Dry Needling (IMS)
Dry needling uses fine acupuncture needles to stimulate tight or sensitive muscle tissue. It may be considered as part of a broader physiotherapy treatment plan when muscle tension, pain, or restricted movement is contributing to a problem.
What dry needling is
Dry needling is a treatment technique used by qualified physiotherapists with additional training from a recognized course provider. It involves inserting a thin, solid acupuncture needle into specific areas of muscle that may be tight, sensitive, or contributing to pain and movement limitation.
This technique is also called IMS, intramuscular stimulation, trigger point dry needling, or functional dry needling, depending on the training approach. While the names vary, the general goal is similar: to help reduce muscle tension and create an opportunity for improved movement.
When it may be considered
Dry needling may be considered when your physiotherapist finds that muscle tension, sensitivity, or trigger points are contributing to your symptoms. It is often used when people are experiencing neuropathic pain, which is another way of saying pain that is generated from a nerve. Quite often this occurs where the nerve exits the spine, or when it passes through tight muscular ‘tunnels’. By releasing muscle tension in these areas, neuropathic pain can be effectively managed with dry needling.
Dry needling is often used alongside other parts of physiotherapy care, such as movement retraining, strengthening, mobility work, education, or activity modification.
It may be used to support treatment for concerns such as:
- nerve irritation (e.g. sciatica)
- muscle tightness or guarding
- pain related to sensitive trigger points
- restricted movement
- recurring tension in a specific area
- difficulty using a muscle effectively
- symptoms that are limiting progress with exercise or movement
Your physiotherapist will help determine whether dry needling is appropriate for your situation.
What to expect
Before dry needling is used, your physiotherapist will assess your symptoms, movement, health history, and treatment goals. They will decide whether or not dry needling could be an appropriate technique to help with your condition. The therapist will then explain the technique, discuss consent, and answer your questions.
During treatment, the needle is inserted into the targeted muscle tissue. You may feel pressure, a brief cramp-like sensation, a pinch, or a quick muscle twitch. This response is usually short-lived. In dry needling, the needle is typically removed within a few seconds rather than being left in place for an extended period.
Some people feel immediate changes in tension or movement. Others notice changes gradually over several treatments. Your physiotherapist will monitor your response to treatment and adjust the plan based on how your body responds.
How IMS differs from acupuncture
Dry needling and acupuncture use similar thin, solid needles, but they are not used in the same way.
In physiotherapy, dry needling is directed at muscle tissue. When dry needling is provided by a physiotherapist, it is used as a physiotherapy technique within your physiotherapy treatment plan.
Acupuncture may use different point selection, treatment reasoning, and needle placement depending on the practitioner’s training. For more information on acupuncture, please see our acupuncture services page.
Safety, fit, and consent
Dry needling is not appropriate for every person or every concern. Your physiotherapist will review your health history, medications, comfort level, and treatment goals before recommending it.
You are always able to ask questions, decline the technique, or stop treatment at any time. If dry needling is not the right fit, your physiotherapist can recommend other treatment options to support your care.
Dry Needling (IMS) is offered by:
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John Howick
physiotherapist -
Kevin Frudd
physiotherapist -
Catherine Bolton
physiotherapist -
Robert Wingert
physiotherapist -
Amy Moffat
physiotherapist -
Jen Jones-Larsen
physiotherapist -
Kevin Stoll
physiotherapist -
Tim Schmidt
physiotherapist -
Cameron Morrow
physiotherapist -
Jessica Abt
physiotherapist -
Jacob Coelho
physiotherapist -
Kyle Hutton
physiotherapist
Related resources
- ISTOP website at istop.org.
- Kinetacore Dry Needling website at kinetacore.com.
- Understanding Dry Needling Risks and Consent by the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta.
