Dry Needling in Coburg and Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs
If you're looking for dry needling in Coburg, Brunswick or Melbourne's northern suburbs, Coburg Chinese Medicine offers individual consultations with an experienced, registered acupuncturist.
Many people are familiar with dry needling through physiotherapy, sports rehabilitation or treatment for muscle-related discomfort. What some people don't realise is that dry needling and acupuncture share many techniques, including the use of fine needles inserted through the skin.
I'm Michael Warren, a registered acupuncturist with over 15 years of clinical experience. I run an affordable, independently operated clinic at 197 Sydney Road, Coburg, welcoming people from Brunswick, Pascoe Vale, Preston, Reservoir, Fawkner and surrounding suburbs, as well as elsewhere in Melbourne.
I take the time to understand your symptoms, your activities and what you're hoping to achieve. My approach includes practical advice, discussion of suitable needling techniques and consideration of other healthcare where appropriate.
What is dry needling?
Dry needling involves inserting fine needles through the skin into muscles or other tissues. It's commonly associated with areas of muscular tenderness, tightness and locations sometimes described as trigger points.
The term dry needling developed in contrast to trigger-point injections, where medication or another substance was delivered through a hollow needle. Earlier dry-needling approaches could also use hypodermic needles without injecting anything. Today, dry needling commonly uses fine, solid needles similar to those used in acupuncture.
There is considerable overlap between dry needling and acupuncture, although the assessment methods and clinical approaches used by practitioners may differ.
What happens during your dry needling consultation?
My first priority is understanding what's happening and how it's affecting you.
We'll discuss your symptoms, previous injuries, work or exercise demands, and any healthcare you've already received. I'll also ask what you're hoping to achieve, whether that's continuing regular exercise, preparing for a sporting event or managing discomfort during everyday activities.
Where appropriate, I'll examine areas of tenderness or muscular tightness and consider how your symptoms relate to movement. These findings help inform our discussion about suitable care and whether further medical assessment may be needed.
I'll explain the proposed needling approach, where needles may be placed, what sensations to expect and any relevant precautions before proceeding.
As the sole practitioner at Coburg Chinese Medicine, you'll see me throughout your care. There are no compulsory treatment packages, and we'll discuss an approach suited to your circumstances.
Book Your Dry Needling Appointment
Dry needling for muscle-related pain and sports injuries
People enquire about dry needling for a variety of musculoskeletal complaints, including muscle strains, neck and shoulder discomfort, back pain, knee complaints and symptoms associated with sport or repetitive activities.
Not every painful area is caused by a muscular trigger point. Different conditions require different approaches, and some may need medical assessment or structured rehabilitation.
I'm a strong advocate for maintaining physical activity where appropriate. Depending on your circumstances, we might discuss modifying training loads, strengthening, rehabilitation or additional advice from other healthcare professionals.
You can read more about related presentations on my Sports Acupuncture and Sports Injuries, Neck and Shoulder Pain, Back Pain, Tennis Elbow and Knee Pain pages.
Ashi needling, trigger points and acupuncture
One aspect of acupuncture that people may be less familiar with is Ashi needling, a longstanding approach within Chinese medicine involving the identification of areas of tenderness or discomfort.
There is considerable overlap between Ashi needling and techniques commonly described as trigger-point dry needling. In my own practice, assessing areas of muscular tightness, tenderness and discomfort is a familiar part of working with musculoskeletal complaints. I consider these findings alongside your medical history, movement and symptoms when deciding whether needling is appropriate.
Why practitioner training and registration matter
Needling requires knowledge of anatomy, infection prevention, clinical assessment and appropriate technique.
In Australia, acupuncturist is a protected professional title. Registered acupuncturists must meet relevant education, registration and professional standards.
Dry needling is a technique rather than a separately registered profession. Practitioners may come from different professional backgrounds, with varying additional needling education and clinical training.
My education includes a four-year undergraduate acupuncture degree, postgraduate studies in Chinese herbal medicine and training in Chinese massage, alongside over 15 years of clinical practice and ongoing professional development.
Whatever type of needling you're considering, I encourage you to ask about your practitioner's qualifications and experience and feel comfortable discussing their approach.
Safety and what to expect
People experience needling differently. You may feel a brief pinprick, dull sensation or muscle response. Temporary soreness, bruising or minor bleeding can occur afterwards.
Serious complications are uncommon but possible, including infection or injury to underlying structures. Needling around the chest or upper back carries a risk of pneumothorax and requires particular care.
I'll discuss relevant precautions, including medical conditions or medications that may affect suitability, and explain the risks associated with the proposed treatment. Your questions and informed consent are an important part of this process.
If your symptoms suggest further investigation or other healthcare is needed, I'll recommend appropriate assessment.
Dry needling in Coburg, Brunswick, Preston and Reservoir
Coburg Chinese Medicine is located at 197 Sydney Road, Coburg VIC 3058, welcoming people from Brunswick, Brunswick West, Coburg North, Pascoe Vale, Pascoe Vale South, Preston, Reservoir, Thornbury, Fawkner, Glenroy, Broadmeadows and surrounding northern Melbourne suburbs.
The clinic also welcomes people travelling from elsewhere in Melbourne for individual acupuncture and dry-needling consultations.
You can check current consultation costs and opening hours on the Fees & Opening Hours page, or read more about my clinical approach on Managing Pain & Injury.
Frequently asked questions
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
The techniques overlap considerably, including the use of fine needles and approaches to muscular tenderness. The assessment frameworks, terminology and treatment planning may differ.
Does dry needling hurt?
People experience needling differently. Some notice a brief pinprick, dull sensation or muscle response, while temporary soreness is also possible. I'll explain what to expect and encourage you to let me know if anything feels uncomfortable.
Can I have dry needling alongside physiotherapy?
Depending on your circumstances, needling may be considered alongside physiotherapy, exercise or other healthcare. We can discuss how it fits with the rehabilitation or treatment you're already receiving.
Do I need to stop exercising after dry needling?
That depends on your symptoms, the treatment performed and the activities involved. I'll discuss any relevant aftercare and precautions during your consultation.
How many treatments will I need, and how often?
You may encounter persuasive claims elsewhere. My professional obligations as a registered practitioner, under Ahpra and Chinese Medicine Board requirements, mean I need to assess your circumstances before recommending an acupuncture treatment schedule.
During your acupuncture consultation, we’ll discuss an individual treatment plan.
Questions before booking? You’re welcome to call me on 03 9041 6569.
Research and clinical evidence
Research into dry needling for musculoskeletal pain covers a range of conditions. A 2023 umbrella review reported short-term reductions in pain in some comparisons, but found inconsistent results for physical function and limited evidence about longer-term outcomes.
Findings for one condition cannot automatically be applied to other types of muscular pain or injury. I consider needling within the broader context of individual assessment, appropriate exercise, rehabilitation and other healthcare.
Book a dry needling consultation in Coburg or Brunswick
If you're considering dry needling in Coburg, Brunswick or Melbourne's northern suburbs, you're welcome to arrange an appointment at Coburg Chinese Medicine.
I'll take the time to understand your circumstances, explain my clinical approach and discuss the needling techniques and practical considerations relevant to your care.
Book a Dry Needling Consultation
