Many people feel a bit nervous when they hear the word "needles," but dry needling (also known as Intramuscular Stimulation or IMS) is a highly therapeutic and safe treatment. At Dynamic Physiotherapy, our trained physiotherapists use this technique to help Okotoks residents move better and feel stronger.
If you have "muscle knots" that are painful to the touch, you are likely experiencing trigger points. These tight bands of muscle restrict movement and cause referred pain. Dry needling is one of the most effective ways to release these points and restore your quality of life.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a modern, evidence-based treatment used to treat musculoskeletal pain. While it uses similar needles to acupuncture, the philosophy is different. Dry needling targets specific myofascial trigger points—the actual source of muscle tension—to improve range of motion and deactivate pain.
Because no medication is injected through the needle (hence the term "dry"), it is a natural way to stimulate your body’s own healing mechanisms.
5 Key Benefits of Dry Needling
1. Accelerating Natural Healing
The body is designed to heal itself, but chronic stress, age, or recurring injury can slow this process down. Dry needling creates "micro-lesions" in the tissue, which triggers the brain to send fresh blood and oxygen to the area, boosting the natural repair cycle.
2. Rapidly Reducing Muscle Tension
When a muscle is stuck in a contracted state, it forms a painful knot. During treatment, your physiotherapist inserts a thin needle into that knot, often producing a "local twitch response." This is the muscle's way of resetting and finally relaxing.
3. Improving Blood Flow & Circulation
Poor circulation can lead to numbness, tingling, and slow recovery. By relaxing the tight bands of muscle that compress local vessels, dry needling helps restore healthy blood flow and oxygenation to your tissues.
4. Restoring Range of Motion
Whether you are an athlete or someone managing a desk job, stiffness can stop you from doing what you love. By releasing the tension in your primary movers, dry needling helps restore fluid, pain-free movement.
5. Managing Chronic Pain Conditions
We successfully use dry needling to treat a variety of conditions, including:
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Tendinitis and Rotator Cuff pain.
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Sciatica and Disc issues.
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TMJ (Jaw pain).
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Headaches and Migraines.
Dry Needling for Runners in Okotoks
Running the pathways in Okotoks or training for your next marathon can lead to overuse injuries. Many athletes prefer dry needling because it offers drug-free pain relief. It is particularly effective for common running injuries like:
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Plantar Fasciitis
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Achilles Tendonitis
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IT Band Syndrome
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Hamstring and Calf strains
A single session can often provide noticeable relief, though a series of treatments is usually recommended for long-term athletic performance.
Is Dry Needling Safe? Understanding the Risks
While dry needling is safe, like any clinical treatment, there are minor side effects to be aware of:
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Temporary Soreness: You may feel like you’ve had a tough workout for 24–48 hours after treatment.
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Bruising: Small bruises at the insertion site can occur, especially if you are on blood thinners.
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Fatigue: Some patients feel tired or slightly lightheaded immediately after—staying hydrated and eating before your session helps significantly.
What to Expect During Your Session
A typical session at Dynamic Physiotherapy lasts about 30 minutes. Your therapist will identify your specific trigger points and carefully insert sterile, single-use needles.
Pro Tip: After your session, drink plenty of water and keep the area moving with gentle stretching. Movement helps the muscle integrate the "reset" it just received.
Common Treatment Areas
We provide targeted dry-needling for several key areas:
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The Hip: An excellent alternative to steroid injections for bursitis or arthritis pain.
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The Neck: Ideal for releasing tension from poor posture or "tech neck."
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The Knee: Helps reduce downtime for those with runner's knee or osteoarthritis.
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The Shoulder: Restores mobility for impingement or frozen shoulder symptoms.
Book Your Assessment in Okotoks
You don't have to live with chronic "knots" and muscle stiffness. At Dynamic Physiotherapy, our highly trained team is here to help you return to your active lifestyle safely and effectively.
Steve Hansen
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