Acupuncture & Dry Needling at Massey & Waitakere Physio

At Massey & Waitakere Physiotherapy, we offer both Acupuncture and Dry Needling as part of our physiotherapy treatments. While both use fine, sterile needles, they differ in purpose: Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and aims to restore balance and overall well-being, while Dry Needling is a modern technique used to release muscle tension and treat trigger points related to pain and movement issues.

What to Expect During a Sesssion

A typical dry needling or acupuncture session involves a brief assessment by your physiotherapist to identify the trigger points contributing to your symptoms. The process is usually quick and most people experience minimal discomfort. Some muscle twitching or soreness afterward is common and indicates a therapeutic response.

Sessions are often combined with other physiotherapy techniques such as manual therapy, exercise prescription, or rehabilitation programs to ensure the best possible outcomes.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry Needling is a Western-based treatment approach used to address musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. It targets trigger points—tight, irritable spots in muscle tissue that can cause pain and restrict movement.

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Benefits of Dry Needling

Dry needling offers a range of benefits for people dealing with pain, tight muscles, or movement issues. Some of the key advantages include:

  • Pain relief – helps reduce muscle pain by targeting sensitive or tight areas. I
  • Improved muscle function – releases knots and tension so muscles can work properly.
  • Increased range of motion – loosens tight muscles and improves flexibility.
  • Faster recovery – supports your body’s natural healing process after injury or surgery.
  • Reduced muscle spasms and cramping – calms overactive or irritated muscles.
  • Better movement - restores normal muscle activity for improved physical function.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine, involving the insertion of fine needles into specific points along the body’s meridians. This practice is aimed at restoring the flow of energy (Qi) and supporting the body’s natural healing processes.

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Benefits of Accupuncture

Some of the concerns Acupuncture can help with are:

  • Chronic pain (e.g. back, neck and joint pain)
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Sleep
  • Digestive issues