Dry Needling

Dry needling is a technique that may be incorporated into care as part of an individualised approach to muscle tension and movement.

At Life Balance Adjustments, dry needling is considered within a broader, whole-person perspective, where muscle function is explored alongside joint movement, posture and lifestyle factors.

If you would like to understand more about how care is approached at Life Balance Adjustments, you can read about Our Approach.

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling involves the use of very fine, sterile needles that may be applied to specific areas of muscle or soft tissue.

These areas are sometimes described as regions of increased tension or sensitivity within the muscle.

At Life Balance Adjustments, muscle tension, movement patterns and whole-body function are often explored together as part of a broader whole-person perspective on health.

The aim of the technique is to explore how these areas may be contributing to movement patterns, muscle tone or overall function.

Why Might Dry Needling Be Considered?

At Life Balance Adjustments, dry needling is not viewed as a stand-alone technique applied in isolation.

Muscles do not work on their own. They function as part of broader movement patterns involving joints, posture, breathing mechanics, daily habits and the way different regions of the body adapt to one another.

For this reason, areas of muscle tension may be considered in relation to how the body is moving as a whole, rather than focusing only on the area that feels tight or sensitive.

This is one reason dry needling may sometimes be considered alongside other approaches, depending on the individual and what is identified through assessment.

How It Fits Within a Whole-Person Approach

At Life Balance Adjustments, techniques are not applied in a standardised way.

This allows care to be tailored based on individual presentation rather than focusing on a single area in isolation.

This may include a range of techniques depending on the individual, which you can explore further on our Techniques & Modalities page.

What You May Experience

Experiences with dry needling may vary between individuals.

Any technique used is always discussed beforehand as part of the assessment and planning process.

Is Dry Needling Suitable for Everyone?

Dry needling is not appropriate for every individual or every situation.

Dry needling is one of several approaches that may be considered as part of chiropractic care, depending on the individual situation and what may be appropriate following assessment.

Some people feel comfortable exploring dry needling straight away, while others prefer to begin with a conversation and assessment first.

If you would like to understand how your first consultation begins, including how techniques are discussed and selected, you can explore What to Expect on Your First Visit.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dry Needling

Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?

Dry needling and acupuncture both use fine needles, however they are based on different frameworks and may be applied with different intentions.

Acupuncture is traditionally based on principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where needles are placed at specific points along recognised meridians. These points are selected with the aim of influencing the flow of “Qi” within that system.

Dry needling, on the other hand, is typically directed toward areas of muscle or soft tissue that may exhibit increased tension or sensitivity. These areas are sometimes referred to as trigger points and are considered within a musculoskeletal and movement-based framework.

While both techniques involve the use of similar instruments, the assessment process, reasoning and application may differ depending on the approach being used.

Does dry needling hurt?

Experiences with dry needling may vary between individuals.

The needles used are extremely fine, and are much thinner than those used for procedures such as blood collection. Many people notice only a light sensation as the needle contacts the skin.

In some cases, a brief response may be felt within the muscle. This can include a small, involuntary twitch or a momentary change in sensation.

Occasionally, people may notice a feeling of warmth or a localised sensation in the area. At other times, there may be very little sensation while the needles are in place.

As with all techniques, what is experienced can vary depending on the individual and the area being explored.

How many sessions might be needed?

This depends on the individual situation and is discussed as part of an assessment.

Some people choose to incorporate a combination of approaches, such as chiropractic care and dry needling, as part of their care plan. What is included is always based on individual preferences, presentation and what may be considered appropriate following assessment.

Is dry needling safe?

Dry needling is performed using sterile, single-use needles and may be considered where appropriate following assessment.

In certain areas of the body, such as around the chest wall, additional care and consideration are required due to underlying structures. For this reason, dry needling is performed by trained practitioners who are familiar with relevant anatomy and safety considerations.

As part of the assessment process, suitability for different techniques is discussed based on the individual situation.

Are there alternatives to dry needling?

Yes. A range of techniques may be considered depending on the individual, their preferences and presentation.

At Life Balance Adjustments, techniques are always discussed as part of the assessment process, and you are never required to proceed with any approach you are not comfortable with.