Dry needling — Sydney
Quick answer (60 sec read) Dry needling uses fine, single-use sterile needles inserted into specific muscle and connective-tissue points to influence pain, tension, and muscle activation. It is a Western technique based on musculoskeletal anatomy and neurophysiology — it is not acupuncture, which is a traditional Chinese medicine practice based on meridian theory. Max uses dry needling selectively, as one part of an osteopathic treatment plan, at all three Sydney clinics. AHPRA OST0004003860.
Dry needling is one of three modalities Max uses alongside hands-on osteopathy and exercise prescription. It is never the whole plan — it's an adjunct, applied where a muscle-tension component is contributing to a musculoskeletal presentation and where the evidence and the clinical picture support its use.
A fine, single-use sterile needle is inserted into a specific point in a muscle or its connective tissue — often a taut band or trigger point — with the aim of influencing local pain, muscle tension, and activation patterns. The proposed mechanisms are neurophysiological: a brief local twitch response, changes in local blood flow, and modulation of the nervous system's sensitivity in the treated region.
Needles are individually packaged, sterile, and disposed of after a single use. A typical application lasts seconds to a few minutes per point.
What dry needling is
How dry needling differs from acupuncture
The two are often confused because both use fine needles. They are different practices:
Dry needling is a Western technique framed around musculoskeletal anatomy and neurophysiology. Needle points are chosen from the clinical examination — the muscles and tissues involved in your presentation — not from a pre-set map.
Acupuncture is a practice from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), based on meridian theory and the flow of qi. It is a distinct profession with its own registration standards in Australia.
Max practises dry needling within his scope as an AHPRA-registered osteopath. He does not practise acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine.
Used selectively, where clinically indicated, for:
Muscle tension associated with neck pain and cervicogenic headache
Trigger-point patterns in chronic lower-limb tendinopathy presentations — calf, gluteal, and quadriceps regions in Achilles and patellar presentations
Muscle-tension components of low back pain
As an adjunct to manual therapy in running-related and cycling-related presentations
Dry needling is not used routinely as a standalone treatment. It supports — never replaces — the loading, exercise, and manual-therapy components of a plan. See how Max works for how the modalities combine.
Where dry needling may be used
Most patients feel a brief, dull ache or a small muscle twitch at the needle site rather than sharp pain. Some areas are more sensitive than others. Mild soreness for 24–48 hours afterwards is common and usually settles on its own. Max explains each step before it happens, and you can ask to stop at any point — consent is checked before any needling is done.
What a session feels like
On patients with bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy, without prior discussion with your GP
Over areas with active infection, broken skin, or compromised tissue
Where a patient prefers not to have needling — effective alternatives exist within the treatment plan, and declining needling never compromises your care
In any presentation where the examination doesn't support a muscle-tension component
Max's dry needling training: Myofascial Dry Needling and Cupping course via Manual Medicine International
When dry needling is not used
Book a Dry Needling Consultation
Dry needling is available at all three of our Sydney clinics. Book your initial consultation to discuss whether dry needling may be appropriate for your condition.
• Bondi Junction — Harley Place Health, Oxford Street (next to Westfield). Short walk from Bondi Junction station. 2 hours free Westfield parking.
• Sydney CBD — Sydney Osteopathic Medicine, Level 8, 109 Pitt Street. Walking distance from Wynyard and Martin Place stations.
• Leichhardt — Rozelle Osteopath, Tebbutt Street. Convenient street parking. Serving the Inner West community.
Consultations are available in English and French. Si vous préférez consulter en français, n’hésitez pas à nous le faire savoir lors de votre prise de rendez-vous.