3a/352 South Street O’Connor WA 6163 | (08) 93376460
3a/352 South Street O’Connor WA 6163 | (08) 93376460
Jonathan Wray Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist (FACP)
I’ve been using acupuncture and dry needling in clinical practice for over a decade. One of the most common questions I’m asked is: how does it actually work?
In this blog, I’ll break down what happens during treatment, how acupuncture may relieve pain, and what the research says—especially in the context of musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
For simplicity, I’ll use “acupuncture” and “dry needling” interchangeably. While they both involve the insertion of sterile, single-use fine filament needles to create a therapeutic effect, the underlying philosophies differ.
Let’s start by clearing up what acupuncture is not. It’s not a miracle cure, a one-size-fits-all solution, or a substitute for western medicine. What it can be is a highly effective, non-pharmacological tool to support pain relief, healing, and overall wellbeing.
Dry needling is commonly used to treat myofascial trigger points—tight, sensitive knots in muscles that may refer pain.
Acupuncture, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, focuses on rebalancing the body’s energy systems to restore homeostasis.
At Next Wave Therapy, we integrate both approaches within a modern musculoskeletal framework to support clients dealing with acute or chronic pain.
People usually visit me because they’re in pain—often related to injury, posture, or overuse. In such cases, trigger points in the myofascial system can become hypersensitive and contribute to pain, stiffness, and dysfunction.
Research shows acupuncture has both local and central nervous system effects:
Locally: It modulates chemical mediators involved in inflammation and pain.
Centrally: It activates descending pain-inhibiting pathways from the brain and spinal cord.
Brain scans (fMRI) during acupuncture show changes in pain-related brain regions, suggesting real, measurable neurological effects. Some of these areas are involved in emotion regulation, autonomic function, and pain modulation—explaining why acupuncture may help with both physical pain and emotional stress.
Acupuncture also influences the autonomic nervous system—the part of the body responsible for heart rate, digestion, blood pressure, and more.
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) governs the fight-or-flight response.
The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) supports rest, recovery, and healing.
Chronic stress keeps the SNS in overdrive, which may delay tissue repair and lead to persistent pain. Acupuncture may help restore balance between the SNS and PNS, enhancing your body’s natural recovery processes.
Some wonder if acupuncture is just a placebo. While every treatment carries some placebo response, studies show that acupuncture’s effects go well beyond suggestion:
It may stimulate the release of endorphins, dopamine, oxytocin, and other pain modulators.
Placebo alone can improve motor performance and reduce fatigue—but combining that with a treatment that has proven physiological effects is even more powerful.
A 2019 meta-analysis of over 20,000 participants found that acupuncture was superior to both sham and no acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain conditions.
At Next Wave Therapy, I have a special interest in head, neck, and shoulder disorders. Acupuncture and dry needling may be beneficial for:
Just 6 sessions of acupuncture may reduce frequency and severity (Cochrane Reviews, 2016).
Improvements in muscle function and range of motion observed after only 2 treatments.
Dry needling may reduce joint position error and enhance sensorimotor control after a single session.
These results are particularly relevant for patients seeking alternatives to medication, or looking to complement their existing physiotherapy program.
We don’t view acupuncture as a stand-alone fix. Instead, we integrate it within a multidisciplinary care model that includes:
Movement-based therapy
Lifestyle and sleep support
Stress management techniques
Hands-on musculoskeletal treatment
By combining dry needling, manual therapy, and evidence-based physiotherapy, we aim to help you move, think and feel alive.
If you’re curious about how acupuncture or dry needling may support your recovery, we’re here to guide you.
Book an appointment online
📍 Or explore our full range of services in Fremantle
Jonathan is a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist (as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists 2020) and has trained extensively in dry needling and integrative acupuncture. He is also the tutor on the Dry Needling for Physiotherapist Level 1 Course (Australian Physiotherapy Association) and the tutor for Integrative Acupuncture course in Western Australia.
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