Focused treatment.
Freedom to move.
Targeted IMS / Dry Needling in Oak Bay, Victoria, to relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, and restore comfortable movement.
When muscles relax, movement can follow.
At PhysioClarity, IMS is never a one-size-fits-all treatment. From our clinic in Oak Bay, we take the time to understand your symptoms, movement, activities and goals before determining whether IMS may be a useful part of your physiotherapy plan. Treatment is tailored to what we find during your assessment and may be combined with hands-on care, exercise and other physiotherapy approaches to support your recovery. We explain what we’re seeing, why a treatment may be recommended and what to expect along the way, so your care feels clear, collaborative and easy to understand. As your symptoms and needs change, your treatment plan can evolve with you, helping you move forward with greater confidence and return to the activities that matter most.
Treatment guided by what you need.
What is IMS / Dry Needling?
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) , also known as dry needling, is used in physiotherapy to target specific muscles and areas that may be contributing to pain or dysfunction. Using fine, filament needles, treatment is directed to carefully selected areas based on what your physiotherapist finds during your assessment.
IMS may be used when muscle tension, sensitivity, or dysfunction is contributing to ongoing discomfort. Treatment is guided by your individual presentation and goals, rather than simply needling an area because it feels tight or sore.
Although IMS and acupuncture both use fine needles, they are different treatment approaches. At PhysioClarity, IMS is used as part of physiotherapy care and may be combined with hands-on treatment, exercise, education and active rehabilitation to help reduce pain, improve function and support more comfortable movement.
How IMS / Dry Needling Can Help
IMS / Dry Needling may be used as part of physiotherapy treatment for concerns such as:
Neck pain and tension-related headaches
Shoulder pain and restricted movement
Low back pain and some presentations of sciatica
Muscle tension and persistent myofascial pain
Repetitive strain and overuse injuries
Sports and activity-related injuries
Calf, foot and lower-leg pain
Ongoing pain or movement restrictions following injury
Other Physiotherapy Services We Offer in Oak Bay, Victoria:
IMS / Dry Needling may be one part of a broader physiotherapy treatment plan. Your care may also include hands-on treatment, exercise, education and other evidence-based approaches selected to support your goals, recovery and overall function.
Manual therapy is a hands-on physiotherapy approach that uses targeted techniques to address joint stiffness, soft tissue restrictions, pain and movement limitations. It can help improve joint mobility, ease muscle tension, reduce pain with movement and make everyday activities feel more comfortable, and may be used alongside exercise, education and other physiotherapy treatments as part of your individualized care plan.
Vestibular rehabilitation uses targeted assessment, exercises, and treatment to help reduce dizziness and vertigo, improve balance, and restore confidence in movement. By helping retrain the connection between the brain, eyes, and vestibular system, treatment can support safer, more comfortable movement in everyday life.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses targeted acoustic waves to stimulate tissue healing and support recovery from certain persistent tendon and soft tissue conditions. It may help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support a return to activity when appropriate as part of your physiotherapy treatment plan.
Ultrasound Therapy
Therapeutic ultrasound is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound energy to support tissue healing and help reduce pain. It may be incorporated into your physiotherapy treatment plan where appropriate, alongside other treatments and rehabilitation strategies.
Comprehensive Home Exercise Plans & Programs
Your recovery continues beyond the clinic. Your physiotherapist will provide a personalized home exercise program to build strength, improve mobility and function, and help you maintain progress between appointments.
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Sensations during IMS vary from person to person. You may feel a brief pinprick as the needle is inserted, followed by pressure, aching, or a short muscle twitch when the targeted muscle responds. Some soreness can also occur after treatment, similar to post-exercise muscle soreness. Your physiotherapist will explain what to expect and adjust treatment based on your response.
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There is no set number of IMS treatments that everyone needs. The number and frequency of appointments will depend on your symptoms, how long they have been present, your treatment goals, and how you respond to care.
Your physiotherapist will reassess your progress throughout treatment and adjust the plan as needed. IMS may be used for only part of your rehabilitation and is not something you are automatically scheduled to continue indefinitely.
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After IMS, you may notice temporary soreness, tenderness, aching or mild bruising in the treated area. Some people also notice changes in muscle tension, movement or pain following treatment.
After your appointment, keep the area moving with gentle activity such as walking or light stretching. Resume your usual activities as tolerated, but reduce strenuous exercise if the treated area feels particularly sore. Follow any specific exercises or recommendations provided by your physiotherapist, and contact us if you experience symptoms that feel unusual or more significant than expected.
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No referral is required to book private physiotherapy or IMS treatment at PhysioClarity in British Columbia. You can book an appointment directly with us.
Some extended health insurance plans may require a physician’s referral for reimbursement, so we recommend checking the requirements of your individual benefits plan before your appointment.
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IMS provided as part of a physiotherapy appointment may be eligible for coverage under your extended health benefits. Coverage varies by plan. PhysioClarity offers direct billing to many major insurers, but we recommend checking your individual plan for specific coverage details.
Common Questions
Still not sure what to expect? We're happy to talk it through before you book.