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Dry needling physio · Southport

Release tight, painful muscles and get moving again

Get dry needling from your physio, combined with hands-on treatment and exercise so the relief lasts.

Sound familiar?

Does this sound like you?

  • A tight knot in your neck or shoulder that stretching and massage don't shift?
  • Muscle tightness that keeps coming back and limits your training?
  • Pain that eases for a day or two after treatment, then returns?

What we treat

What dry needling can help with

If yours isn't listed, book an assessment and we'll work out what is going on.

Neck and shoulder tightnessTrigger points from desk work and driving.
Tension-type headachesMuscle tension in the neck and shoulders.
Lower back and gluteal tightnessTight muscles around the spine and hip.
Sports muscle tightnessCalf, hamstring, quad and groin muscles.
Tendon and muscle overloadAlongside your rehab program.
Chronic muscle painPersistent muscle pain where tightness plays a part.

Inside the problem

How it works

Muscles can develop tight, tender spots called trigger points that refer pain and restrict movement. In dry needling, a physio places fine, sterile needles into the tight muscle to reduce pain and tension, usually as part of a wider treatment plan with hands-on techniques and exercise. Research suggests it can give short-term pain relief, so we pair it with movement and strengthening to make the benefit last.

In more detail

Common problems explained

What each one is, what it feels like and how we manage it.

Neck and shoulder trigger points

Tight spots in the upper trapezius and neck muscles are common with desk work and driving, and can add to neck pain and tension headaches. Needling these areas can ease pain and help you turn and lift more freely, and we combine it with posture and strengthening work.

Lower back, gluteal and hip tightness

Tight muscles around the spine and hip often go along with back and hip pain. Needling can ease them so you can start moving and loading, while your physio treats the underlying cause.

Calf, hamstring and sports muscle tightness

Athletes and runners can use needling to release recurring tightness in the calf, hamstring, quads and groin, alongside strength and load work.

What to expect and aftercare

You will be asked for consent and about health conditions first. Expect a dull ache or twitch in the muscle during treatment and possible soreness or small bruises afterwards. Gentle movement helps, and your physio will advise on activity afterwards.

How we help

Our four-step approach

Every plan is built around your problem, your work and your goals.

1

Assess

We assess the problem first, because needling is only useful if tight muscle is part of the cause.

2

Explain

We explain what dry needling is, what you will feel and any risks, and get your consent before we start.

3

Treat

Fine needles are placed in tight muscle or trigger points to reduce pain and tension, alongside hands-on treatment.

4

Rebuild

Needling is paired with exercise and movement work, so the improvement carries over to what you do each day.

Dry needling at Ferry Rd is done by your physio as part of your treatment, not as a stand-alone service.

When to see a doctor first. Tell your physio before needling if you take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, are pregnant, have an infection, have a pacemaker or implant, have lymphoedema in the area, or are afraid of needles.

Questions

Before you book

Does dry needling hurt?

Most people feel little from the needle itself. A dull ache, cramp or twitch in the muscle is common and brief. Mild soreness or bruising can follow for a day or two.

What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?

Both use fine needles. Dry needling, as physios use it, targets tight muscle and trigger points to reduce pain and restore movement, and is combined with other physiotherapy.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on the problem. Needling is usually one part of a plan, and your physio will review how you respond after each session.

What happens at the first appointment?

Your first appointment is 60 minutes, so there is time for a thorough assessment. We assess the problem, explain what is going on, start treatment and give you a clear plan. No referral needed.

Can I claim on my health fund?

Yes. If your extras cover includes physio, you can claim on the spot with HICAPS and only pay the gap. We also see Medicare care plan, WorkCover, CTP, DVA and NDIS patients.

Your next step

Book your assessment

Book online any time, or call (07) 5532 0999 and we'll find a time that suits.

No referral neededHealth fund claims on the spot (HICAPS)294 Ferry Rd, Southport

General information only, not individual medical advice. Results vary from person to person. © Ferry Rd Physio

Ferry Rd Physio · Southport · (07) 5532 0999