Gets to the Muscle That’s Actually Causing the Problem
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IMS, also known as dry needling, uses thin needles inserted into tight muscle bands and trigger points to release tension and calm irritated nerves. It’s often confused with acupuncture because it uses similar fine needles, but the two are different: IMS targets specific muscle and nerve sites based on your physical assessment, not traditional acupuncture points.
IMS is typically used for chronic muscle and nerve-related pain that hasn’t responded well to other treatments, the kind of pain that shows up without a clear injury on an X-ray or MRI.
IMS isn’t a technique every physiotherapist can offer. It requires specific certification beyond standard physiotherapy training, and at Mary Physiotherapy, it’s delivered by certified team member, trained specifically in IMS assessment and treatment.
That matters because IMS relies on precise, individualized needle placement based on your specific muscle and nerve presentation and not a standard set of points. Our certified physiotherapist works from a real physical assessment every time, and coordinates your IMS treatment in Chilliwack with the rest of your care, so it’s part of one connected plan rather than a stand-alone session.
Targeted needling for muscle tension and nerve irritation that hasn't responded to other treatments, the kind of pain that often shows up without a clear cause on imaging.
IMS used to address deep muscle tightness from repetitive strain or chronic sports injuries, often alongside your existing rehab program.
Needling applied to muscle tension in the neck and upper back that's contributing to recurring headaches.
IMS used to release the surrounding muscle tightness that often accompanies restricted shoulder movement.
Treatment targeting the muscle and nerve irritation patterns associated with sciatic pain, as part of a broader pain management plan.
For pain that's persisted well past the expected healing window, IMS addresses the muscle and nerve component that manual therapy alone may not fully resolve.
IMS sessions coordinated with your ongoing physiotherapy program, so needling and rehab exercises work toward the same recovery goals rather than running as separate tracks.
IMS addresses muscle tightness and nerve irritation directly, rather than just managing pain around it.
Reaches muscle layers that manual therapy and massage often can't access as precisely.
Frequently used for chronic pain that's persisted despite physiotherapy, massage, or medication.
Each session builds on the last, with many patients noticing progressive improvement in muscle tension and pain over a course of treatment rather than after a single visit
Vibhu Mittal, BSc. PT (2001), brings over 17 years of experience across government hospitals, private clinics, and diverse settings in two countries. With expertise in orthopedics, neurology, and sports physiotherapy, she’s further trained in Kinesiotaping, Functional Dry Needling, Vestibular Rehabilitation, and spinal manipulation across the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and full spine.
I’m a Physiotherapist with 3+ years of clinical experience in India. I completed my BPT from Lovely Professional University and have experience in hospital, private, and home-based rehabilitation. I’m currently working as a Physiotherapy Assistant (PTA) at Mary Physiotherapy Clinic in Chilliwack, BC.
Hello, my name is Simranjot Kaur, and I am a dedicated and friendly Medical Office Assistant with a background in Computer Information Systems. My education has helped me develop strong computer, communication, organizational, and administrative skills.
We evaluate your pain pattern, medical history, and prior treatments to determine whether IMS is appropriate for your condition.
Your physiotherapist identifies the specific tight muscle bands and nerve-irritated areas contributing to your pain, this is what guides needle placement, not a standard chart.
Thin needles are inserted into the identified muscle sites. You may feel a brief cramping or aching sensation as the muscle responds, a sign the treatment is working, not a red flag.
We'll walk you through what to expect afterward (mild soreness is common for a day or two) and how to care for the treated area.
Since IMS results build cumulatively, we reassess after each session and adjust treatment sites based on how your muscles are responding.
Once your goals are met, we discuss whether occasional maintenance sessions make sense or whether treatment concludes.
IMS requires specific certification beyond standard physiotherapy training. Our treatment is delivered by a physiotherapist who holds that certification, not general staff applying a technique they've only partially trained in.
Unlike acupuncture's fixed meridian points, every needle site is chosen based on a physical assessment of your specific muscle tightness and nerve irritation.
If physiotherapy, massage, or medication haven't fully addressed your chronic pain, IMS specifically targets the nerve and muscle component those approaches can miss.
IMS results build session over session. We reassess your muscle response each visit and adjust treatment sites accordingly, rather than repeating the same protocol regardless of progress.
Because IMS is so often confused with acupuncture, we walk you through exactly what it is, why it's different, and what sensations to expect, before a single needle goes in.
Your IMS sessions are planned alongside your physiotherapy program here, so needling and rehab work toward the same outcome rather than running as two disconnected treatments.
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No. IMS uses similar needles but targets specific muscle and nerve sites based on a physical assessment, not traditional acupuncture points, and is grounded in neurophysiological principles rather than acupuncture theory.
You may feel a brief cramping or aching sensation when the needle reaches a tight muscle band — this is a normal part of the treatment response, not a sign of injury.
IMS results are cumulative, so most patients need a series of sessions rather than a single visit. Your physiotherapist will outline an expected course based on your condition.
IMS is generally safe when performed by a certified, trained physiotherapist. Minor bruising or soreness at the needle site is common and typically resolves within a day or two.
Chronic muscle and nerve-related pain, including neck and back pain, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, sciatica, and tension headaches, particularly when other treatments haven’t fully resolved the issue.
Mild soreness for a day or two afterward is common and normal, similar to the feeling after a deep muscle massage.
Physiotherapy addresses movement, strength, and function broadly. IMS specifically targets deep muscle tension and nerve irritation using needling, the two are often used together as part of one plan.
Yes, IMS Intramuscular Stimulation is covered by most extended health plans. Coverage details can vary depending on your specific plan, so we recommend checking with your provider or asking our team to help verify your coverage before your appointment.
Helpful insights on physiotherapy, rehabilitation, injury recovery, and staying active from the team at Mary Physiotherapy in Chilliwack.
