Every athlete knows that performance isn’t just about training harder—it’s about recovering smarter. When muscle tightness or minor strains start to slow you down, combining sports chiropractic care with trigger point therapy and dry needling can help your body move and function at its best.
The Connection Between Muscle Tension and Sports Injuries
Sport places unique demands on the body. Whether it’s the repetitive shoulder motion of paddling out at Bondi Beach, tight hips from cycling through Centennial Park, or calf strain after running laps around Waverley Park, overuse and fatigue can create tight knots in the muscles known as trigger points. These small, tense areas can restrict movement, reduce flexibility, and even refer discomfort to other parts of the body.
“When we look at an athlete’s performance, we’re not just focusing on the injury itself,” says Dr Bradley Waterer (Chiropractor). “We’re helping the body return to balance, so every muscle and joint can do its job efficiently and comfortably.”
How Dry Needling Supports the Recovery Process
Dry needling targets those deep, stubborn trigger points that are difficult to release through stretching or massage alone. By inserting a fine, sterile needle directly into the affected muscle fibres, circulation improves and tension begins to ease. This helps the surrounding joints move more freely, supporting the work done through sports chiropractic care and soft tissue therapy.
It’s a simple, focused technique that may help reduce localised tightness, support muscle recovery, and promote better overall movement patterns, especially valuable for athletes who train often or are returning from a minor strain.(And because every body responds a little differently, each session is adjusted to your comfort level and progress.)
A Balanced Approach to Performance and Recovery
At Health Odyssey Chiropractic, we often combine dry needling and trigger point therapy with sports chiropractic care to support both the structural and muscular sides of performance. For example:
- Shoulder overuse - easing tightness in the rotator cuff and shoulder girdle to restore balanced motion
- Hip and hamstring tension - targeting deep muscular knots that limit stride length and flexibility
- Calf and Achilles strain - releasing tight calf muscles to improve ankle mobility and running efficiency
By addressing muscle tension alongside joint movement, athletes often notice they can move more freely, recover more comfortably between sessions, and reduce the likelihood of recurring strain.
“Our goal is to make care a partnership,” explains Bradley. “We take time to understand how your body responds, so each session supports your personal goals, not just your symptoms.”
Your Relief Starts Here
Whether you’re an experienced athlete or simply love staying active—surfing before sunrise, training in Queens Park, or running along the Bondi to Bronte track—you know how important it is to keep your body moving freely. A tailored approach that includes trigger point therapy, dry needling, and chiropractic care can help you stay balanced, mobile, and ready for whatever comes next.
Contact our Bondi Junction practice today to schedule your appointment!