Dry Needling Treatment on the Gold Coast
Dry needling is a technique commonly used by osteopaths to help relieve muscle pain, reduce tension and improve movement.
At Universal Health & Performance in Burleigh Heads, dry needling is often used alongside hands-on osteopathic treatment and rehabilitation exercises to help address muscular pain and movement restrictions.
This approach allows us to treat both the symptoms and the underlying causes of many common musculoskeletal injuries.
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What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling involves the use of very fine sterile needles inserted into specific points within tight or irritated muscles, often referred to as trigger points.
These areas of tension can develop due to injury, overuse, poor posture or repetitive activity.
The aim of dry needling is to:
• reduce muscle tension
• improve blood flow to the area
• decrease pain
• restore normal movement
Many patients experience a noticeable reduction in muscle tightness shortly after treatment.
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What Conditions Can Dry Needling Help?
Dry needling can be helpful for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
Some of the most common issues we treat include:
• neck and upper back tension
• lower back pain
• shoulder pain
• headaches and tension headaches
• hip and glute pain
• sports injuries
• muscle tightness from repetitive activity
It is frequently used to assist recovery from training and sporting injuries, particularly in athletes involved in surfing, strength training, running and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
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What Does Dry Needling Feel Like?
The needles used in dry needling are extremely thin, much finer than those used for injections.
Patients may feel:
• a brief pinching sensation
• a twitch response in the muscle
• a mild ache or heaviness in the area
These responses are normal and often indicate the muscle is releasing tension.
After treatment, the area may feel slightly sore for 24–48 hours, similar to the feeling after a hard workout.
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Dry Needling as Part of Osteopathic Treatment
At Universal Health & Performance, dry needling is rarely used as a standalone treatment.
Instead, it is combined with other osteopathic techniques such as:
• joint mobilisation
• soft tissue treatment
• movement and mobility work
• rehabilitation exercises
This integrated approach helps ensure that pain relief is supported by improved movement and strength.
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Dry Needling for Athletes
Many athletes use dry needling to help manage muscle tension and maintain performance.
We regularly use dry needling to help treat and manage issues related to:
• surfing
• strength training and weightlifting
• running
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and combat sports
By reducing muscular tension and improving movement, dry needling can support recovery and help athletes return to training sooner.
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Dry Needling in Burleigh Heads
Universal Health & Performance is located in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast and provides dry needling treatment for patients from Burleigh, Palm Beach, Miami and surrounding areas.
If you’re experiencing persistent muscle tightness, pain or restricted movement, dry needling may be a useful part of your treatment plan.