Melbourne Health
Policies, Procedures and Guidelines
PATIENT BROCHURE: Dry Needling and Western Acupuncture Patient Information Sheet
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Category:
Consumer, Carer and Community Participation
Ref No.:
AHPT02.01B
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sub-Category: Consumer, Carer and Community Participation
Version No.: 1
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dry Needling and Western Acupuncture
Patient Information Sheet
Issue Date:
29 Apr 2015
Expiry Date: 13 May 2018
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Department: Allied Health
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Summary Points to Remember

Dry Needling and/or Western Acupuncture is a form of treatment that can be offered as a part
of your overall rehabilitation if indicated.

Written consent needs to be gained from the patient prior to this treatment technique.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling involves inserting a very thin, sterile acupuncture style needle into the skin. The needle is
inserted into abnormal or dysfunctional tissue, which may include:
 Muscle trigger points (taut bands of muscle commonly known as ‘knots’)
 Bone surface
 Other soft tissues such as tendons or ligaments
Dry needling may only be used by physiotherapists who have completed an accredited dry needling course. It
is a treatment technique available as part of your overall physiotherapy management plan. This will often
include stretching and strengthening exercises following dry needling.
What is the difference between Dry Needling and Western Acupuncture?
Dry needling involves inserting a needle directly into the dysfunctional tissue for a very short period of time.
Western Acupuncture, on the other hand, may include inserting needles into areas away from the source of
pain and for a long period of time, up to 15 minutes. Western Acupuncture utilises ‘meridian’ points but applies
it with ‘western’ reasoning, based on knowledge of neuro-anatomy.
Is Dry Needling / Western Acupuncture the same as traditional acupuncture?
No, although the needles and technique used in dry needling are similar, traditional acupuncture involves
using meridian points based on a Traditional Chinese Medicine approach. The use of both dry needling and
Western Acupuncture is based on the science of anatomy and biology combined with physiotherapy clinical
reasoning.
What are the benefits of dry needling / western acupuncture?
Dry needling is used to help improve or restore function in affected tissues. It can help relax muscles and
reduce pain. This should stimulate a healing response in the treated area and can reduce symptoms. When
the needle is inserted into particular points of the body, it can stimulate different parts of the nervous system,
including the brain, causing the release of chemicals and hormones, such as endorphins. These substances
help to decrease pain, particular nerve-related pain.
How does dry needling work?
Dry needling to muscle trigger points can relax tight muscles. It is thought that because the presence of a
needle in tense muscle may be painful, the nervous system sends signals to the muscle to relax. As muscle
spasm is often the cause of pain or dysfunction, stopping or reducing this spasm can help relieve your
symptoms to improve mobility and function.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Authorised by: Director Allied Health
Page 1 of 3
Document upload on 29 Apr 2015
Page 1 of 3
*NOTE - Printed or downloaded version are uncontrolled and subject to change*
PATIENT BROCHURE: Dry Needling and Western Acupuncture Patient Information Sheet
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Category:
Consumer, Carer and Community Participation
Ref No.:
AHPT02.01B
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sub-Category: Consumer, Carer and Community Participation
Version No.: 1
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are
potential
side effects?
Issue Date:
29 Apr 2015
Expiry Date: 13 May 2018
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Department: Allied Health
Side effects can include muscle soreness during or after treatment, drowsiness, nausea, fainting, minor
bruising or a short term worsening of symptoms. More serious complications are very rare. Your
physiotherapist will discuss these with you before commencing treatment.
What is involved?
Before commencing:


Your physiotherapist will discuss with you the benefits and potential risks of dry needling and/or
Western Acupuncture and other treatment options available.
Your physiotherapist will ask you safety questions and gain your consent for treatment.
During treatment:



The needle is very thin and you may not feel it penetrate your skin.
When inserting the needle into tissues
o You may initially feel a significant cramping or ‘twitch’ sensation in the tissue
o Your pain may be reproduced
Communication between you and your physiotherapist will allow safe application of the technique and
reduce the risks of negative side effects.
After needling:



If excessive drowsiness occurs, you should avoid driving until recovered
If bleeding occurs, compression should be applied to the treatment site with a dry cotton pad
If treatment soreness or bruising occurs, using a cold/hot pack may help
Any further questions? Discuss with your treating physiotherapist.
Links and references:

Guidelines for Safe Acupuncture and Dry Needling Practice. (2007). Australian Society of Acupuncture
Physiotherapy Inc. Retrieved from http://www.combinedhealth.com.au

Global Education of Manual Therapists. (2009). http://www.gemtinfo.com.au

Royal Melbourne Hospital Physiotherapy Departmental Procedure – Dry Needling. (2012).
Contact
Practitioner / Patient notes
Position title
Department
9342 7440
Physiotherapy | AHPT02.01B| Manager Physiotherapy | April 2015
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Authorised by: Director Allied Health
Document upload on 29 Apr 2015
Page 2 of 3
Page 2 of 3
*NOTE - Printed or downloaded version are uncontrolled and subject to change*
PATIENT BROCHURE: Dry Needling and Western Acupuncture Patient Information Sheet
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Category:
Consumer, Carer and Community Participation
Ref No.:
AHPT02.01B
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sub-Category: Consumer, Carer and Community Participation
Version No.: 1
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Issue Date:
29 Apr 2015
Expiry Date: 13 May 2018
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Department: Allied Health
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Authorised by: Director Allied Health
Document upload on 29 Apr 2015
Page 3 of 3
Page 3 of 3
*NOTE - Printed or downloaded version are uncontrolled and subject to change*