A quick pinch
The needles are much thinner than the ones used for injections. You may feel a brief pinch as it goes in, or nothing at all.
What is dry needling (IMS)?
Dry needling, also called IMS (intramuscular stimulation), uses very fine needles to reach tight bands deep inside a muscle.
When the needle reaches a tight spot, the muscle often gives a quick twitch and then lets go. That release can ease pain and make it easier to move.
It’s based on Western anatomy, not traditional Chinese medicine, and it’s used alongside hands-on therapy and exercise, not on its own.
Done by a registered physiotherapist, using sterile, single-use needles.
What it feels like
Most people are surprised how little they feel the needle itself.
A twitch or cramp
When the needle reaches a tight spot, the muscle may twitch or cramp for a second. That’s the muscle letting go.
Looser, maybe sore
The area often feels looser straight away. Some people feel sore for a day or so, a bit like after a workout.
Dry needling vs acupuncture: what’s the difference?
Both use very fine needles, so they’re easy to mix up. Here’s how they compare.
| Dry needling (IMS) | Acupuncture | |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Western anatomy and how muscles and nerves work | Traditional Chinese medicine |
| Where the needles go | Into tight bands deep in the specific muscle causing the problem | Set points along the body |
| How it’s used | As part of your physiotherapy plan, alongside hands-on therapy and exercise | Usually a separate treatment |
What dry needling is often used for
Usually alongside hands-on therapy and exercises.
- Neck and shoulder knots
- Tension headaches
- Upper back tightness
- Lower back pain
- Tight hips and glutes
- Muscle tension that keeps returning
- Tennis elbow
- Calf and hamstring tightness
- Desk-related tension
- Sports muscle strains
Don’t see your problem? Call 604-428-3266 and ask.
What a session looks like
- 1
Check in
We ask how things have been and re-test how you move.
- 2
Find the tight spots
Your physiotherapist feels for the muscle bands causing the problem.
- 3
Needling
Fine needles go in for a short time. We check in with you throughout.
- 4
Hands-on and exercises
We follow with hands-on work and exercises to keep the release going.
Often combined with
Dry needling questions
Here are some of the most common questions patients ask.
If you don’t find the answer you need, feel free to contact us!
Are the needles clean and safe?
Yes. We use sterile, single-use needles that are thrown away after each treatment.
I’m nervous about needles. Do I have to have it?
No. Dry needling is optional. Your physiotherapist will explain what it involves, and if you’d rather not, there are other treatments we can use instead.
What’s the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?
Both use fine needles, but dry needling is based on Western anatomy and targets tight bands in a muscle. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and uses set points along the body.
Will I be sore afterwards?
Some soreness for a day or so is common, a bit like after a workout. Gentle movement and staying active usually help.
Ready to find out what’s going on?
Same week appointments available. Most insurance accepted.