IMS and Dry Needling

Dry needling uses fine, solid needles placed into tight, tender spots in muscle (trigger points) to help the muscle release and settle. The needles are thin and solid: nothing is injected or withdrawn. In British Columbia, dry needling is a certified practice: a physiotherapist performs it only with the certificate the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC lists on their public registry entry.

Our physiotherapists practise it in one of two approaches, and each profile names the training behind it.

Gunn IMS

Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) is a system for the diagnosis and treatment of myofascial pain developed by Dr Chan Gunn: pain in the muscles and their connective tissue where there is often no sign of tissue injury or inflammation. These pain syndromes, which often show up as shortened, super-sensitive bands of muscle, are believed to start with nerve dysfunction. The treatment uses acupuncture needles placed deep within the muscle to release the shortened bands and desensitise the irritated tissue. Physiotherapists use it for myofascial pain that has not settled with other treatment, as part of a wider plan.

Functional dry needling

Functional dry needling places the same fine needles into tight, tender bands of muscle, as one part of a treatment plan that also includes hands-on treatment and exercise.

What to expect

Most people feel a quick prick as the needle goes in, then a deep ache or a brief twitch in the muscle. The area can feel sore afterwards, a bit like after a hard workout. We explain what to expect and check that needling suits you before we start. It is one option among several: you can choose hands-on treatment and exercise without it.