Physiotherapy
Personalized care for pain, injury recovery, mobility, strength, and return to daily activity.
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
Dry needling and IMS in Maple Ridge for tight, painful muscles.
Dry needling and intramuscular stimulation (IMS) use a fine, sterile, single-use needle to target tight or irritable muscles, and may be used alongside exercise and hands-on care as part of your treatment plan.
- ICBC Accepted
- WSBC Support
- Direct Billing
- Open Evenings
- Multidisciplinary Care
About the treatment
What are dry needling and IMS?
Dry needling uses a fine, sterile, single-use needle inserted into muscle to treat tight bands and tender points, often called trigger points, that may be contributing to pain and restricted movement. It is called "dry" because nothing is injected. Many people feel a brief twitch or deep ache in the muscle, followed by an easing of tension.
Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) is an approach to dry needling developed in Vancouver by Dr. Chan Gunn. It is based on the idea that some chronic muscular pain is linked to irritation of the nerves supplying those muscles, so treatment may include muscles near the spine as well as the area where you feel pain.
Needling is used alongside exercise and other hands-on care, not on its own. In British Columbia, physical therapists need additional approved training and certification from their regulatory college before they can offer dry needling.
What treatment may include
Trigger point dry needling
Needling of specific tight, tender spots within a muscle.
Intramuscular stimulation (IMS)
Needling of affected muscles, including those near the spine at related levels, following the Gunn approach.
Movement and exercise follow-up
Stretching, strengthening or movement work after needling, to build on the change in muscle tension.
Hands-on care
Manual therapy and other treatment as part of the same plan.
What we can help with
Is this right for you?
Dry Needling (IMS) may support a range of concerns. Your practitioner will assess your needs and recommend an appropriate plan.
Muscle tightness and trigger points
Neck and shoulder pain
Low back pain
Tension-type headaches
Sports and overuse injuries
Chronic muscular pain
What to expect
Your visit, step by step.
- 1
Assessment
Your practitioner assesses your pain, your movement, and the muscles and nerves involved.
- 2
Suitability check and consent
They review your health history, explain the benefits and risks, and only proceed with your consent.
- 3
Needling treatment
The skin is cleaned, and fine needles are inserted and then removed, usually after a short time. Used needles go straight into a sharps container.
- 4
Movement and exercise follow-up
Treatment is followed by movement or exercise to build on the result.
- 5
Progress review
Your response is reviewed at each visit and the plan adjusted.
Before your visit
Good to know.
- Eat something beforehand — a few people feel lightheaded during needling.
- Soreness like after a hard workout is common for a day or two afterwards, and minor bruising can happen.
- Tell your practitioner if you are pregnant, take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder or a weakened immune system, or have a strong fear of needles.
- Needling near the chest wall carries a small risk of lung injury. Seek urgent care for new shortness of breath or chest pain after treatment.
Why Kinetic Therapy
Connected care, all in one place.
Because our physiotherapists, RMTs, and a kinesiologist work under one roof, your dry needling care can be coordinated with other treatments when helpful — so your recovery feels more connected and complete.
Related services
You might also consider
Cupping Therapy
Suction-based soft tissue treatment that may help ease muscle tension and support recovery.
- Muscle tension and tightness
- Neck, shoulder, and upper back tension
- Low back tightness
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy may be used as part of a treatment plan for certain tendon, muscle, and soft tissue concerns.
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tendon-related pain
- Soft tissue pain
FAQ
Common questions.
Both use fine needles, but dry needling and IMS are based on a Western anatomical and neuromuscular assessment and target specific muscles, while acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles.
Didn't find your answer?
Dry Needling (IMS) in Maple Ridge and nearby. Patients travel to our 238B Street clinic from across the area — see what care looks like in Pitt Meadows, Albion, Silver Valley and Websters Corners, or browse every area we serve.
Ready to start feeling better?
Book online in minutes, or contact our team if you're not sure which service is right for you.