What Can Dry Needling and IMS Be Used For?
Dry needling may be considered when muscle tightness, sensitivity, or altered muscle function is contributing to pain or limiting movement.
Depending on your assessment, it may be incorporated into physiotherapy for conditions and symptoms such as:
- Neck and back pain
- Muscle tightness and stiffness
- Sports injuries
- Muscle strains
- Shoulder pain
- Hip and leg pain
- Repetitive strain and overuse injuries
- Headaches associated with muscular tension
- Persistent musculoskeletal pain
- Restricted movement related to muscle tension
Dry needling isn’t appropriate for every injury or every patient. Your physiotherapist will first assess your condition to determine whether it is a suitable treatment option.
What Does Dry Needling Feel Like?
People respond to dry needling differently. The needles used are very thin, and you may feel little as the needle initially enters the skin.
When a targeted muscle is stimulated, you may experience a brief muscle twitch, cramping sensation, ache, or feeling of pressure. These sensations are generally temporary. Some people also experience temporary muscle soreness following treatment, similar to how a muscle might feel after exercise.
Your physiotherapist will explain what to expect and monitor your comfort throughout treatment.
Functional Dry Needling as Part of Physiotherapy
Dry needling is a treatment technique rather than an entire rehabilitation program.
At Advanced Physiotherapy, we take an individualized approach to care. Your physiotherapist will assess your symptoms, mobility, strength, and physical function to better understand what may be contributing to your problem.
When appropriate, Functional Dry Needling or IMS may be combined with treatments such as manual therapy, mobility exercises, strengthening, stretching, and a personalized home exercise program.
This allows us to address both your current symptoms and the physical factors that may be affecting how you move, work, exercise, or participate in your normal activities.
What’s the Difference Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture?
Dry needling and acupuncture both use fine needles, but they differ in how treatment points are selected and how the techniques are typically applied.
In a physiotherapy setting, Functional Dry Needling is generally based on an assessment of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular system. Needles are placed in specific muscles or tissues identified during your physiotherapy assessment.
Acupuncture can use specific acupuncture points and a different framework for determining where needles are placed.
Advanced Physiotherapy offers both acupuncture and dry needling. Your physiotherapist can discuss the differences with you and determine whether either technique may be appropriate for your condition.
Functional Dry Needling & IMS in Barrhaven
Advanced Physiotherapy has been providing one-on-one physiotherapy to Barrhaven and the surrounding community for more than 25 years. Our focus is on understanding your individual condition and developing a treatment plan based on your symptoms, physical findings, and recovery goals.
If muscle tightness, pain, or restricted movement is keeping you from work, sports, exercise, or everyday activities, Functional Dry Needling or IMS may be one component of your physiotherapy treatment.
Contact Advanced Physiotherapy in Barrhaven to schedule an assessment and find out whether dry needling or IMS is appropriate for you.
