Dry Needling Newcastle

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At Macquarie Physiotherapy, we offer effective dry needling and trigger point therapy services to address various musculoskeletal problems and conditions. Dry needling involves inserting a thin needle into specific points within the muscles, known as trigger points. This technique helps to release tension, reduce muscle pain, and improve overall function.

Dry needling can enhance nerve function and increase blood flow to the affected area by stimulating the nervous and circulatory systems, promoting healing and recovery. Our experienced physiotherapists are skilled in applying dry needling techniques to effectively target areas of pain and dysfunction, providing targeted relief and improved outcomes.

How Dry Needling Works

Dry needling involves inserting very fine needles into specific points within the muscles, known as a myofascial trigger point. These points are areas of heightened tension that can contribute to pain and dysfunction.

You may experience a muscle twitch or a deep ache when the needle is inserted. This is normal, as the needle stimulates the muscle fibres and releases underlying tension.

The scientific basis of dry needling is its ability to modulate the nervous system. By targeting specific trigger points, dry needling can help:

Reduce muscle tension: Directly addressing areas of tightness and discomfort.
Improve pain perception: Altering the way the brain processes pain signals.
Restore normal muscle function: Releasing abnormal patterns of muscle activity.

Dry needling is generally considered a safe, minimally invasive procedure with minimal risks. However, it’s important to consult a qualified physiotherapist to determine if it suits your specific condition.

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Team and Expertise

At Macquarie Physiotherapy, our team is led by Rod Millington, Warren Lovell and Shaun Frazer, expert practitioners with over 60 years of combined experience in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. With their mentorship and knowledge passed on to our staff, we ensure the highest standard of care and the best outcomes for our client’s rehabilitation processes.

Conditions Treated

Dry needling for myofascial pain is a valuable tool for addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Here are some common conditions that can benefit from this targeted therapy:

Low back pain: Relieve muscle tension and improve spinal mobility.
Muscle strains/injuries: Reduced pain and inflammation, promoting faster healing.
Muscle tightness: Address areas of tightness and restriction, improving range of motion.
ITB syndrome: Alleviate pain and discomfort associated with iliotibial band syndrome.
Shoulder impingement: Reduce pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint.
Tennis elbow: Manage pain and improve function in the elbow.
Headache Treatment: Address tension-type headaches and reduce pain.

These are just a few examples of conditions that can be effectively treated with dry needling. Our experienced physiotherapists will assess your specific needs and determine if dry needling is a suitable option for your condition.

Benefits of Dry Needling

Dry needling is a targeted therapy that offers a range of benefits for those experiencing musculoskeletal pain. Here’s how it works:

Pain Relief: Dry needling can effectively reduce pain by stimulating specific points within the muscles and triggering the release of pain-relieving chemicals in the brain.
Improved Mobility: This technique helps to release muscle tension and restore normal muscle function, leading to improved range of motion and flexibility.
Reduced Stiffness: Dry needling can address underlying muscle tightness and inflammation, reducing overall stiffness and discomfort.
Faster Recovery: Dry needling can accelerate the recovery process from injuries or chronic conditions by promoting healing and reducing pain.

Experience the positive impact of dry needling and discover how it can help you regain your mobility and reduce pain.

The Dry Needling Process

During a dry needling session, our dry needling practitioner will carefully assess the affected area and insert fine needles on the trigger point. These needles remain in place for a short duration, which may vary depending on your individual needs.

Throughout the session, we prioritise your comfort and relaxation. Our goal is to create a calming environment while effectively addressing your pain. You may experience a brief sensation as the needles are inserted, but the treatment is generally well-tolerated.

Following the dry needling session, you may experience some soreness or tenderness in the treated area. However, these effects are typically mild and temporary. Within a few days, you should notice a significant improvement in your symptoms.

Our Dry Needling Experts

Aaron Percival

Physiotherapist

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My professional interests include golf and helping golfers maximise their game performance, running and the biomechanics of knee injuries. I also get a lot of satisfaction out of working with patients in pre and post-op orthopaedic management.

From a non-physio perspective I spend a lot of time working in Indigenous health education. Currently my main passions are soccer and golf, though I’ve played representative level basketball and cricket at varying levels. Spending time cooking and watching my daughter grow and learn brings me the most joy at home.

Shaun Frazer

Owner & Director

Physiotherapist

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I’m a hands-on physio who gets a genuine buzz when I see my patients get back to living a pain-free life.

With a special interest in helping people who suffer headaches, I’ve also taken time to study and master dry needling. Shoulder injuries and conditions are another passion of mine.

As a keen hockey player and sports fan, I’m passionate about helping athletes and sports enthusiasts get back out on the field so they can enjoy their game again.

Liam Brown

Physiotherapist

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At this point in my career, I’m keen to learn and collaborate with my peers and transfer that knowledge and skills to my clients, giving them the best possible outcomes. I’m especially interested in working with patients with sports injuries, including knee and ankle issues.

Like many physios, I enjoy playing all kinds of sports especially soccer and rugby league. Additionally, as a volunteer physio at multiple local sporting clubs, I’m able to combine both my personal and professional passions. In my spare time you can find me at the gym doing strength training, spending time with my family, gardening or training my dog.

Rod Millington

Owner & Director

Physiotherapist

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I have 30 years experience working as a physiotherapist in both public and private practices in Australia and the UK. I love the daily variety my job brings as I see a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions from headaches to feet issues and everything in between. While I was in England, I was the Physiotherapist for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
I’ve established excellent relationships with local GPs, surgeons and other allied health professionals in and around the Greater Newcastle area. This means my patients get great continuity of care from the best available experts.

