Dry needling is different to acupuncture. So what’s involved? And is it effective?

Dry needling has become a go-to move for physios, chiros and osteopaths treating neck, shoulder and back pain, with a recent survey finding nearly two-thirds of Australian physiotherapists now use it. The technique inserts thin, solid needles directly into muscle 'trigger points' to ease tension and pain, and while it resembles acupuncture, the target is chosen anatomically rather than through traditional meridian points. According to The Conversation, most research shows only short-term relief no better than exercise, and few clinical guidelines actually recommend it, partly because study quality makes it hard to rule out placebo effects. Serious complications like collapsed lungs are rare but real — a Western Australian physiotherapist had her registration suspended this year after a patient suffered both lungs collapsing during treatment.

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