Dry Needling Near Me: Fast Relief for Stubborn Muscle Pain in Thornbury

Dealing with knots in your traps that never seem to loosen? Calves that stay tight no matter how much you foam roll? Hip flexors pulling on your lower back after every training session?

Dry needling could be the reset your body needs.

I'm Mick, and I'm a myotherapist here in Thornbury. If you've landed on this page searching "dry needling near me," you're probably sick of treatments that only give you temporary relief. You want something that actually works.

Here's the truth: dry needling isn't magic, and it's definitely not woo-woo. It's a targeted, evidence-based technique that gets into the layers massage can't always reach. And when it's done right—alongside proper movement education—it's one of the fastest ways to switch off pain and get you moving again.

Let's break down exactly what dry needling is, how it works, and whether it's right for you.

What Is Dry Needling? (And Why It's Not Woo-Woo)

Dry needling is a hands-on treatment where we insert fine needles into trigger points—tight, irritated muscle knots—to switch off pain and tension fast.

It's called "dry" because we're not injecting anything. No medicine, no fluid. Just a sterile, single-use needle that targets the exact spot where your muscle has locked up.

Think of trigger points like circuit breakers that have been switched off. Your muscle is stuck in a contracted state. It's not getting proper blood flow, which means it's not getting oxygen or nutrients. That leads to pain, stiffness, and restricted movement.

When we insert the needle into that trigger point, it creates a micro-injury. This signals your body to send blood flow back to the area, flush out waste, and release tension. The needle can also stimulate nerve fibers that tell your brain to release endorphins—your body's natural painkillers.

Most clients feel immediate release. For others, it takes a session or two. But either way, it's not about relaxing on a table with candles and pan flutes in the background. It's about getting real, functional results.

How Dry Needling Works – The Science

When a muscle is overused or injured, it goes into what's called an "energy crisis." The fibers aren't getting adequate blood supply. Without blood flow, they can't get the oxygen and nutrients needed to return to a normal resting state.

The tissue around the trigger point becomes acidic, and your nerves become sensitized. That's why even a light touch can feel painful.

Dry needling resets this cycle. The needle stimulates blood flow back to the area, which flushes out the acidic waste and allows the muscle to relax. Sometimes, you'll feel a "local twitch response"—a quick muscle spasm—which is a sign the muscle is releasing.

It's not voodoo. It's Western medicine, grounded in anatomy and physiology. And it works.

Dry Needling vs Acupuncture: What's the Difference?

People always ask: "Is dry needling just acupuncture?"

No. Both use the same thin, sterile needles. That's where the similarities end.

Acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. It's about moving energy (qi) along meridians to restore balance in your body's systems. Acupuncturists train in Eastern medicine and use specific acupuncture points across your body—not always near where you feel pain.

Dry needling is based on Western medical science. We're targeting specific myofascial trigger points in your muscles based on movement patterns, pain referral, and orthopedic testing. It's about releasing muscular dysfunction, not moving energy.

Both have their place. But if you're dealing with muscle pain, movement restrictions, or sports injuries, dry needling is the more direct approach.

What Does Dry Needling Treat?

Dry needling is particularly effective for stubborn muscular pain that doesn't respond well to massage or stretching alone.

Common Conditions We Treat with Dry Needling

At MSTT, we use dry needling to treat:

• Knots in your traps or upper back – Desk workers, tradies, anyone who spends time hunched forward

• Tight calves and Achilles issues – Runners, athletes, people who train hard

• Hip flexors pulling on your lower back – Anyone with anterior pelvic tilt or chronic low back pain

• Hamstring strains – Recurring injuries that never quite heal

• Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow – Overuse injuries from work or sport

• Headaches and migraines – Often caused by tension in neck and shoulder muscles

• Sciatica and nerve pain – When trigger points are compressing or irritating nerves

• Post-surgery rehab – After ACL repairs, shoulder surgeries, or other procedures

• Chronic muscle tension – Areas that stay tight no matter what you do

Signs You Might Need Dry Needling

You're probably a good candidate for dry needling if:

• You've tried foam rolling and stretching, but the pain keeps coming back

• You have a specific "hot spot" that's constantly sore or tight

• Your range of motion is limited in one area (tight hips, stiff shoulders, locked-up calves)

• You're recovering from an injury and one muscle just won't switch back on

• You're an athlete dealing with overuse injuries

• You're dealing with referred pain (pain that radiates from one area to another)

How Does a Dry Needling Session Work?

Let's walk through what actually happens during a session.

What Happens During Your First Visit

Before we even touch a needle, I'll take a full history. I want to know:

• What your pain feels like

• When it started

• What makes it better or worse

• Your training history (if you're active)

• Your job, your posture, your movement habits

Then I'll do a physical assessment. I'm looking at how you move, where you're restricted, and where your trigger points are located. Sometimes the pain you feel isn't where the problem actually is. That's why we don't just needle where it hurts—we look at the whole system.

Once we've identified the trigger points, I'll explain exactly what we're going to do and get your consent.

What to Expect During Treatment

You'll lie down on the treatment table in a position that allows me to access the muscle we're targeting. I'll sterilize the area, locate the trigger point, and insert the needle.

The needle is incredibly thin—about the width of two human hairs. Most people don't feel it going in. But when it hits the trigger point, you might feel:

• A dull ache

• A quick muscle twitch (the local twitch response)

• A sensation of release or relief

I might leave the needle in place for a few seconds, or I might use a "pistoning" technique where I move it in and out to get a stronger response. It depends on what your body needs.

