Western medical acupuncture & dry needling
Western medical acupuncture is a treatment technique used by physiotherapists to help manage pain, reduce muscle tension and support rehabilitation. It involves inserting fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific points in the body to stimulate the nervous system and influence how pain is processed. It can be particularly useful for certain muscular and joint conditions, persistent pain and muscle-related symptoms.
Dry needling is a hands-on physiotherapy technique that also uses fine, sterile, single-use needles to target specific muscle trigger points and sensitive areas associated with pain and restricted movement. It may help reduce muscle-related pain and tension, improve mobility and make it more comfortable to move and exercise. It is commonly used for conditions such as neck and back pain, shoulder discomfort, sports injuries and muscular tightness.
At The Physio Bunker, Acupuncture & Dry Needling is selected based on your individual assessment and whether it is appropriate for your condition. It complements our hands-on treatment and exercise-based rehabilitation approach, helping you manage symptoms while working towards lasting improvements in strength, movement and function. We will always discuss the technique with you beforehand and ensure you are comfortable proceeding.
What makes The Physio Bunker different
We're not a big chain, and we don't rush you through the door. The Physio Bunker is a locally owned and operated clinic, started by Leon and built on one simple belief: good physiotherapy time. That's why every initial appointment is a full 60 minutes. It gives us time to properly listen, learn about you, your lifestyle and your goals, and thoroughly assess what's really going on, not just where it hurts. With that full picture, we create a care plan that's genuinely built around you, and we stay with you every step of the way. It's the same personal, unhurried care Leon has always offered, and it's why so many of our patients say they finally feel heard.
ACC physio in Birkenhead & the North Shore – no referral needed
You don't need a GP referral to see a physiotherapist. As an ACC registered provider, we can lodge your claim and take care of the paperwork for you. We're also Southern Cross affiliated, and private appointments are available if your injury isn't covered by ACC.
Initial consultations are a full 60 minutes, with follow-ups of 30, 45 or 60 minutes depending on your needs. Our physio clinic is at Level 1, 10 Birkenhead Avenue – easy to reach from Northcote, Beach Haven, Glenfield and across the North Shore.
Common conditions we treat
Our Birkenhead physio team treats a wide range of muscle, joint and movement problems. Tap a condition to see what you might notice, how it happens and how we can help.
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What you might notice: A dull ache or sharp pain in your lower back, stiffness first thing in the morning, pain that spreads into your buttock or leg, or a stiff, sore neck that makes it hard to turn your head. Neck pain often comes with tension across the shoulders or headaches.
How it happens: Lifting or bending awkwardly, long hours sitting at a desk or driving, poor sleeping positions, a sudden increase in activity – or a twinge with no obvious cause at all, which is more common than you might think.
How we help: We'll find out what's driving your pain, settle it with hands-on treatment and, where appropriate, dry needling, then build strength and mobility with targeted exercises. We'll also give you practical advice on posture, your work set-up and staying active, so it's less likely to come back.
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What you might notice: Sudden pain during a game or run, swelling or bruising, a joint that feels unstable or 'gives way', or a niggle that gets a little worse every time you train.
How it happens: Rolling an ankle, twisting a knee, a tackle or awkward landing, ramping up your training too quickly, or changes in footwear, surface or technique.
How we help: We'll diagnose the injury, settle pain and swelling, and guide you through a structured rehab programme – finishing with sport-specific training and a clear, safe plan for returning to training and competition.
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What you might notice: Pain reaching overhead or behind your back, clicking or catching, trouble sleeping on one side, stiffness getting in and out of the car, or a knee that aches on stairs, when squatting or after sitting for a while.
How it happens: Repetitive overhead activity, weakness or muscle imbalances, a previous injury, a change in activity levels, or gradual wear and tear over time.
How we help: We'll assess how the joint and the muscles around it are working, ease your pain with hands-on treatment and build the strength and control to keep it from coming back.
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What you might notice: Pain and stiffness at the back of the heel, below the kneecap, on the outside of the elbow or around the hip – often worst first thing in the morning or at the start of activity, then easing once you warm up.
How it happens: Doing too much too soon, repetitive tasks at work or in sport, a sudden change in training, or not enough recovery between sessions.
How we help: Tendons respond best to the right amount of load. We'll ease your pain, guide you on what to modify and build a structured, progressive loading programme to strengthen the tendon, so you can stay active while it recovers.
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What you might notice: Headaches that start at the base of your skull or behind your eyes, jaw pain, clicking or difficulty opening your mouth, or brief spinning episodes when you roll over in bed or look up.
How it happens: Neck stiffness and tension, long periods at a screen, clenching or grinding your teeth, stress – or, for dizziness, tiny crystals in the inner ear moving out of place (BPPV).
How we help: We'll pinpoint whether your neck, jaw or inner ear is involved. Neck-related headaches and jaw pain respond well to hands-on treatment and exercise, and BPPV can often be settled in just a few sessions using specific repositioning techniques.
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What you might notice: Before surgery, you may be dealing with pain, weakness or limited movement. After surgery, swelling, stiffness and reduced strength are all a normal part of recovery.
Common procedures: ACL reconstruction, knee and hip replacements, shoulder surgery, fracture repairs and other orthopaedic procedures.
How we help: Prehab builds your strength and confidence before your operation, and post-op rehab guides you safely through each stage of recovery in line with your surgeon's protocol – from early movement right through to returning to sport, work and everyday life.
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What you might notice: Joint stiffness, aching that lingers or flares up, reduced movement, or pain that's been around for months and is affecting your sleep, mood or activity levels.
How it happens: Osteoarthritis, previous injuries, a sensitised nervous system, or a mix of factors that keep pain going long after the original tissues have healed.
How we help: We'll help you understand your pain, find the right balance between activity and rest, and build strength and movement at a pace that suits you – with a long-term plan so you can keep doing what matters most.
Testimonials
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and book below.
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No. You can book directly without a referral from a doctor. As for ACC, we can submit them on your behalf during the first appointment.
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Initial and follow-up session pricing is available on our fees page. Fees vary depending on appointment duration and practitioner experience.
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We treat back pain, neck pain, shoulder injuries, sports injuries, and general rehabilitation. We do injury rehabilitation, pre & post operative rehabilitation, alongside acupuncture / dry needling, TPI golf screening and sports massages.
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We aim to offer appointments within the same week, depending on availability. Clicking the book now button above will let you see the availability we have.
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A full assessment, diagnosis and creation of a personalised treatment plan to help get you fit and healthy as soon as possible.