Feel those tiny knots under your skin? That dull ache when you press on certain spots in your shoulders or back? Those frustrating tight points that just won't release no matter how much you stretch?
You're likely dealing with myofascial trigger points—and at Dynamic Physiotherapy in Okotoks, we have an effective solution: dry needling (IMS).
Despite the name, dry needling isn't as scary as it sounds. It's a minimally invasive technique that relieves pain, improves mobility, and helps you get back to your active life—often after other treatments have failed.
What is Dry Needling Physiotherapy?
Dry needling physiotherapy, also known as Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), is a therapeutic technique that relieves muscle pain and improves range of motion. Licensed physiotherapists use thin, sterile needles to target myofascial trigger points—those tight knots in your muscles caused by injury, overuse, or poor posture.
The term "dry" simply means no medication or solution is injected—just the needle itself creates the therapeutic effect.
At Dynamic Physiotherapy, we often combine dry needling with other treatments like:
- Manual therapy and stretching
- Strengthening exercises
- Heat or ice therapy
- Postural correction
This comprehensive approach ensures faster, more lasting relief.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Trigger points are tight bands of muscle fibers that form from injuries, repetitive movements, or chronic tension. These knots restrict blood flow, compress nerves, and create pain that can radiate to other areas.
When we insert a dry needle into a trigger point, it:
✓ Stimulates nerve fibers to interrupt pain signals
✓ Creates a "twitch response" that releases muscle tension
✓ Increases blood flow and oxygen to promote healing
✓ Resets the muscle from its tightened state
The result? The tight muscle relaxes, pain decreases, and your range of motion improves—often within the first session.
What to Expect During Your Dry Needling Session
Before Treatment:
Your physiotherapist will assess your condition, locate trigger points by palpating the area, and explain what to expect.
During Treatment:
- We sterilize the treatment area
- Insert thin, sterile needles into identified trigger points
- You may feel a brief pinch, dull ache, or quick muscle twitch (this is normal and indicates the muscle is responding)
- Needles typically remain in place for 5-15 minutes, depending on the technique used
Number of needles varies by condition: A single shoulder trigger point may need 1-2 needles, while back treatment along the spine might require 10-15.
After Treatment:
Your physiotherapist removes the needles, checks for any skin reactions, and ensures you're feeling stable before you leave. You may experience mild muscle soreness for 24-48 hours—similar to post-workout soreness.
Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture: What's the Difference?
While both use needles, they're fundamentally different:
Acupuncture:
- Based on traditional Chinese medicine
- Treats entire body systems along energy meridians
- Generally painless
- Focuses on balancing "qi"
Dry Needling (IMS):
- Based on Western anatomy and neuroscience
- Targets specific muscle trigger points
- Uses strong stimulation to release tight muscles
- Focuses on treating localized pain before it spreads
For muscle-based pain and trigger points, dry needling provides more direct, targeted relief.
Benefits of Dry Needling Therapy
Increased Blood Flow
Trigger points restrict circulation, starving muscles of oxygen. Dry needling deactivates these points, improving blood flow and delivering nutrients needed for healing.
Reduced Pain
By releasing trigger points and taking pressure off nerves and joints, dry needling reduces both localized muscle pain and radiating pain.
Improved Range of Motion
Tight muscles limit your movement. Releasing trigger points through dry needling—combined with a physiotherapy program—restores flexibility and strength.
Faster Healing
The micro-trauma from needling triggers your body's natural healing response, promoting collagen formation and tissue repair.
Minimally Invasive
No medication, no surgery, no downtime. Sessions take about 30 minutes, and you can return to normal activities immediately (though some soreness is normal).
What Conditions Does Dry Needling Treat?
We use dry needling successfully for:
- Lower back pain and sciatica
- Neck pain and headaches
- Shoulder pain and rotator cuff issues
- TMJ (jaw pain)
- Tennis or golfer's elbow
- Hip pain and IT band syndrome
- Calf strains and plantar fasciitis
- Whiplash and sports injuries
- Chronic tension from poor posture
If you have muscle-based pain, tightness, or limited mobility, dry needling may help.
Side Effects: What to Expect
Most patients tolerate dry needling well, but some temporary side effects can occur:
Muscle Soreness (24-48 hours)
The most common side effect. Treat it with light stretching, gentle massage, or ice/heat.
Mild Discomfort During Treatment
You may feel pressure or a brief ache when needles target tight muscles. This typically decreases as muscles release.
Minor Bruising or Bleeding
Rare, but possible—especially if you're on blood thinners or have sensitive skin.
Temporary Redness
Some people experience mild redness at insertion sites, which resolves quickly.
Serious complications are extremely rare when performed by licensed physiotherapists using sterile technique.
Who Shouldn't Get Dry Needling?
Dry needling may not be suitable if you have:
- Severe fear of needles
- Blood clotting disorders or are on blood thinners
- Active infections or compromised immune system
- Recent surgery in the treatment area
- Pregnancy (discuss with your physiotherapist)
- Children under 12
Your physiotherapist will assess your suitability during your initial consultation.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Treatment plans vary based on your condition:
- Acute issues: Often improve in 2-3 sessions
- Chronic conditions: May require 4-6 sessions for lasting relief
Results typically last several days after your first session and progressively longer with subsequent treatments.
To maximize results:
- Stay hydrated
- Do prescribed stretches and exercises
- Apply ice or heat as recommended
- Maintain regular physical activity
- Avoid excessive alcohol
Experience Expert Dry Needling in Okotoks
At Dynamic Physiotherapy, all our physiotherapists are IMS-certified and experienced in identifying and treating trigger points effectively. We'll make you comfortable throughout treatment and create a comprehensive plan to ensure lasting relief.
Ready to release those stubborn trigger points? Book your assessment today.
Steve Hansen
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