Acupuncture +
IMS (Dry Needling)
Acupuncture and Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) are both forms of dry needling that can be used as part of a physiotherapy treatment plan to help reduce pain, improve movement, and support your body’s natural healing process.
Using fine, sterile needles, your physiotherapist can target specific areas of muscle and soft tissue that may be contributing to pain or restricted movement. Depending on your needs, treatment may include acupuncture, IMS, or dry needling with electrical stimulation as part of a broader physiotherapy treatment plan.
These techniques can be particularly helpful when pain, muscle tension, or sensitivity has become persistent and difficult to resolve with exercise and hands-on treatment alone.
What can we help with?
Acupuncture and IMS may be incorporated into physiotherapy treatment for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Neck and shoulder pain
Low back pain
Hip and pelvic pain
Knee pain
Tendon and overuse injuries
Muscle strains and persistent muscle tension
Sports and running-related injuries
Headaches associated with neck and muscle tension
Chronic or persistent musculoskeletal pain
Frequently asked Questions
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Most people tolerate treatment well. You may feel a brief pinching sensation when the needle is inserted, but this is usually minimal as dry needling uses solid ultra-fine needles (opposed to larger hypodermic needles). With IMS, you may experience a short-lived muscle twitch, ache, or cramping sensation as the muscle responds to the needle.
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It is common to experience some mild soreness or tenderness in the treated area for a day or two, particularly following IMS. Some people notice an improvement in their symptoms immediately, while for others the benefits develop over the following days.
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There is no set number of treatments. The appropriate frequency depends on your condition, symptoms, goals, and response to treatment. Your physiotherapist will reassess your progress and work with you to determine whether acupuncture or IMS should continue as part of your treatment plan.
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It can be, but at Bodyworx it is generally used as part of a comprehensive physiotherapy approach. Needling may help reduce pain or muscle sensitivity, but addressing the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms is an important part of achieving lasting improvement. This may include strengthening, mobility work, movement retraining, and education.
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Both acupuncture and IMS use fine, solid needles, but the way the needles are placed and the treatment techniques used are different.
Acupuncture typically involves placing needles at specific acupuncture points on the body. The needles are generally left in place for a period of time while you relax.
IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation) targets muscles and areas of increased sensitivity or tension. The needles are inserted into the muscle and may be gently moved or “pistoned” to stimulate a brief twitch response. The needles are then removed.
Either of these techniques can be used in combination with electrical stimulation in order to improve the effectiveness of the technique. In these instances a gentle electrical stimulation is placed on the needle while it remains in the targeted tissue.
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In many cases, yes. Your physiotherapist will first complete an assessment and discuss your symptoms, goals, and treatment options. If needling is appropriate and you are comfortable proceeding, it may be incorporated into your initial treatment.
Ready to see if acupuncture or IMS is right for you?
If pain or muscle tension is getting in the way of the activities you enjoy, acupuncture or IMS may be a helpful addition to your physiotherapy treatment.
Book an appointment with a Bodyworx physiotherapist and let’s develop a treatment plan that works for you.
