Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)

What is intramuscular therapy (IMS) or dry needling?

IMS/Dry Needling is a treatment technique that uses a solid filament needle to penetrate the skin in order to reach a myofascial trigger point within a muscle.

Trigger points are taut bands within a muscle that may cause local and referred pain as well as limit movement.

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FAQ's

How is IMS/Dry Needling different than acupuncture?

While using the same needles, IMS is not acupuncture. IMS uses anatomical landmarks of the body to locate and treat trigger points to relieve pain and improve overall function; whereas traditional acupuncture targets specific points on the body that exist along meridians.

Is My Condition Suitable for IMS Therapy?

Like acupuncture, there are contraindications to IMS therapy. Specifically, if you are pregnant, or have a pacemaker, or an active infection, you are not a suitable candidate for IMS therapy. At Collingwood Physiotherapy, our physiotherapists have received extensive training in the appropriate use of sterile, single use dry needles. Your therapist will ask questions about your health history and perform a detailed assessment to determine if your treatment area is suitable for IMS therapy.

What is the Treatment Experience Like?

During the session, the therapist will clean the skin with Stanhexidine. When the needle is inserted into the taut muscle or trigger point, you may experience a feeling of heaviness, achiness or a cramping sensation of that muscle. Your therapist may then decide to leave the needles in place for a period of time or remove then immediately.

How Do I Prepare for an IMS Therapy Session?

Have a light snack prior to your session.
Refrain from caffeine, alcohol and nicotine at least 2 hours prior and after.
Bring appropriate clothing for the area to be treated: tank top, shorts etc.

Our Happy Patients

       
 4.8
 4.8
 Top Rated Service 
   Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Brunna Nichi 
 15 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +4
I first started going to this clinic after seeing a recommendation in a Facebook group called Vancouver Girls Ask. I absolutely love this place. It’s clean, organized, and welcoming. The reception team is always kind and helpful. Their website is well organized too, which makes booking and managing appointments easy. The location is also very convenient since it’s literally right across from the SkyTrain station. I do physiotherapy with Simeon. From the very beginning, he has been extremely honest, attentive, and careful with me. I can be very conscious of my body, my form, and whether I’m doing things correctly, but with his guidance, I feel calm, strong, and taken care of. For massages, I see Jared, and I love how he keeps every session innovative and personalized. He always starts by asking what I would like to work on, and somehow I’m constantly discovering tiny muscles I didn’t even know existed 😂. Every session feels different and intentional, and I always leave feeling like we actually worked on what my body needed that day. Both Simeon and Jared are incredibly professional, friendly, and genuinely caring. My husband also gets his massages here with Tuan and has nothing but good things to say about his experience as well. One little tip if you’re someone like me who likes to book weekly appointments: book in advance! Especially once you know your work schedule, because their appointments can fill up quickly. Overall, I genuinely love coming here and feel very lucky to have found such a great clinic. Highly recommend! 💜
  
 
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   andrew 
 54 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been seeing Alex for my physio sessions and he is very friendly and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend him as he has helped me with different injuries while using different treatment options. The front desk staff were all extremely friendly and diligent as well. Overall, it is a great physio place option.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Naomi G 
 64 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Many thanks to Alex Li is very professional and helpful to treat my problems including my wrist, knee, neck, upper back and lower back pain. He is also very friendly and good communication when he is providing the service.
  
 
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   Andy 
 70 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Such a great experience, everyone is super helpful and friendly! Mike helped me rid of a pain I’ve had for a very long time and I left feeling great! 😊
  
 
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   Marvil 
 74 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the amazing team at the Collingwood Physiotherapy-Joyce for the exceptional care I received throughout my recovery journey. A very special thank you to my physiotherapists-William Huang,Mason Huang, Aimee  Chen & Simeon Leung.Each of you played an important role in my rehabilitation,providing expert care, encouragement,patience and personalized treatment.Your dedication helped me regain my strength,improve my mobility,and gave me the confidence to keep moving forward.I truly appreciate the knowledge and compassion you shared at every visit. I would also like to sincerely thank my Massage therapist Ian Durana for your outstanding treatments.Your skillful care helped relieve my pain,reduce tension,and complemented my physiotherapy perfectly.Your professionalism and kindness made every session both therapeutic and encouraging. To all the receptionists specially Liza and support staff, thank you for always greeting me with warm smiles,kindness and genuine care.You made every appointment easy and welcoming, and your positive attitude brightened my day. I feel truly blessed to have been cared for by such an incredible team. Thank you all for your hard work,compassion,and commitment to helping your patients heal.I highly recommend this clinic to anyone looking for knowledgeable professionals who truly care about their patients.May God bless each one of you, and thank you for making such a positive difference in my life.Until next time!!!!-Marites V.
  
 
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   Ammm M 
 77 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was treated by William Huang. He was encouraging and informative and helped tailor my exercise routine. Front desk staff were excellent.
  
 
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   Deanna Sue 
 117 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +1
I really appreciate Simeon's patience and expertise. Having been injured before it was important to me that he took the time to hear about my past injuries and gave me a personalized treatment plan that worked for what I needed. Thank you to the team who made me feel comfortable and at ease! I definitely recommend checking them out!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   K 
 120 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.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Mohammed Ali 
 121 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!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Isla 
 139 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ryan is very professional and kind. He's a great physiotherapist.

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Benefits Of IMS

Faster Healing and Recovery

By releasing shortened, tight muscles and restoring proper nerve-muscle communication, the body can heal properly.

Circulation and Blood Flow

By relaxing the muscle fibers, normal blood flow is restored

Improved Mobility and Range of Motion

IMS therapy loosens tight muscles, giving your joints and soft tissues the freedom to move the way they’re supposed to.

Long-Term Pain Relief

Instead of temporarily numbing pain like medications, IMS works by correcting the underlying problem: irritated nerves and dysfunctional muscles. Once those muscles are released and reset, they’re less likely to spasm, tighten, or trap you in that pain cycle again.

Our Locations

We are proud to now serve the Collingwood community from two convenient locations, making it easier for you to access the care and support you need close to home.