Dry Needling and IMS in Edmonton: What to Expect and How It Helps

Chronic muscle tightness, persistent pain, and limited mobility can interfere with your daily life and physical performance. At Reach Sports Physiotherapy & Hand Clinic, one of the advanced tools we use to address these issues is Dry Needling in Edmonton, also known as Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS).

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture: Understanding the Key Differences

Though both Dry Needling and acupuncture use similar fine needles, they are based on very different principles. Acupuncture stems from traditional Chinese medicine and aims to restore energy balance through meridians in the body. In contrast, Dry Needling is rooted in Western medicine, specifically targeting myofascial trigger points—tight, painful knots within muscles—to treat neuromuscular conditions. 

The Patient Experience: What Happens During a Dry Needling Session?

Before starting Dry Needling, your Reach physiotherapist will conduct a thorough initial assessment to determine if the technique is appropriate for your condition. Once treatment begins, the therapist uses sterile, single-use needles to penetrate specific muscle trigger points. You may feel a quick twitch or a deep ache—these are normal responses that signal the muscle is reacting.

Sessions are typically short, and most patients report a noticeable reduction in muscle tightness soon after. While some soreness or fatigue is common for a day or two, these effects are temporary and part of the healing process.

Integrating Dry Needling into Your Physiotherapy Plan

Dry Needling is rarely used as a stand-alone therapy. Instead, it works best when integrated into a personalized rehab plan, which may include strength training, mobility work, and manual therapy. At Reach, our team often recommends Dry Needling for patients with chronic muscle tension, delayed recovery, or stubborn soft tissue restrictions.

By releasing tight muscle fibers and enhancing blood flow to problem areas, Dry Needling can accelerate recovery and help patients regain function faster. If you're already undergoing physiotherapy, talk with your Reach therapist to see if adding Dry Needling makes sense for your treatment goals.

Safe and Effective Dry Needling/IMS in Edmonton

Safety and effectiveness are top priorities at Reach Sports Physiotherapy & Hand Clinic. Our Dry Needling/IMS practitioners have undergone extensive advanced training, and we follow strict safety protocols to ensure that every treatment is carried out with professionalism and care.

We pride ourselves on offering evidence-based treatments that help reduce pain and restore movement. Whether you're an athlete dealing with tight hamstrings or someone recovering from a repetitive strain injury, Dry Needling could be a valuable part of your recovery strategy.

Contact Reach Sports Physiotherapy & Hand Clinic for Dry Needling and IMS Needling in Edmonton

Dealing with stubborn pain, muscle tightness, or limited mobility? Dry Needling in Edmonton at Reach Sports Physiotherapy & Hand Clinic might be the solution you’ve been looking for. Our experienced physiotherapists will assess your condition and create a customized treatment plan to help you recover faster, move freely, and feel better, so you can get back to doing what you love. Contact us to schedule an appointment and take the first steps toward pain relief.