Dry Needling

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used by physiotherapists to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. It involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points in the muscle tissue known as trigger points. These trigger points are often areas of tightness or knots that can cause pain and limit movement. The goal of dry needling is to release these tight areas, improve blood flow, and reduce pain and muscle tension.

How this technique can help you:
  • Assessment: We start with a comprehensive evaluation to identify the areas of muscle tightness and trigger points contributing to your pain and discomfort.
  • Personalised Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, we integrate dry needling into a tailored treatment plan designed to address your specific needs and goals.
  • Procedure:
    • Needle Insertion: Thin needles are gently inserted into the identified trigger points. You might feel a slight pinch or discomfort, but it is typically minimal.
    • Muscle Response: The insertion of the needle may cause a twitch response, indicating the release of muscle tension.
    • Post-Needling Care: After the procedure, we may combine dry needling with other therapies such as manual therapy, stretching, and exercises to maximise the benefits.
  • Benefits: Dry needling can help alleviate pain, reduce muscle tightness, improve range of motion, and enhance overall function. It is particularly effective for conditions like back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and sports injuries.

While both techniques involve inserting needles into the body, dry needling and acupuncture are different. Dry needling focuses on trigger points in the muscle to relieve pain and improve function, whereas acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles and targets specific points along energy pathways.

The sensation varies from person to person. Some may feel a slight pinch or discomfort when the needle is inserted, followed by a twitch response in the muscle. Any discomfort usually subsides quickly, and many patients report feeling relief soon after the treatment.

The number of sessions required depends on the severity and duration of your condition. Some patients experience significant improvement after just a few sessions, while others may need ongoing treatment as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program.

Common side effects include mild soreness or bruising at the needle insertion sites, which typically resolve within a day or two. Serious side effects are rare, and our physiotherapists are trained to perform the technique safely and effectively.

Dry needling is suitable for most people, but it may not be appropriate for everyone. During your assessment, we will determine if dry needling is a safe and effective option for your specific condition.

Jay Fryer
Owner / Principal Physiotherapist

Jay Fryer hails from Merseyside, England, bringing a rich background in sports and physiotherapy to Avalon Physio. As a former competitive athlete, Jay has a deep understanding of the physical demands of sports and the essential role of effective rehabilitation in maintaining peak performance.

In 2013, Jay moved to Perth with his brother Liam to embrace the sun, beaches, and a healthier lifestyle after completing his Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Physiotherapy at the University of Liverpool, graduating in 2012. This solid educational foundation, combined with his hands-on experience, has equipped Jay with the skills to provide exceptional physiotherapy care.

Jay is dedicated to helping patients achieve their health and fitness goals. He has a particular interest in knee pain and is adept at treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or aiming to enhance your athletic performance, Jay is here to support you every step of the way.

Liam Fryer
owner / principal physiotherapist

Originally from Merseyside, England, Liam brings a strong sporting background and a passion for health to Avalon Physio. A former competitive track athlete and footballer in both the UK and Australia, he has firsthand insight into the demands of athletic performance and the role of effective rehabilitation in staying active and injury-free.

Liam moved to Perth in 2013 with his brother Jay, drawn to the coastal lifestyle and opportunities for a healthier way of living. He completed his Bachelor of Physiotherapy at the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle, graduating in 2022. Since then, he has developed excellent manual therapy skills and takes a structured, evidence-based approach to exercise prescription tailored to each patient’s needs.

Liam has a particular interest in shoulder pain and also treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. Whether you’re aiming to return to sport, manage ongoing pain, or improve function, Liam is committed to helping you reach your goals.