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RISE
RISE
Sports & Spinal
0409 794 007
Services · Dry Needling

Dry needling
in Berwick.

Release the trigger point. Fine-needle therapy for tight, painful muscles, performed by AHPRA-registered osteopath Steven Eskaf as part of your osteopathy appointment. Drug-free, precise, and no extra fee.

What is dry needling?

Targeting the
source of tension.

Dry needling uses fine acupuncture-gauge needles inserted directly into trigger points -- tight, knotted bands within a muscle that cause local pain or refer pain to other areas. The needle stimulates a twitch response, releasing the contraction and restoring normal muscle function.

Unlike acupuncture, dry needling is rooted in Western anatomy and neuroscience. It targets specific musculoskeletal structures identified through clinical assessment -- not meridian lines.

Increases local blood flow
The needle triggers a local inflammatory response that brings fresh blood and nutrients to the area.
Reduces muscle hypertonicity
The twitch response resets the neuromuscular junction and reduces excessive muscle tone.
Desensitises pain pathways
Repeated needle stimulus down-regulates peripheral and central sensitisation in chronic pain states.
Restores movement
With the trigger point deactivated, range of motion improves and pain with movement reduces.
Dry needling treatment for trigger point pain relief, BerwickDry needling treatment for trigger point pain relief, Berwick
When it helps

Conditions we treat
with dry needling.

+Back & neck pain
Paraspinal trigger points are one of the most common drivers of chronic low back and neck pain. Dry needling can break the pain-spasm-pain cycle quickly.
+Shoulder & rotator cuff
Infraspinatus and supraspinatus trigger points commonly refer pain into the shoulder and upper arm. Needling alongside manual therapy accelerates recovery.
+Tennis & golfer's elbow
Forearm extensor and flexor trigger points perpetuate lateral and medial elbow pain. Dry needling deactivates these and reduces tendon overload.
+Hamstrings & hip flexors
Tight, overloaded posterior chain muscles respond well to needling -- particularly in runners and cyclists with chronic tightness that won't release with stretching alone.
+Shin splints & calf pain
Tibialis anterior and posterior, gastrocnemius, and soleus trigger points are common in runners. Needling reduces the muscular load on the tibia and calf complex.
+Fibromyalgia & chronic pain
Dry needling is used adjunctively for widespread myofascial pain. It doesn't cure fibromyalgia but can significantly reduce trigger point-driven pain and improve sleep.
Before you book

What to expect
from a session.

During the session
You'll feel a dull ache, pressure, or a brief twitch when the needle contacts the trigger point. This is the target response. The needle stays in for a short period (typically 10–30 seconds) before being removed or repositioned.
After the session
Some post-needling muscle soreness is normal for 24–48 hours -- similar to a deep massage. The area may feel bruised. This is a normal inflammatory response and usually resolves quickly.
Contraindications
Dry needling is not used over blood-thinning medications without caution, over infections, on pregnant patients in certain areas, or for needle-phobic patients. Steven will screen for these before recommending it.
Dry needling is included in your standard osteopathy appointment when clinically indicated: initial $149 (60 min), return $99 (30 min), HICAPS on-site.
Common questions

Dry needling FAQ.

Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?

No. The needles are the same type, but the reasoning is different. Dry needling is based on Western anatomy: a specific tight or overactive muscle found during your assessment is targeted directly. Acupuncture follows traditional meridian points.

Does dry needling hurt?

Most people barely feel the needle go in, because it is far thinner than an injection needle. When it reaches a trigger point you may feel a dull ache or a brief muscle twitch, which is the response we are looking for. Some soreness for 24 to 48 hours afterwards is normal.

How much does dry needling cost in Berwick?

There is no separate fee. Dry needling is part of your osteopathy appointment when it is clinically indicated: $149 for a 60-minute initial consultation or $99 for a 30-minute return visit. Private health rebates are processed on the spot through HICAPS if your extras cover includes osteopathy.

Who performs dry needling at RISE?

Steven Eskaf, an AHPRA-registered osteopath. Dry needling is used as one tool within an osteopathic assessment and treatment plan, not as a standalone service.

Is dry needling safe?

Yes, when performed by a trained practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. Steven screens for situations where it should be avoided or modified, such as blood-thinning medication, bleeding disorders, infection at the site, certain areas during pregnancy, or a strong fear of needles.

Do I need a referral for dry needling?

No. You can book directly. If dry needling is not right for your problem, you will still get a full osteopathic assessment and treatment in that appointment.

Same-week appointments availableCall

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