Dry needling is one of several techniques some Launceston chiropractors may use as part of their care options. This guide explains what dry needling involves, what to expect at a first appointment, and how to choose a registered practitioner. It features clinics we list locally, including Riverside Chiropractic and Tamar Chiropractic Clinic.
Chiropractic clinic in Riverside, TAS offering treatment combining chiropractic adjustments, massage, heat, dry needling, exercise and education, plus assessment and diagnosis. Online booking and phone booking available; open daily 9:15am-7pm.
Chiropractic clinic in Riverside, TAS offering chiropractic adjustments, remedial massage, dry needling, heat therapy, exercise and education, plus assessment and diagnosis services. Open daily 9:15am-7pm with online booking via Cliniko or phone.
Multi-disciplinary clinic offering chiropractic care, pregnancy chiropractic, paediatric chiropractic, remedial massage therapy, dry needling, and childbirth education. No referral required; online booking available; accepts Medicare, DVA, Workers Comp and MAIB funding.
Dry needling is a soft-tissue technique in which a thin, single-use filament needle is inserted into a muscle or nearby tissue, often at a tender point sometimes called a trigger point. It is described as 'dry' because nothing is injected through the needle. It differs from acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles.
In a chiropractic setting, dry needling is generally used alongside other approaches rather than on its own. A practitioner may combine it with manual adjustment, joint mobilisation and hands-on soft-tissue work, and may suggest movement or exercise advice. These techniques are all directed at the muscles, joints and soft tissues of the body — the musculoskeletal system. Every person and presentation is different, so any approach should follow a proper assessment.
A first appointment usually starts with a conversation about your history — what brought you in, how long it has been going on, your general health, and any medications or past injuries. The chiropractor will typically carry out a physical assessment, which may include checking your posture, range of movement, and how particular muscles and joints respond to gentle testing.
If dry needling is considered suitable, the practitioner should explain what it involves, what you might feel (some people notice a brief ache or a small muscle twitch), and any risks, before gaining your consent. You should always feel free to ask questions or decline a technique. A good practitioner will describe any proposed plan clearly, including how many visits they suggest and why, and will be willing to refer you to your GP or another health professional if that is more appropriate.
Fees vary between clinics, so treat the following as a general guide only and confirm costs directly before booking. In Australia, an initial chiropractic consultation commonly ranges from around $70 to $130, while standard follow-up visits often sit between roughly $50 and $90. Dry needling may be included within a consultation or charged as part of a longer appointment.
Many private health funds offer rebates for chiropractic care through 'extras' cover — the amount back depends on your level of cover and any annual limits, so check with your insurer. In some cases, a GP may include chiropractic care under a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan through Medicare, which can provide a limited number of subsidised visits per year for eligible patients with an ongoing condition. Your GP decides whether you qualify and makes the referral.
Start by checking that the chiropractor is registered. All chiropractors in Australia must be registered with the Chiropractic Board of Australia, and you can verify this for free on the public register at ahpra.gov.au. Registration confirms the practitioner meets national standards and holds current qualifications.
Beyond registration, consider:
The clinics featured on this page include Riverside Chiropractic (Cormiston Road and Windsor sites in Riverside) and Tamar Chiropractic Clinic in Kings Meadows. We list them by rating, but the right choice for you depends on location, availability and how comfortable you feel with the practitioner.
Some symptoms need medical assessment before you consider dry needling or any hands-on care. See your GP promptly if you have numbness or pins and needles, weakness in a limb, fever, unexplained weight loss, or any loss of bladder or bowel control. These can be signs of a problem that needs prompt medical attention. If you are pregnant, or considering care for a child, discuss it with your GP first — the Chiropractic Board of Australia provides specific guidance on the care of children, and a neutral, informed conversation with your doctor is a sensible starting point.
Dry needling is not right for everyone, and any decision should follow an individual assessment by a registered practitioner who has considered your full health picture.
Or read the full dry needling guide, or browse all Launceston clinics.
No. Both use thin needles, but dry needling targets muscle and soft-tissue points and is based on modern anatomy, while acupuncture follows traditional Chinese medicine principles. Ask your practitioner to explain their approach.
No. Dry needling is one optional technique, and not every practitioner uses it. Contact the clinic to check whether it's part of their care options and whether it suits your situation after an assessment.
Many funds provide rebates for chiropractic consultations through 'extras' cover, and dry needling may be included within a visit. The amount back depends on your policy and limits, so check directly with your insurer.
All Australian chiropractors must be registered with the Chiropractic Board of Australia. You can verify any practitioner for free on the AHPRA public register at ahpra.gov.au before booking.
See your GP first if you have red-flag symptoms such as numbness, limb weakness, fever, unexplained weight loss, or loss of bladder or bowel control. A GP can also advise on referrals and care for children or during pregnancy.