IMS and Dry Needling in Vancouver

What is intramuscular therapy (IMS) or dry needling?

Intramuscular stimulation, or IMS, uses a thin solid filament needle to reach a tight band of muscle called a trigger point. Trigger points can ache where they sit, send pain somewhere else, and limit how far a joint moves.

At Collingwood Physiotherapy, IMS is done by our registered physiotherapists as part of a physiotherapy session at our Kingsway and Joyce clinics.

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IMS and Dry Needling

IMS

Your physiotherapist assesses the nerve and muscle pattern behind your pain, then uses a thin needle to release the trigger points driving it.

Dry needling

The broad term for treating a trigger point with a needle that carries no medication, which is where the word “dry” comes from. At our clinic, dry needling and IMS are the same treatment, always done by a registered physiotherapist.

What an IMS Session Looks Like

Assessment First

Your physiotherapist reviews your health history and checks whether the area is suitable for IMS before any needle is used.

Skin Preparation

The skin is cleaned with Stanhexidine and your physiotherapist uses a sterile, single-use needle.

Treating the Trigger Point

You may feel heaviness, an ache or a brief cramp as the muscle releases. The sensation usually settles quickly.

Back to Your Plan

IMS sits inside your physiotherapy plan, alongside hands-on treatment and exercises you can keep doing at home.

IMS Can Help With

Your physiotherapist suggests IMS when a trigger point is part of what is driving your pain.

IMS Is Not Suitable If You

Are pregnant
Have a pacemaker
Have an active infection

Before Your Appointment

Have a light snack
Skip caffeine, alcohol and nicotine for 2 hours before and after
Wear clothing that gives easy access to the area

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   K 
 161 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been seeing Daisy for physio and IMS needling for several years now, and I can’t recommend her enough. She is incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and skilled at what she does. She always takes the time to explain what she’s doing and why, and makes sure I fully understand the exercises and treatment plan.
  
 
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   Mohammed Ali 
 162 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend Dr. Aimee Chen atCollingwood Physiotherapy! I've been seeing her for a workplace injury, and the fact that they do direct claims with WorkSafeBC makes the whole process so easy.

Dr. Amy is a wonderful listener, asks great questions, and constantly updates your treatment plan based on how you're recovering week by week. The exercise videos she sends for home care are incredibly helpful and easy to follow. Excellent, attentive service-I will definitely keep coming back here!
  
 
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   Héloïse 
 877 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been going regularly to this clinic for about a year now, and I have nothing but good words about their services. I’m a karate athlete with changing needs, and Ernest (physio) always finds what’s wrong and how to improve it, with dry needling, cupping and exercises. Mike (massage) helps me a lot to recover and get rid of tensions, also by giving me exercises to help at home. The staff is friendly and very professional; they help me train, perform and recover better. The clinic is always perfectly clean. Thank you so much!
  
 
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   jeff 
 1110 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a great bike fit with Ernest! During the first appointment he gave me a thorough breakdown of my anatomy with measurements. Then we did some flexibility work. He suggested a few at-home loaded stretches to help open my hips. The following appointment was the fit. Ernest explained each step patiently. This allowed me to understand what he was adjusting and why. I've since done my longest ride to-date without any pain or numbness. Two things I encountered often before the fit. I'm glad I booked the with Ernest. Looking forward to many future long rides!

On an un-related topic to the bike fit, and more of a general physiotherapy review, I was nearing the end of rehabbing a calf injury but was reluctant to continue running. Ernest gave me some strength tests, dry needling, and recommendations for what strength/plyometric work to do at home so I could return to sport. Gave me the confidence I needed to run without fear of re-injury. Great guy!
  
 
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   Ryan Torio 
 1491 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ernest is a true professional! I had my bike fit done by him, which also included some physiotherapy and IMS treatment. Ernest was very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the entire process, dialing my bike in just right. I’ll be sure to return to Ernest for any physiotherapy and bike fit needs!
  
 
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   Jonas Liang 
 1507 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staffs are super friendly and accommodating. Both Ernest and Dave are great to work with. Their treatments definitely helped a lot on reducing my back and shoulder pain.

Ernest is one of the very few physios who will actually work on my muscle rather than asking me to do exercises. I particularly like his needling treatment. It always helped a lot on relaxing my muscle tension.

Just a side note, if you road bike, you have to try his bike fitting. His fitting is not the high tech style. He actually feels your hip motion and observes your body constraints and tailors the fitting based on your body flexibility. I got huge relief on lower back pain after my fitting (this is the second bike fitting I had with my current bike). Will definitely recommend.
  
 
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   Marianne Carmela Mendoza 
 1531 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best physio I've ever been to.  Their exercises and treatments are really making a difference.  They also do IMS (intramuscular stimulation) acupuncture.

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FAQs

What does IMS stand for?

IMS stands for intramuscular stimulation. It is a physiotherapy technique that uses a thin dry needle to release a tight band of muscle called a trigger point.

Is IMS the same as dry needling?

Dry needling is the general term for needling a trigger point with a needle that carries no medication. IMS is a specific approach to dry needling that assesses the nerve and muscle pattern behind the pain first. At Collingwood Physiotherapy, the two mean the same treatment.

Does IMS hurt?

You may feel heaviness, an ache, or a brief cramping sensation when the needle reaches the trigger point. The sensation usually settles quickly.

Is IMS covered by insurance or ICBC?

Because IMS is done inside a physiotherapy session, extended health plans that cover physiotherapy generally apply. On an ICBC claim, a small user fee may apply for IMS provided as part of physiotherapy. Our FAQs and Rates page lists current fees.

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