IMS, Dry Needling, and Acupuncture in Port Moody
Targeted Physiotherapy Treatment for Muscle Pain and Tension
IMS, dry needling, and acupuncture are treatment techniques used in physiotherapy to address muscle tension, pain, and movement dysfunction. At KinCoast Physiotherapy, these techniques are used as part of a comprehensive physiotherapy program to support recovery, improve movement, and reduce pain.
Needling treatments are always guided by a thorough assessment and are combined with active rehabilitation to support long-term results.
What Is IMS and Dry Needling?
IMS, or Intramuscular Stimulation, and dry needling involve the use of fine, sterile needles inserted into specific areas of muscle tissue.
These techniques are used to:
- Reduce muscle tightness and trigger points
- Improve muscle activation and coordination
- Decrease pain associated with muscle dysfunction
- Restore normal neuromuscular function
Dry needling does not involve medication or injections.
What Is Acupuncture in Physiotherapy?
Acupuncture used in physiotherapy is based on anatomy, biomechanics, and movement science. While it shares similarities with traditional acupuncture, physiotherapy acupuncture is used specifically to support pain reduction, muscle relaxation, and tissue healing as part of an overall treatment plan.
At KinCoast, acupuncture is used selectively and in combination with other physiotherapy treatments.
How IMS, Dry Needling, and Acupuncture Help
Muscle tightness and trigger points can affect how joints move and how the body functions as a whole. Needling techniques may help by:
- Releasing tight or overactive muscles
- Improving blood flow to affected tissues
- Reducing pain sensitivity
- Improving movement patterns
These effects often allow patients to move more comfortably and participate more effectively in rehabilitation exercises.
Conditions Treated With IMS, Dry Needling, and Acupuncture
These techniques are commonly used as part of physiotherapy treatment for:
- Neck pain and back pain
- Headaches and jaw pain including TMJ
- Sports injuries and muscle strains
- Shoulder, hip, and knee pain
- Overuse and repetitive strain injuries
- Chronic and persistent pain
- Postural and movement-related dysfunction
Your physiotherapist will determine whether needling techniques are appropriate for your condition.
What to Expect During Treatment
During IMS, dry needling, or acupuncture treatment, your physiotherapist will:
- Explain the purpose of needling and how it fits into your care
- Review any precautions or contraindications
- Insert fine needles into targeted muscle areas
- Monitor your response during and after treatment
Some patients experience a brief ache, muscle twitch, or pressure sensation. These responses are normal and usually short-lived.
How Needling Fits Into Physiotherapy Care
IMS, dry needling, and acupuncture are not standalone treatments. At KinCoast, they are used to support a broader physiotherapy approach that includes:
- Manual therapy
- Exercise therapy
- Movement retraining
- Postural education
This integrated approach helps ensure symptom relief leads to lasting improvement.
Is IMS or dry needling painful?
Most patients tolerate needling very well. Sensations vary and may include a brief ache or muscle twitch. Treatment is always adjusted to your comfort level.
What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?
Dry needling and IMS focus on muscle and nerve function, while acupuncture in physiotherapy is used to support pain relief and tissue healing. Both are based on anatomical assessment and movement analysis.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions depends on your condition and response to treatment. Needling is typically combined with exercise and other physiotherapy treatments.
Is needling safe?
Yes. IMS, dry needling, and acupuncture are safe when performed by a licensed physiotherapist following a thorough assessment.
Can needling help chronic pain?
Yes. These techniques can be helpful for chronic pain when combined with education, movement-based therapy, and progressive exercise.
Testimonials
What our clients say.
Spent months rehabbing a shoulder injury with Mitch and Alan, and they’re both exceptional. Smart, respectful, detail-oriented, and genuinely committed to getting you ... Read More
Alan and Mitch and Prim (the pup) are the best in POMO; go above and beyond and fun to work with!
My first appointment with Mitch today! Great space. I like the thoroughness and the technology implemented into the assessment. Looking forward to more ... Read More
I had a 1hr session with Mitch. He was thorough and had a great understanding of how to alleviate my persistent hip pain. I can't recommend his services enough. I'm now ... Read More
Awesome as always! Mitch is always amazing at what he does. He genuinely cares for his patients and is so good at what he does. My family won’t go anywhere else!
When I first started seeing the KinCoast team, I was in such severe pain that I couldn't even put on my cardigan by myself. Living with chronic pain left me feeling ... Read More
KinCoast has helped me several times over the last few years dealing with pregnancy and postpartum issues. I highly recommend it. The owners Ruxi and Mitch are both nice ... Read More
I had severe knee injuries, and Taylor helped me recover very quickly. She is detail-oriented and explains everything about injury, exercises, and recovery procedures. ... Read More
A year ago, I couldn't even sit because of the pain in my back. Ruxi, Mitch, Dylan, Izzy, and Harmon have worked a miracle - I'm bending, stretching, able to exercise, ... Read More
Kincoast is an amazing physiotherapy group! It is bright and the staff are all so very amazing and have helped me tremendously! It's like going to see friends who work ... Read More
Izzy is just fabulous! So thorough and thoughtful effective and encouraging. I’ve been a complex case and she has impressed me particularly with the wide range of ... Read More
amazing clinic i’ve been with all the workers and they’re all super talented at what they do and are all really nice. highly recommend
I liked one of their physical therapists that was there but after she left I didn’t like the service anymore. So I just followed my PT to their other place now.
I've been going to Kincoast clinic for a few months and very happy with overall experience. After my injury, Ruxi and her team made me feel comfortable from my first ... Read More
By far the best physio clinic I’ve been to for treatment for migraine and neck/shoulder pain. Ruxi & Mitch are both fantastic and I leave feeling better every time. ... Read More