The Western approach to Acupuncture, is the very safe process of inserting sterile needles into specific points on the 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.
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.
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) is a needling technique used to decrease neuropathic (irritated nerves) pain following injury. This treatment helps to reduce adverse tone in tight muscles or 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.
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.
Please note our new rates (listed below) will go into effect on February 15th, 2023 at our Cambie location, and March 1st at our Kerrisdale location.
Dry Needling can be used in conjunction with your Physiotherapy appointment if your Physiotherapist recommends it as part of your treatment plan.