This page features a selection of Melbourne clinics that offer dry needling as one of their care options, ranked by their Google rating. Below you'll find a practical, plain-English guide to what dry needling involves, what to expect at a first visit, typical costs and how to choose a clinic that suits your needs.
Multidisciplinary studio offering chiropractic, osteopathy, physiotherapy and remedial massage, plus recovery services (traditional sauna, cold plunge) and a rehabilitation space. Online booking available via Pracsuite.
Chiropractic care, remedial massage, sports massage, dry needling and cupping therapy offered in Vermont South. Services include spinal adjustments, joint mobilisation, and personalised treatment plans. Evening and weekend appointments available; booking online, by phone, or email.
Multidisciplinary clinic offering chiropractic, osteopathy and dietetics. Chiropractic services include massage, joint manipulation/adjustment, trigger point therapy, mobilisation, stretches, dry needling, exercise rehabilitation, and strapping/taping. Online booking and phone booking available.
Chiropractic clinic offering assessment and management of spinal and extremity issues using joint manipulation/mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, dry needling, spinal traction/decompression, posture and ergonomic assessment, pre/post-natal care, and tailored exercise programs. Appointments can be booked via the website's contact page.
Multidisciplinary Bentleigh clinic offering remedial massage, myotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic care and cosmetic nursing. Techniques include dry needling, ultrasound, shockwave therapy, lymphatic drainage, scraping and corrective exercise. Online booking via Cliniko; also has a Richmond location.
Chiropractic clinic offering spinal manipulation, dry needling, remedial massage, cupping, and physiotherapy-style exercise guidance. Services include back pain, neck pain, sciatica, headache and sports injury care. Bookings available online, by phone, or email; no referral required.
Chiropractic clinic in Tarneit offering spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, dry needling, cupping and corrective exercises. Services include back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, sports injury care, posture assessment, and remedial massage. Online bookings via Cliniko; appointments available until 7pm and Saturdays.
Camberwell clinic offering chiropractic care, myotherapy/remedial massage, dry needling, cold laser therapy, clinical exercise programs, and sports and family care. Techniques include spinal adjustments, hand and instrument-based methods. Online booking and free spinal health check available.
Dry needling is a soft-tissue technique that some chiropractors, physiotherapists and other practitioners use as part of a broader approach to musculoskeletal care. It involves inserting a thin, sterile, single-use filament needle into or near muscle tissue, often at areas of tightness sometimes described as trigger points. It is called "dry" because nothing is injected through the needle, which distinguishes it from injection-based procedures.
Dry needling is usually offered alongside other approaches. In a chiropractic setting these may include manual adjustment (a controlled movement applied to a joint), joint mobilisation (gentler, repeated movement techniques), and soft-tissue work such as massage or stretching. Some clinics listed here also offer acupuncture, remedial massage and cupping. The specific mix of techniques used depends on the practitioner's assessment and your preferences.
It's worth understanding that dry needling and acupuncture are not the same thing, even though both use similar needles. Acupuncture is grounded in traditional Chinese medicine principles, while dry needling is based on Western anatomy and musculoskeletal assessment. A practitioner should be able to explain clearly what they are proposing and why.
A first visit typically starts with a conversation about your history and the reason you've come in, followed by a physical assessment. This may include checking your range of movement, posture and how particular muscles or joints feel and function. The practitioner should explain what they've found in language you can understand.
If dry needling is suggested, they should describe how it works, what sensations to expect (some people feel a brief twitch or ache), and any risks or side effects, such as temporary soreness or minor bruising. You can ask questions, decline any part of the proposed care, and take time to decide. Consent should be sought before any technique is applied.
Bring a list of your current medications and any relevant scans or reports. Let the practitioner know if you take blood-thinning medication, have a bleeding disorder, are pregnant, or have any implanted medical devices, as this may affect what's appropriate.
Prices vary between clinics and are set by each practice, so treat the following as general guidance only. In Melbourne, an initial chiropractic consultation often ranges from around $70 to $130, while standard follow-up visits commonly fall between $50 and $90. Dry needling may be included in a consultation or charged as an add-on. Always confirm fees directly with the clinic before booking.
If you hold private health insurance with extras cover, you may be able to claim a portion of chiropractic fees, depending on your policy and level of cover. Check with your insurer about what's covered and any annual limits. Under a GP-managed Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, some allied health services may attract a Medicare rebate for eligible patients, though eligibility is decided by your GP and there are limits on the number of subsidised sessions per year. Ask your GP whether a CDM referral is appropriate for your situation.
Start by checking that any chiropractor is registered. You can verify a practitioner's registration for free on the AHPRA public register at ahpra.gov.au. All practising chiropractors in Australia must be registered with the Chiropractic Board of Australia.
Beyond registration, consider:
Dry needling and chiropractic care are options for some musculoskeletal concerns, but certain symptoms need medical assessment first. See your GP or seek urgent care if you have numbness, weakness in a limb, fever, unexplained weight loss, or loss of bladder or bowel control. These can be signs of conditions that require prompt medical attention rather than manual therapy.
If you're considering care for a child or during pregnancy, the Chiropractic Board of Australia has specific guidance on the care of children, and practitioners are expected to provide balanced information and appropriate consent. Discuss any plans with your GP first so you can make an informed decision that takes your full health picture into account.
Or read the full dry needling guide, or browse all Melbourne clinics.
No. Both use fine sterile needles, but dry needling is based on Western musculoskeletal anatomy and targets muscle tissue, while acupuncture follows traditional Chinese medicine principles. Some Melbourne clinics offer both, so ask which is being proposed and why.
Sensations vary between people. Some feel a brief twitch or dull ache when the needle is inserted. Common short-term side effects can include mild soreness or minor bruising. Your practitioner should explain what to expect and answer any concerns before starting.
Costs vary by clinic. Initial chiropractic consultations often range from around $70 to $130 and follow-ups from about $50 to $90, with dry needling sometimes included or charged as an add-on. Always confirm fees with the clinic, as these are general ranges only.
If you have extras cover, you may be able to claim part of the fee depending on your policy — check with your insurer. Some allied health services may attract a Medicare rebate under a GP-managed Chronic Disease Management plan if you're eligible. Ask your GP whether that applies to you.
Search the free AHPRA public register at ahpra.gov.au. Every practising chiropractor in Australia must be registered with the Chiropractic Board of Australia. It's a quick way to confirm a practitioner is qualified and currently registered before you book.