you’re not alone. These are common issues we treat every day at Yohome Massage & Myotherapy in Abbotsford, Melbourne—and one of our most effective tools is dry needling.

But what exactly is dry needling, and why is it so effective?

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a modern therapy designed to relieve muscular pain and improve function. It involves the use of very thin, sterile needles that are inserted directly into myofascial trigger points—those tight, sensitive spots in muscles that can cause pain and stiffness, even in areas far from the actual point.

Unlike traditional acupuncture, which is based on Chinese medicine and energy meridians, dry needling is rooted in Western anatomy and science. It's a physical treatment method used by trained myotherapists, remedial massage therapists, and physiotherapists to:

• Release muscle tension

• Improve circulation

• Stimulate natural healing

• Restore movement and mobility

At Yohome, we combine dry needling with remedial massage and myotherapy techniques for a more complete, personalised treatment experience.

What Can Dry Needling Help With?

Dry needling is particularly effective for many common muscle and joint issues. Some of the most frequent conditions we treat include:

• Lower back pain and stiffness

• Neck and shoulder tension

• Migraine and tension headaches

• Sciatica and leg pain

• Tennis elbow / Golfer’s elbow

• Jaw pain or TMJ issues

• Hip pain and tight glutes

• Knee discomfort and mobility issues

• Plantar fasciitis and heel pain

Whether you’re a desk worker, a tradie, a new parent, or a gym regular, dry needling can be tailored to suit your needs.

Is Dry Needling Safe?

Yes—when done by a trained professional, dry needling is a very safe and low-risk treatment.

You might feel a small twitch in the muscle during the treatment, or a mild ache afterwards (similar to post-workout soreness), but most people feel relief and improved movement soon after the session.

At Yohome, we always use single-use, sterile needles, and follow strict hygiene and safety standards.

How Is It Different from Acupuncture?

We get this question a lot.

While both acupuncture and dry needling use thin needles, they are not the same.

• Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on energy flow (Qi) through meridians.

• Dry needling, on the other hand, is based on modern anatomy and targets the muscles and nerves directly involved in your pain or restriction.

  
  

Think of dry needling as muscle-specific treatment, designed to get straight to the source of the problem.