IMS & Dry Needling in Victoria.
Intramuscular dry needling can reduce pain, while increasing flexibility and range of motion by:
Intramuscular Dry Needling.
IMS is an invasive procedure in which acupuncture-type needles are inserted into the skin and muscle. It is a physical therapy modality used in conjunction with other therapies to treat myofascial and muscular pain.
IMS/Dry Needling involves insertion of filament needles into the muscles that have contracted and become shortened. These shortened muscles compress and irritate the nerves. The aim of IMS/Dry Needling is to achieve a local twitch response to release muscle tension and pain. It is an effective treatment for chronic pain, such as chronic low back pain and sciatica symptoms.
This technique is unequaled in finding and eliminating neuromuscular dysfunction. The needles used are very thin and most subjects do not feel the needles penetrate the skin. The needle sites can be targeted at the site of taut, painful muscle bands, and/or can be near the spine where the nerve root may have become irritated and super-sensitive.
A healthy muscle feels very little discomfort with insertion of this needle. However, if the muscle is sensitive, shortened or has active trigger points within it, the subject will feel pain as a sensation like a muscle cramp -‘the twitch or cramping response’. This sensation lasts only a few seconds.
The number of treatments required depends on several factors: your general health, the duration and extent of your condition, how much scar tissue there is and how quickly your body can heal. The rate of healing also depends on the condition of your nerves. If the pain is of recent origin, one treatment may be all that is necessary. The average person responds very well within 4 to 6 treatments.
IMS has a remarkable success rate, as proven by the elimination of symptoms and signs, even for chronic pain.
Who provides IMS at Diversified Health
All three of our physiotherapists use dry needling: Kanu Priya (IMS), Ivy Elling-Quaintance (AN-IMS) and Spirit Donahue. It’s usually combined with hands-on treatment and exercise.
Common uses
- Low back pain and sciatica
- Neck pain and tension headaches
- Tennis elbow and shoulder pain
- Tight hip, thigh and calf muscles, including running injuries
Prefer no needles? Ask about eToims needleless IMS.
IMS FAQs
Is IMS the same as acupuncture?
Both use fine needles, but IMS targets tight, irritated muscles based on a physiotherapy assessment. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles.
Does IMS hurt?
You may feel a brief cramp or twitch when the needle reaches a tight muscle. Some people feel sore for a day or two afterwards.
Is IMS covered by insurance?
IMS is part of a physiotherapy visit, so it’s usually covered under your physiotherapy benefits. We bill most extended health plans directly.
Book an IMS appointment online · Call (250) 382-0018 · 1063 Fort St, Victoria
