Dry Needling
Targeted Muscle Relief for Pain and Dysfunction
Dry Needling is a highly effective treatment for relieving muscle tension, pain, and dysfunction. It involves inserting fine, sterile filament needles into specific points within a muscle—called trigger points—to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and restore normal muscle function.
Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is a modern, evidence-based medical technique used to treat myofascial pain and musculoskeletal conditions.
What Is a Trigger Point?
A trigger point (TP) is a small, tight band or “knot” of muscle fibres that can cause local pain and refer discomfort to other areas of the body. These points develop due to:
- Overuse or repetitive movements
- Injury or trauma
- Poor posture
- Muscle imbalances
- Compensatory movement due to pain in other areas
Trigger points can lead to restricted movement, muscle weakness, nerve irritation, and chronic discomfort—often without a clear cause unless assessed by a trained practitioner.
How Does Dry Needling Help?
Trigger Point Dry Needling helps by releasing these knots within the muscle, allowing it to relax and return to normal function. The benefits include:
- Deactivation of painful trigger points
- Reduction of muscle tension and spasms
- Improved circulation and healing in the affected area
- Restoration of proper muscle length and movement
- Reduced compensation and overload in surrounding muscles
- Long-term relief from chronic or recurring musculoskeletal pain
This technique works by stimulating the body’s own natural pain-relief mechanisms, often without the need for medication.
What to Expect During Treatment
During your session, your podiatrist will identify the location of active trigger points using palpation and movement testing. Once located, a fine, sterile acupuncture needle is inserted directly into the muscle knot.
Here’s what to expect:
- Initial Sensation
You may first feel a light pressure as the plastic guide tube touches the skin, followed by a brief sting or pinch as the needle is tapped through the outer skin layers. - Deep Muscle Response
As the needle reaches the trigger point, you may feel a deep, spreading ache or twitch response. This is a normal and positive sign that the muscle is releasing tension. - Twitch Response
A quick muscle contraction or “twitch” often follows needle insertion into a trigger point. This is a good indicator that the muscle is responding and beginning to relax. - Optional Electrical Stimulation
In some cases, an electrical current may be added to increase bloodflow and healing to the impacted area.
Is Dry Needling Safe?
Dry needling is a safe and effective technique when performed by a qualified practitioner. At Leading Edge Podiatry, our podiatrists are trained in dry needling techniques specific to the lower limbs and foot-related muscular dysfunction.
However, dry needling may not be suitable for everyone. Caution is advised for individuals with:
- Diabetes
- Peripheral vascular disease or circulation issues
- Bleeding disorders or those on blood-thinning medication
- Ongoing cancer treatment or compromised immunity
Your podiatrist will take a detailed medical history and assess whether dry needling is appropriate and safe for your individual needs.
Conditions That May Benefit from Dry Needling
Dry needling can be used to assist with a variety of lower limb conditions, including:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Shin splints
- Calf tightness or cramping
- Knee pain related to muscle imbalance
- Post-surgical muscle weakness
It can also be incorporated into rehabilitation plans for athletes, active individuals, and those managing chronic musculoskeletal pain.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the severity and chronicity of the condition. Some patients feel significant relief after just one or two sessions, while others may require a series of treatments as part of a broader rehabilitation plan that includes:
- Strengthening and mobility exercises
- Footwear or orthotic adjustments
- Education on activity modification and injury prevention
Your podiatrist will create a personalised treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re experiencing tightness, aching muscles, or persistent pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments, dry needling may be the key to your recovery.
👉 Book Online Now
📞 Or call us on 08 7120 6063 to speak with our experienced podiatry team
We look forward to helping you move better, feel better, and live pain-free at Leading Edge Podiatry (formerly Complete Podiatry Blackwood)!
FAQ's
You don't usually need a referral from a doctor to see a podiatrist. However, DVA/NDIS, Workcover& Medicare Chronic Disease Programme patients will need documentation before their initial appointment.
NDIS patients who are on a managed plan we will need to know your Plan Manager's contact details and approval for assessment.
Workcover patients we will require case manager details and approval details for assessment.
Medicare Chronic Disease Patients (e.g. Diabetes, Heart Disease), we will require an EPC referral form.
DVA patients will need a DVA patient referral. D904 form from your GP.
Please call us on 08 7120 6063 for further information.
Health Insurance: Podiatry comes under “Extras cover”. Private health insurance can vary from one health fund to the next. Before booking your appointment it’s always good to check your health fund policy to determine how much cover you will receive from your private health insurer. Leading Edge Podiatry is a Bupa Members First provider.
Medicare: If you have a chronic medical condition, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate to cover some of podiatry services under a Chronic disease management plan. Common chronic conditions include: Diabetes, High Cholesterol, High Blood pressure & Heart Disease. Please note: Medicare appointments are NOT bulk billed.
NDIS: Patients that are on a managed plan we will need your NDIS number and details of your case manager and account details. For plan managed we prepare a Service Agreement and can invoice the plan manager.
DVA: You may be able to receive podiatry services if you have a Veteran Gold or are approved for specified foot conditions as DVA White Card.
We understand that life is unpredictable and you may not always be able to make your scheduled appointment. If you are unable to make an appointment please contact our reception at least 24 hours prior to cancel or arrange for another time. Please call us on 7120 6063 or email: admin@leadingedgepodiatry.com.au
Missed appointments and appointments cancelled without 24 hours notice may be charged a consultation fee.
Your private health fund card (if applicable). Any relevant medical records, test results, x-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasounds. A list of your current medications (if you have not filled in the new patient form before arrival). Any previous orthotics or insoles and a couple of pairs of shoes if you are suffering from foot pain.
Podiatrists are experts in foot and ankle health. They are healthcare professionals who can diagnose and treat problems relating to your feet and lower limbs. They can also work with you to relieve pain, correct deformities, sporting injuries, help prevent foot conditions from occurring, as well as keep you active and mobile throughout your life.
Podiatrists play a key role in the early detection and treatment of foot problems in people with diabetes. Neuropathy (nerve damage), arthropathy (joint damage), vasculopathy (blood vessel damage), and other complications, most of which can be avoided or delayed with annual foot exams and treatment.
Yes, our podiatrist Jason Kuang is endorsed for schedule medicines. He can prescribe medicines for common foot ailments e.g.: antibiotics, antifungal, gout medications.
We do treat children of all ages, if your child is experiencing pain in their ankles or feet, it's a sign that you need to see a podiatrist. Pain isn't a normal sign of growth and it should be professionally assessed, diagnosed, and treated where necessary. Our podiatrists are very experienced in helping young children with feet issues.
At Leading Edge Podiatry, we have a limited footwear selection, including brands like Archies thongs and slides, Revere sandals.
Case Studies
Morton’s Neuroma in a 45-Year-Old Female: Case Study and Treatment
Case Study: Anterior Knee Pain in a 52-year-old Woman
