Author: Anjali Aggarwal
A Success Story
Two weeks ago, I treated a client who had been suffering from chronic headaches on the right side of her head for several months. She was taking 4-6 pain medications daily with no relief. When her physician finally recommended physiotherapy, we discovered that while she had a full range of neck motion, her posture was poor and she had significant muscle tightness.
After just two sessions of dry needling, combined with pain management education, posture correction, and a home exercise program, her headaches were minimal to non-existent. She was able to stop taking pain medications entirely.
What is Dry Needling/IMS Treatment?
Dry needling (also known as Intramuscular Stimulation or IMS) is a therapeutic technique where fine, sterile needles are inserted through the skin into tight muscles or fascia. This targeted approach helps release muscle tension and restore normal function.
Afraid of Needles? Don’t Worry!
The treatment is more uncomfortable than painful, and we’ve successfully performed it on patients who were extremely needle-phobic. The discomfort is brief and well-tolerated by most people.
Why Physiotherapists Recommend Dry Needling/IMS
1. Targeting Trigger Points
Dry needling effectively releases myofascial trigger points—tight, hyper-irritable knots in muscles that cause referred pain, tension, and limited mobility.
2. Improved Mobility
By releasing tight muscles and fascia, normal joint movement is restored and range of motion improves significantly.
3. Pain Relief
Reducing muscle tightness and improving joint mobility naturally alleviates pain and discomfort.
4. Complementary Treatment
Dry needling works best when combined with other therapeutic approaches, including patient education, pain management strategies, and manual therapy.
How Can IMS Treatment Help You?
Patients frequently ask us at Belmont Physiotherapy and Health Clinic, “I see you offer IMS/Dry needling treatment. Will it help my condition?”
The answer is almost always YES!
IMS needling can be highly effective for both new and chronic injuries. Our experienced physiotherapists conduct comprehensive assessments and develop personalized treatment plans, explaining all techniques including IMS/Dry needling. We target the release of tight muscle groups that are often the root cause of pain.
All treatments include a thorough explanation of risks and precautions, with informed consent obtained before proceeding.
5 Conditions Effectively Treated with IMS/Dry Needling
1. Joint Problems and Clicking
Dry needling addresses joint pain by releasing muscle tension that restricts full range of motion, reducing clicking and improving joint function.
2. Jaw and Mouth Problems (TMJ)
IMS treatment helps with jaw muscle fatigue, clicking, and locking by releasing the muscles responsible for jaw opening, closing, and chewing movements.
3. Pelvic and Groin Pain
Treatment focuses on loosening muscle tension in key pelvic muscles including the piriformis, hip flexors, and glutes, which often refer pain to the hip region.
4. Postural Pain
Poor posture creates muscle imbalances, causing tightness and weakness in specific muscle groups. Forward head posture, for example, leads to muscle strain and imbalances that respond well to targeted dry needling.
5. Nerve Pain Conditions
Conditions like sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome benefit from dry needling, which relieves tension in surrounding muscles that may compress nerves. The needle insertion also stimulates local blood flow, promoting healing of irritated nerves and surrounding tissues.
The Bottom Line: Does IMS Treatment Really Work?
Yes! As demonstrated by my client with chronic headaches, IMS/dry needling successfully targets tight muscle groups caused by postural issues and other factors, providing significant relief.
Contact Information
Ready to experience the benefits of IMS treatment?
- Phone: 604-427-2172
- Online Booking: https://belmontphysio.janeapp.com
- Free Consultation: Book a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation with a physiotherapist if you’re unsure about dry needling/IMS as a treatment option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does IMS Needling Hurt?
IMS needling may cause slight discomfort for a very brief period. Many patients describe it as an odd sensation when the needle penetrates the skin and enters the muscle. You may experience a slight muscle contraction or twitch, which is actually a positive sign that the treatment is working.
What Should I Expect After a Session?
Common post-treatment experiences include:
- Mild soreness in the treated area lasting 24-48 hours
- Temporary fatigue and a feeling of heaviness
- Gradual improvement in pain and mobility as muscle tension decreases
Is Dry Needling Suitable for Everyone?
No, dry needling/IMS isn’t appropriate for every patient. Your physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment to rule out any conditions that would make dry needling inadvisable before recommending this treatment approach.