Needling for stubborn pain and tight muscles
Fine, sterile needles are placed into tight muscle bands and trigger points. Needling increases local blood flow, triggers a reflex relaxation of the muscle, and changes how pain is signalled. That makes it useful for stubborn, tight, overloaded muscles that don't release with hands-on treatment alone.
It's an add-on, not a cure-all. We use it to bring pain and tension down so you can load and strengthen properly, and that's what makes the improvement last.
Our needling team
| Practitioner | Clinic | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Timothy Keung, physiotherapist & acupuncturist | Pakuranga | $35 · 45 min |
| Alistair Burgess, senior physiotherapist | Pakuranga | $35 · 45 min |
| Vivian Chen, registered acupuncturist (Mandarin) Sundays 10am–3pm | Pakuranga | ACC $35 initial / $30 follow-up |
| Isabella Yang, physiotherapist Dry needling within a standard physio appointment | Flat Bush | Standard physio rates |
Vivian trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture at Shanghai University of TCM and holds a postgraduate diploma in Western acupuncture from AUT.
Acupuncture & dry needling FAQ
Where can I get acupuncture or dry needling at Total Body Physio?
Our Pakuranga clinic at Lloyd Elsmore Pools offers 45-minute acupuncture and dry needling sessions with physios Timothy Keung and Alistair Burgess, and dedicated acupuncture with registered acupuncturist Vivian Chen on Sundays (10am–3pm). Dry needling is also available at Flat Bush with Isabella Yang as part of a standard physio appointment.
How much does acupuncture cost?
Physio-led acupuncture and dry needling at Pakuranga is $35 per session (about 45 minutes). Sunday acupuncture with Vivian Chen is $35 for an ACC initial (60 minutes) and $30 for an ACC follow-up (45 minutes); private rates are $120 initial and $80 follow-up.
Is acupuncture covered by ACC?
Yes, when it's treatment for an accident injury. We lodge the ACC claim at your first visit, so you only pay the co-payment.
What's the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?
Dry needling targets tight muscle bands and trigger points to reduce pain and tension. Acupuncture can also follow traditional or Western acupuncture point selection. Both use fine, sterile needles and work best alongside hands-on treatment and exercise.
Do you have a Mandarin-speaking acupuncturist?
Yes. Vivian Chen speaks Mandarin and works at Pakuranga on Sundays. She also offers electroacupuncture, cupping and tuina.
Book at Pakuranga or Flat Bush
Pakuranga
Lloyd Elsmore Pools, 1 Sir Lloyd Drive, Pakuranga Heights, Auckland
📞 09 535 1932 · ✉️ pakuranga@totalbodyphysio.co.nz
ACC co-pay: $35 initial · $30 follow-up
Acupuncture & dry needling · Pool & gym on-site · Open weekends
- Monday – Thursday7am – 6pm
- Friday7am – 3pm
- Saturday8:30am – 2pm (physio)
- Sunday10am – 3pm (acupuncture + physio)
Flat Bush / Botany
14 Fusion Rd, Flat Bush, Auckland
📞 09 265 2323 · ✉️ botany@totalbodyphysio.co.nz
ACC co-pay: FREE first visit · $30 follow-up
Purpose-built clinic · Dry needling · Chinese-speaking physio
- Monday – Friday9am – 6pm