Some clients only need one or two needles. Others might need 10-15, especially if we're working on a larger area like your back.

Does Dry Needling Hurt?

Let's be honest: it's not painful, but it's not always comfortable either.

The needle insertion itself? Most people don't feel it. But when we hit the trigger point, you'll likely feel something—a dull ache, a sharp twinge, or that muscle twitch. It's a sign we're in the right spot.

Here's the thing: trigger points are already painful. So even before we start needling, palpating the area to find the trigger point can be tender.

After the session, you might feel some muscle soreness—like you've had a really good workout. This is normal and usually lasts 24-48 hours. Keep moving. Don't sit still and tighten back up.

After Your Session: What's Normal

Most people feel some soreness for a day or two. That's expected. Your muscle has just been worked at a deep level.

You might also see some bruising at the needle site. This is rare but can happen, especially if you're on blood thinners or prone to bruising.

What you should do after a session:

• Keep moving – Gentle movement helps flush out the area

• Drink plenty of water – Hydration supports recovery

• Avoid heavy training – Give your body 24-48 hours to adapt

• Do the exercises I give you – This is where the real work happens

What's not normal:

• Severe pain at the needle site

• Shortness of breath (extremely rare but seek immediate medical attention if this occurs)

• Bleeding from the insertion site (apply pressure and contact me)

If you experience any of these, get in touch immediately.

Benefits of Dry Needling at MSTT

Dry needling isn't a magic bullet. But when it's used strategically—alongside proper movement education—it's incredibly effective.

Fast, Targeted Pain Relief

The biggest benefit? Speed.

Manual therapy and massage can take weeks to break down a stubborn trigger point. Dry needling can release it in one session. You might walk out of the clinic feeling looser and more mobile than you have in months.

That doesn't mean you're "fixed" after one session. But it gives us a window of opportunity to start building better movement patterns.

Improved Range of Motion

Tight muscles restrict your movement. When we release those trigger points, you'll often see an immediate improvement in your range of motion.

That locked-up shoulder? Suddenly you can reach overhead again.

Those stiff hips? You can drop into a squat without compensating.

This is where the real work begins. Because now that you have that range, we need to teach your body how to use it.

Paired with Movement Education for Lasting Results

Here's the truth most practitioners won't tell you:

If your pain keeps coming back, it's probably not the massage you need. It's better movement.

Dry needling gives us the reset. But unless we address why that trigger point developed in the first place—weak glutes, locked-up ankles, ribs not moving—you'll be right back where you started.

That's why at MSTT, dry needling is never the end goal. It's one tool in a bigger plan that includes:

• Movement assessment

• Strength work

• Motor control drills

• Coaching on posture, breathing, and mechanics

We don't just treat the symptom. We figure out why the pain started. Then we teach you what to do about it.

That's how you build a body that doesn't break.

Who Shouldn't Get Dry Needling?

Dry needling is safe for most people. But there are a few situations where we'll either avoid it or need medical clearance first.

You shouldn't get dry needling if you:

• Are pregnant (or think you might be)

• Have a bleeding disorder or are on blood thinners

• Have a compromised immune system

• Have just had surgery in the area we'd be treating

• Have a severe fear of needles (trypanophobia)

• Are under 12 years old

If any of these apply, let me know before your session. We can discuss alternatives or get clearance from your doctor.

Dry Needling Cost and Insurance

Dry needling at MSTT is included as part of your myotherapy session. There's no additional fee—it's one of the techniques I use when it's appropriate for your condition.

If you have private health insurance with extras cover for myotherapy or remedial massage, your treatment may be covered. We offer HICAPS on-site, so you can claim your rebate immediately.

Not sure if you're covered? Contact your insurer or bring your card to your first session. We'll help you sort it out.

Dry Needling in Thornbury: Why Choose MSTT

We're based in Thornbury, right near Thornbury High School. Easy parking. Zero fluff. Real treatment.

We're not a day spa. We don't do wishy-washy treatments. What we do is get real results for people who are sick of short-term fixes.

I work with:

• Desk workers with tight necks, shoulders, and hips

• Gym-goers dealing with persistent pain or recurring strains

• Runners with calf, Achilles, or knee issues

• Tradies with low back pain or sciatica

• Athletes from CrossFit boxes, BJJ gyms, footy clubs, and running groups across Melbourne's northern suburbs

People come in because they want to feel strong, pain-free, and mobile again. And they keep coming back because they finally feel heard—and their body finally works again.

Locations Near You

If you're searching "dry needling near me" from any of these areas, we're close:

• Thornbury – We're right here

• Northcote – 5 minutes away

• Preston – Just up the road

• Brunswick – 10 minutes

• Fairfield – Close by

• Coburg – Easy drive

We also see clients from across Melbourne's inner north who are looking for a practitioner who actually gets results.

Ready to Try Dry Needling?

If you're dealing with stubborn muscle pain that foam rolling and stretching won't fix, dry needling could be the reset you need.

It's not magic. It's not woo-woo. It's targeted, evidence-based treatment that works.

Book a session at MSTT and let's figure out what's actually going on. We'll use dry needling if it makes sense for your condition. And we'll pair it with movement education so the results actually last.

Melbourne Soft Tissue Therapy3/8 Theobald Street, Thornbury, Victoria, 3071Phone: 0439 202 659

Ready to move better? Book your appointment here

Note: This blog post is for educational purposes. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if dry needling is appropriate for your specific condition.