When I clock off from work, I follow all kinds of sports from the armchair and manage, coach and play soccer for New Lambton Football Club. Off the field, I enjoy surfing and snowboarding and the finer things in life like travelling, good food and wine, and spending time with family and friends.

Warren Lovell

Owner & Director

Physiotherapist

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I’ve worked as a physiotherapist across multiple areas within the industry in Australia and the UK, in hospital settings and in private practice. With more than 25 years experience in aquatic physiotherapy, I have done additional study to further hone my skills while working with patients in the water.

My areas of interest include shoulder injuries, especially post-op rehab, acute sports injuries, lower limb injuries, prescribing orthotics and managing long-term conditions like Parkinson’s with patients through home visits.

I’ve worked with local football and netball teams providing sideline injury management for more than 15 years, including managing physiotherapy services for the NSW State Age Netball Carnival. When I’m not in the clinic, I’m volunteering at my local Surf Life Saving Club or as a physio/trainer with local football codes. When I’m not doing any of those activities, I enjoy swimming, hiking, mountain biking, surfing and snow sports.

Nicole Pereira

Physiotherapist

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With a robust background in physiotherapy and Pilates instruction, I’ve dedicated my career to aiding clients in achieving their best physical health. Starting in 2015, I began my professional journey at Nelson Bay Physiotherapy, merging my expertise in physiotherapy with Pilates to offer a holistic approach to rehabilitation and wellness. Since 2019, I’ve been part of the Macquarie Physiotherapy team, where I continue to enjoy rehabilitating sports injuries, post-op recovery, and the enhancing overall well-being through tailored exercise prescriptions.

My approach to physiotherapy revolves around examining the biomechanical chain, with a keen interest in treating conditions related to the knee and hip joints. What sets me apart is my comprehensive perspective on physical health, coupled with certifications that enhance my ability to treat a broad spectrum of injuries.

Outside of work I’m an avid lover of the outdoors, travel, beach days, and camping adventures, always seeking to balance professional life with the rejuvenating essence of nature.

Jenny Rose

Physiotherapist

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Originally from the UK, I started my physiotherapy career honing my skills across various hospital settings. With a focus on emergency care, orthopaedics, frailty, and rehabilitation, I have accumulated a wealth of clinical experience. Recently, I made the move to Newcastle, where I’ve transitioned into private practice, and I’m eager to bring my expertise to a new community.

I’m deeply committed to fostering strong therapeutic relationships and empowering my clients to reach their health and wellness goals. I believe in making a tangible, positive difference in people’s lives through tailored rehabilitation programs and insightful education.

A globetrotter at heart, I thrive on exploring diverse cultures and forging connections worldwide. My leisure time often finds me indulging in sports viewing, sampling local delicacies, or staying active with a leisurely run.

Do you have pain right now?

Whether you have an injury, you’ve just had surgery or you’re suffering from niggling or chronic pain, our physios can help.

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Other Services:

Massage Therapy

If you suffer from neck, shoulder, back or leg pain, massage can help. We offer therapeutic massage techniques to relieve tight muscles and stiff joints. Our experienced massage therapists also give practical advice and tips on maintaining good musculo-skeletal health.

Exercise Physiologist

An initial assessment records your medical history, gauges activity level & capacity. We design an exercise program based on your goals. Your Exercise Physiologist will run through the program with you, to make sure your technique is correct. You can continue your program at home or in the gym, and we’ll review your progress.

Core Physiotherapy

These physiotherapist-run exercise classes focus on strength and flexibility for good posture and life-long wellness. Including mat work and Pilates-style exercises, we have classes throughout the week at various locations. See times here.

Manual Therapy

Our physiotherapists know when to get hands-on and manually manipulate joints and muscles. Mobilisation helps promote the healing process of the affected soft tissues.

Hydrotherapy

Exercising in water provides buoyancy, support and a feeling of being weightless. You can move more freely as you build strength and flexibility. Hydrotherapy sessions are held at Valentine Pool.

Casting & Splints

Depending on the injury, we may need to stabilise or mobilise tissues or joints for them to heal effectively. We also have vast experience with waterproof casts, custom-made orthotics, taping & bracing.

Dry Needling

Dry needling is used to reduce pain and restore function through the release of myofascial trigger points in muscle.

Rehabilitation Programs

If you’ve suffered an injury or had a surgical procedure, we can design a rehabilitation program to get you back to full strength.

Living Longer Living Stronger Classes

Macquarie Exercise Centre

Tues 11am – Balance & Fall Prevention
Fri 1pm – Strength & Conditioning

$10/class and $85 for Initial Assessment

These 60 minute classes are open to everyone! Give us a call today so that we can book you in for an appointment.

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Core Strength Classes

Gateshead Clinic

Mon 5.30pm, 6.30pm (Men Only)
Wed 10am
Thurs 10am, 4.45pm, 6pm, 7.15pm
Fri 10am

$18/class or 10 for $150

These 60 minute classes focus on core strength and flexibility, including Pilates-style exercises with standing and floor work.

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Stretch and Flexibility Classes

Macquarie Exercise Centre

Tuesday 8.30am

$12/class

These 60 minute classes involve a gentle whole-body stretch in a variety of positions. For anyone wanting to maintain or increase flexibility. Ideal for post-op patients.

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