Dry Needling – Intramuscular Stimulation IMS
Treating musculoskeletal conditions in a modern and effective approach.
About Dry Needling – Intramuscular Stimulation IMS
Dry Needling – Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a modern and effective approach based on Western medicine principles and research, and involves multiple advances of a filament needle into the skin and muscle, in the area of pain or the surrounded area.
The technique uses a sterile, single-use disposable needles, with the main goal to release myofascial trigger points; which are points in the muscle that feels tight and painful on compression, stretch or movement. There are two techniques used in dry needling: pistoning and sparrow pecking. Both of these techniques involve the insertion in-and-out of the needle. This is the main difference of this technique when compared to Acupuncture.
Is Dry Needling – IMS recommended for me?
Dry Needling is one of the techniques utilized by Physiotherapists to support your treatment. A recommended course of treatment can be made after a complete assessment by one of our trained Legacies therapists.
This treatment is commonly used for musculoskeletal problems, such as:
Back, Neck, Shoulder Pain
Chronic Pain
Repetitive Strain Injury
Tendinopathies (Golfer’s Elbow, Tennis Elbow)
Sciatica Pain
Fibromyalgia
Headaches
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Sports Related Injuries
Benefits of Dry Needling IMS:
Dry Needling is a safe and effective alternative treatment. Through the insertion of needles in specific points of the body, this technique:
- Relieves pain, muscle spasm
- Increases flexibility and range of motion
- Increases the blood circulation in the area, promoting the natural healing process
Why Choose Dry Needling IMS at Legacies Health Centre?
We have highly trained professionals with vast experience and modalities to assist in conditions and injuries. We work closely with our and your team to deliver the highest and best outcome possible.
- Experienced and knowledgeable team of clinicians
- Wide range of treatment and services under the same roof
- Convenient locations across the Lower Mainland
- Easy Online Booking
- Free Parking
- Direct Billing available to most services and providers (see list)
Dry Needling – IMS treatment is covered by most extended health insurers through Physiotherapy coverage.
Before Your Appointment
If there are any specific preparations required for your appointment, you will be advised prior to your appointment day.
First & Subsequent Appointments
We recommend not eating too much, nor having an empty stomach for your appointment. Please wear loose fitting and comfortable clothes that can easily be rolled up, or expose the area of treatment. In certain cases, clinicians will give you a gown to wear in order to access the area of treatment.
Your therapist will ask you a few questions, in addition to the comprehensive assessment performed in the initial visit, to determine if this treatment is recommended for you. You will also discuss the treatment and what you should expect from it.
You may feel a twitch (reflexive response of the muscle) when the needle is inserted. When treatment is applied to trigger points, you may feel instant release of tense muscles, decreasing sensitivity, tightness and pain.
You may experience a mild discomfort, mild cramping or a dull ache during treatment. Some individuals may also experience fatigue, dizziness or fainting. Your clinician will monitor your symptoms throughout the session and will decide to continue or interrupt treatment.
Due to the needle insertion, you may also notice a small amount of bleeding at the needle insertion site. This may cause some mild bruising after the treatment.
At the end of the session, you will be reminded to book your follow-up appointments, when needed. You may do that with your clinician, call one of our locations, or book online.
After Your Appointment
You may experience mild muscle soreness and bruising after the treatment. Drink water, stretch, move your body and apply heat to the sore muscles to reduce the duration of the soreness. If you are experiencing any other symptoms at the site of the application, contact us to speak with your therapist.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you do not need a referral for a Dry Needling – IMS appointment.
Yes, needles are sterile and meant for a single-use, so there is no risk of infection or transmission of disease.
Legacies Therapists that utilizes this technique are trained to safely apply the needles, and understands the precautions and contraindications to this technique.
Individuals may experience minimal discomfort during treatment. It is common to feel aching during and after treatment, up to 24 hours. During the treatment, you may also experience a small amount of bleeding at the needle site, which may cause mild bruising afterwards. Individuals may also experience fatigue, dizziness, and fainting.
Dry Needling IMS treatment have very few adverse effects and complications from its use. After treatment, very few individuals presented are dull ache and/or bruising at the site of application, and fainting.
During your appointment, your therapist will be able to assess if the treatment is adequate for your condition and/or injury.
Dry Needling IMS involves the insertion in-and-out of the needle, which may cause a reflexive response of the muscle – like a twitch. When needling the trigger point, it causes a rapid release of a tense muscle band, decreasing tightness and sensitivity. Patients may experience a mild discomfort when occasional twitching occurs, as well as cramping sensation or dull ache during treatment. The dull ache may last up to 24 hours post-treatment.
At Legacies Health Centre, appointments may be booked by phone (604-591-5569), online or in-person. Dry Needling – IMS treatment are booked with Physiotherapists in your preferred location. Visit our contact page to call the most convenient location for you. You may also call our main number 604-591-5569 and choose the most convenient location from the directory.
Generally speaking, most insurance plans offer coverage for this treatment if the plan includes coverage for physiotherapy. Clients should refer to their specific Extended Medical Plan coverage for details on services and coverage available.
If you have coverage, Legacies Health Centre directly bills most Extended Health Plans Take a look at our list of direct billing insurers to see if we direct bill to yours, or call us at 604-591-5569 to confirm.
If your plan is not in our list of direct billing providers, Legacies provides a medical receipt to be used on request for reimbursement.
Locations That Offer Dry Needling – IMS
Burnaby Market Crossing
7324 Market Crossing, Burnaby
Phone: 604-591-5569 (press 3 for Market Crossing)
Book Appointment Online
North Vancouver
1394 Main Street, North Vancouver
Phone: 604-591-5569 (press 4 for North Vancouver)
Book Appointment Online
Surrey Nordel
143 – 12080 Nordel Way, Surrey
Phone: 604-591-5569 (press 1 for Nordel)
Book Appointment Online
Surrey Southpoint
310 – 3091 152 Street, Surrey
Phone: 604-591-5569 (press 2 for Southpoint)
Book Appointment Online
Insurance Claims & Information
Get Back to Health after an Accident or Workplace Injury.
Extended Health Coverage
Legacies Health Centre offers direct billing to most Extended Health plans to the majority of our services. Some services (like Clinical Counselling), do not offer direct billing. In such instances, Legacies provides a medical receipt to be used on request for reimbursement. See an updated list of providers by clicking the ‘Learn More’ button below.
ICBC Insurance Claims
Legacies Practitioners, including Physiotherapists, Massage Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Kinesiologists, all have extensive experience in administering ICBC treatments. We are here to help! Click the ‘learn more’ button for additional details.
WorkSafeBC Claims
Workplace injuries are usually due to trauma or overuse. If you have been injured as a result of a workplace activity, our team of experts at Legacies can perform a comprehensive assessment and develop a treatment plan to reduce your symptoms and rehabilitate your injury.
If your claim is approved by WSBC, your initial assessment is 100% covered with a WorkSafeBC Claim number. Once your claim has been accepted by WorkSafeBC, the full treatment cost of your appointments will be funded (within the approved time parameters). When you are ready, your physiotherapist will work with you, your employer, physician, and WorkSafeBC Case Manager to develop a safe and appropriate return to work plan. If your claim has been denied or is disallowed, the expenses will need to be covered by the Patient
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