What is Dry Needling and Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)?
IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation), commonly referred to as Dry Needling, is an advanced treatment technique used by specially trained physiotherapists to help reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore muscle function.
This treatment uses thin, sterile single-use needles inserted into specific muscles and connective tissue to help release areas of tension, improve circulation, and reduce neuromuscular irritation.
Dry needling is used within a physiotherapy framework alongside movement assessment, exercise rehabilitation, manual therapy, and education to support recovery and overall function.
What Can IMS / Dry Needling Help With?
Dry needling may be helpful for:
- Persistent muscle tension and tightness
- Trigger points and myofascial pain
- Sports and overuse injuries
- Neck and back pain
- Shoulder, hip, and knee dysfunction
- TMJ dysfunction and tension headaches
- Tendinopathies
- Sciatica and nerve-related pain
- Rotator cuff dysfunction
- Mobility restrictions and movement-related pain
- Whiplash-associated disorders
- Persistent pain conditions
- Muscle guarding following injury
Treatment plans are individualized based on your symptoms, goals, and overall assessment findings.
What Does Treatment Feel Like?
Patients may experience a brief muscle twitch, ache, or cramping sensation during treatment. Responses vary depending on the area treated and the sensitivity of the tissue.
Some individuals notice immediate improvements in mobility and tension, while others may experience mild soreness afterward similar to post-exercise muscle soreness for 24–48 hours.
Is IMS / Dry Needling Safe?
In British Columbia, physiotherapists performing dry needling must complete recognized post-graduate training and receive authorization through the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC before incorporating dry needling into practice.
At Coast Therapy, all treatments are performed using clean needle technique and sterile single-use needles.
Is IMS / Dry Needling Right For Me?
Your physiotherapist will complete a thorough assessment to determine whether dry needling is appropriate for your condition, comfort level, and rehabilitation goals.
Dry needling is often combined with:
- Exercise rehabilitation
- Manual therapy
- Mobility work
- Strengthening programs
- Movement retraining
- Education and recovery planning
to help support longer-term outcomes and function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Experiences with IMS / Dry Needling can vary from person to person. Some individuals find the treatment very comfortable, while others may experience brief moments of muscle twitching, aching, or cramping during the session.
The treatment itself is typically short, and any post-treatment soreness is usually mild and temporary, often similar to muscle soreness after exercise. Many patients report improvements in tension, mobility, and pain following treatment.
Your physiotherapist will always work within your comfort level and adjust treatment approaches based on your response, goals, and preferences.
Most patients get full benefit within 6-12 sessions. It is not uncommon to achieve complete resolution of symptoms within 1-2 treatments as well.
IMS / Dry Needling is typically most effective when used as part of a comprehensive physiotherapy treatment plan rather than as a stand-alone treatment.
While dry needling can help reduce muscle tension, pain, and movement restrictions, longer-term improvement often comes from addressing the underlying contributing factors through:
- Exercise rehabilitation
- Strength and mobility training
- Movement retraining
- Manual therapy
- Education and recovery strategies
Your physiotherapist will determine how dry needling may best fit into your individualized treatment plan and overall recovery goals.
No. Regular Physiotherapy fees apply.
This can get tricky and one is not considered “better” than the other. Both can play an important role depending on the individual, their goals, and the condition being treated.
At Coast Therapy, we are fortunate to have both Physiotherapists trained in IMS / Dry Needling and Registered Acupuncturists as part of our interdisciplinary team. This allows us to help guide patients toward the treatment approach that may be the best fit for their needs.
IMS / Dry Needling is performed within a physiotherapy framework and is typically focused on:
- Muscle tension and trigger points
- Movement dysfunction
- Neuromuscular irritation
- Persistent pain patterns
- Orthopedic and sports-related conditions
Treatment is integrated with movement assessment, exercise rehabilitation, manual therapy, and overall functional recovery planning.
Acupuncture is a distinct profession and treatment approach that may support:
- Pain management
- Stress and nervous system regulation
- Recovery and relaxation
- General wellness and balance
- A wide range of acute and chronic conditions
In many cases, these approaches can complement one another as part of a collaborative treatment plan. Your provider can help determine which treatment — or combination of treatments — may best support your goals and recovery.