Dry Needling / IMS in Edmonton

Keeping Life in Motion.

Dry Needling & Intramuscular Stimulation at Active Health Collective

Persistent muscle tightness, sensitivity, or pain can make it difficult to move comfortably and stay active. For some musculoskeletal concerns, dry needling or Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) may be an appropriate treatment option.

Active Health Collective offers dry needling / IMS at our Edmonton clinic. Treatment is based on an individual assessment, with your practitioner determining whether the technique is appropriate for your particular concern.

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a treatment technique that uses thin, sterile needles inserted into targeted muscles or soft tissues.

Unlike an injection, nothing is introduced into the body through the needle. The term “dry” needling refers to the fact that no medication or other substance is injected.

The technique may be used as part of the management of certain musculoskeletal concerns involving muscle tension, pain, or altered muscle function.

Practitioner providing dry needling treatment to a patient’s upper back

What Is IMS?

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a specific dry needling approach used in the assessment and treatment of certain neuromuscular and musculoskeletal pain conditions.

IMS uses fine needles inserted into targeted muscles identified through the practitioner’s assessment. The treatment is intended to address muscles and related structures that may be contributing to a patient’s symptoms.

Because IMS requires specific practitioner training, it should only be provided by a qualified healthcare professional within their professional scope of practice.

Dr. Mike has been completed training for dry needling / IMS for neuropathic pain.

Dry Needling vs. IMS: What’s the Difference?

The terms dry needling and IMS are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not necessarily the same thing.

Dry needling is a broader term describing the use of fine needles in muscles and soft tissues for certain musculoskeletal concerns.

IMS refers to a specific approach to needling that uses assessment findings to identify and treat muscles that may be involved in a patient’s pain or dysfunction.

At Active Health Collective, your practitioner can explain the technique they use, why it is being considered, and whether it is appropriate for your individual needs.

What Is Dry Needling / IMS Used For?

Depending on the patient’s assessment and the practitioner’s scope and training, dry needling or IMS may be considered for certain concerns involving:

  • Muscle tension or tightness
  • Muscular pain
  • Restricted or uncomfortable movement
  • Persistent musculoskeletal pain
  • Certain neck and back concerns
  • Activity-related muscle concerns
  • Muscle-related movement limitations

These symptoms can have many different causes, and needling is not appropriate for every patient or condition. An assessment helps determine what may be contributing to your concern and whether dry needling or IMS should be considered.

What to Expect During Dry Needling / IMS

Your practitioner will discuss your symptoms, relevant health history, and treatment goals. An assessment may also be performed to identify the muscles or areas that may be relevant to your concern.

Your practitioner will explain the technique and obtain your consent before proceeding.

Very fine, sterile, single-use needles are inserted into selected muscles or tissues.

The sensations experienced during treatment vary. Some people feel very little when the needle is inserted, while stimulation of the targeted muscle may produce an ache, pressure, or brief muscle response.

Tell your practitioner how you are feeling throughout treatment.

Temporary muscle soreness or tenderness can occur following dry needling or IMS, similar to the feeling that may follow exercise.

Your practitioner will discuss what you can expect following treatment and provide any appropriate recommendations based on your individual care.

Dry Needling / IMS & Rehabilitation

Needling may address one component of a musculoskeletal concern, while movement and exercise may also be relevant to improving strength, mobility, and physical function.

Active Health Collective has a full-time kinesiologist providing therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation at our Edmonton clinic.

When appropriate, patients have access to rehabilitation services alongside dry needling / IMS, chiropractic care, and the clinic’s other treatment options.

Dry Needling / IMS at Active Health Collective

Active Health Collective, formerly Active Chiropractic, provides dry needling / IMS as part of an expanded range of health and rehabilitation services available at our Edmonton clinic.

Other services include:

Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Needling / IMS

No. Although both treatments use thin needles, dry needling and acupuncture are distinct approaches with differences in practitioner training, assessment, treatment rationale, and how treatment points are selected.

Active Health Collective offers both acupuncture and dry needling / IMS.

IMS stands for Intramuscular Stimulation. It is a needling approach used by appropriately trained practitioners for certain neuromuscular and musculoskeletal pain conditions.

Experiences vary. The insertion of the needle may produce little sensation, while treatment of a targeted muscle can sometimes cause an ache, pressure, or brief muscle response. Your practitioner will discuss what to expect and encourage you to communicate throughout treatment.

Yes. Dry needling / IMS is performed using sterile, single-use needles that are disposed of appropriately following treatment.

Some people experience temporary muscle soreness or tenderness after treatment. Your practitioner can explain what to expect and provide appropriate aftercare recommendations.

There is no standard number of treatments appropriate for everyone. Recommendations depend on the concern being addressed, your assessment, response to treatment, and the practitioner’s clinical judgment.

Coverage may depend on the practitioner providing the treatment and the terms of your individual extended health benefits plan. Patients should confirm their coverage directly with their insurer.

Active Health Collective offers dry needling / IMS at our Edmonton clinic, formerly Active Chiropractic.

Active Health Collective
101, 5677-99 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T6E 3N8
Phone: 780-439-4321

Book Dry Needling / IMS in Edmonton

If muscle pain, tension, or restricted movement is interfering with your activities, an assessment can help determine what may be contributing to your concern and whether dry needling / IMS is an appropriate treatment option.

Active Health Collective provides dry needling / IMS alongside chiropractic care, kinesiology and rehabilitation, massage therapy, and additional treatment options in one Edmonton location.