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Dry Needling Vancouver

Dry needling uses very fine, single-use, sterilized acupuncture needles to help relieve pain, increase range of motion, improve strength and control of muscles and stimulate circulation. It is called dry needling as nothing is injected into the body through the needle. All of our therapists who do this form of treatment have specific training in this technique.

The following types of needling are offered at Treloar Physiotherapy Clinic:

Acupuncture

The Western approach to Acupuncture is the very safe process of inserting sterile needles into specific points on the human body to reduce or relieve pain and effectively treat injuries. Acupuncture will be recommended based on an individualized assessment and often is used in conjunction with other Physiotherapy treatments.

Acupuncture points will be selected based on the area of injury and your individual needs. Very thin, single-use, sterile needles are used in order to prevent any risk of infection. The number of treatments will vary depending on what condition is being treated. For acute injuries, only a few treatments may be required. For complex or longstanding issues, your Physiotherapist may recommend additional sessions.

The needle insertion will elicit a painless twitch response. Most individuals experience little to no discomfort, although a warm or aching sensation lasting anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours may be experienced around the insertion point. The most common adverse reaction is slight bleeding or bruising at the insertion point. Very few individuals may experience dizziness, nausea or fainting.

In conjunction with other treatment methods, acupuncture can have the following benefits.

  • Relieve muscle, joint, and/or nerve pain
  • Decrease headache symptoms
  • Increase energy
  • Reduce injury-associated anxiety

Individuals with pacemakers should avoid electrical stimulation unless approved by their cardiologist. Hemophiliacs should be treated with caution. This service is not available for pregnant women.

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a needling technique used to decrease neuropathic (irritated nerves) pain following an injury. This treatment helps to reduce adverse tone in tight muscles or myofascial trigger points that contribute to pain and dysfunction. Targeting localized areas using sterile needles enables muscle tension release at the insertion point, which relieves pressure on tender joint structures and in the muscles themselves and allows for a reduction in pain and improvement in range of motion.

The recommended frequency of treatment is typically one IMS session per body region per week. The number of treatments needed to experience the benefits of IMS depends on each individual condition, although some individuals may experience results immediately following a session.

The number of needles and insertion points used in each IMS session depends on your needs and tolerance. When a needle targets an affected muscle, there may be a cramping or dull aching sensation. Muscle soreness may last between 24-48 hours. We recommend avoiding exercise on IMS treatment days as this may increase pain and soreness.

IMS was originally created by Dr. Chan Gunn and therapists trained in his approach to assessing and treating neuropathic pain will have the designation CG IMS beside their name and the treatment is referred to as Gunn IMS.

IMS is not recommended for those with bacterial endocarditis, localized and systemic infection and fever, uncontrolled bleeding disorders, compromised immune systems, or those undergoing anticoagulant, immunosuppression and/or cancer therapies, or pregnant women.

Gokavi Transverse Technique (GTT)

GTT is a dry-needling acupuncture technique similar to IMS. It is utilized in the treatment and management of chronic myofascial pain. By incorporating the use of high-frequency electrical stimulation prior to inserting sterile needles into tight muscle bands in a transverse direction, it releases muscle spasms and increases muscle length. This leads to increased mobility and reduced pain.

All needling options we offer are very safe. The number of needles and insertion points used in each GTT session depends on your needs and tolerance. When a needle targets an affected muscle, there may be a cramping or dull aching sensation. Muscle soreness may last between 24-48 hours. We recommend avoiding exercise on GTT treatment days as this may increase pain and soreness.

GTT is used in conjunction with your Physiotherapy appointment if your Physiotherapist recommends it as part of your treatment plan. Individuals with pacemakers should avoid electrical stimulation unless approved by their cardiologist. Hemophiliacs should be treated with caution.

Rates

  • Initial visit – $95
  • Subsequent visit – $90

Acupuncture and dry Needling can be used in conjunction with your Physiotherapy appointment if your Physiotherapist recommends it as part of your treatment plan.

FAQ Section

Treloar Physiotherapy Clinic offers a wide range of individualized treatment plans in Vancouver, British Columbia. These include manual therapy, individualized exercise programs, pelvic floor physiotherapy, acupuncture treatments and virtual care. If you have any of the following common conditions be sure to book an appointment for a complete physical examination:

  • Knee Pain and Knee Injuries
  • Myofascial pain syndrome
  • Neck Pain relief
  • Shoulder pain
  • Musculoskeletal injuries
  • Muscle strains
  • Chronic pain management
  • Sport-related injuries
  • Pelvic pain
  • Hip pain
  • Joint pain
  • Chronic injuries