Dry Needling & Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) in Saskatoon
If you’re dealing with stubborn muscle tension, deep ache, or pain that doesn’t seem to budge with stretching or massage, dry needling/IMS can sometimes help “reset” irritated muscles and calm things down so you can move more comfortably again.
At Vigour Physiotherapy, dry needling is used as one tool within a full physiotherapy assessment and treatment plan — not a stand-alone quick fix. It’s always paired with movement, strength, and mobility work so your results actually stick.
Dry needling is included at no extra cost in regular appointments when appropriate.
What is Dry Needling/IMS?
Dry needling (also called Intramuscular Stimulation, or IMS) is a treatment technique where a thin, sterile needle is inserted into tense, irritated, or overactive muscles to help:
Decrease muscle tension and guarding
Reduce pain and sensitivity
Improve movement and muscle activation
Unlike traditional acupuncture, which is based on meridians and energy flow, dry needling is based on anatomy and the nervous system. The goal is to target specific muscles and trigger points that may be contributing to your pain or movement limitations.
Dry needling at Vigour Physiotherapy is always performed by a licensed physiotherapist who has completed additional training in needling/IMS techniques. Nick Allard is a licensed physiotherapist and has been certified in Dry Needling techniques since 2019.
What Can Dry Needling Help With?
Dry needling is often used as part of treatment for:
Neck tension and “knots” in the shoulders
Headaches related to neck and upper back tightness
Low back pain and glute/hip muscle tension
Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, forearm and wrist pain
Hip and glute pain, piriformis-type symptoms
Hamstring, calf, and Achilles issues
Persistent muscle tightness related to sport, work, or posture
It’s especially useful when muscles feel:
Very tight or “guarded”
Deep, achy, and hard to stretch
Irritated and overactive despite rest and stretching
Dry needling is most effective when combined with exercise, mobility work, and a plan to gradually load the area — which is exactly how it’s used in our physiotherapy sessions.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session
Before any needles are used, we’ll first do a physiotherapy assessment to understand:
What symptoms you’re dealing with
Which movements are limited or painful
Which muscles and joints are contributing to the problem
Whether dry needling/IMS is appropriate and safe for you
If we decide together that dry needling is a good fit, here’s what a typical session looks like:
Positioning: You’ll be positioned comfortably on the treatment table.
Skin cleaning: The skin is cleaned, and single-use, sterile needles are used every time.
Needling: The needle is gently inserted into the target muscle.
You may feel a brief muscle “twitch,” deep ache, or pressure.
Short hold time: The needle may be left in place briefly or moved gently depending on the technique. Electrical stimulation may be added to help the muscles relax as well.
Re-assessment: We’ll re-check movement and symptoms, and follow with appropriate exercise or mobility work.
Most people describe the sensation as unusual, but tolerable — often followed by a feeling of decreased tightness or “release” in the treated area.
You may feel some post-treatment soreness (like a workout) for 24–48 hours, which usually settles with light activity, gentle movement, or heat.
Is Dry Needling Safe?
When performed by a trained physiotherapist, dry needling is considered a safe treatment option.
At Vigour Physiotherapy, we:
Use single-use, sterile needles
Follow strict hygiene and safety protocols
Screen for medical conditions, medications, and risk factors
Discuss the risks, benefits, and alternatives before you decide
Possible side effects can include:
Temporary muscle soreness
Small bruising at the needle site
Feeling tired or “drained” afterwards
Serious complications are very rare, and your safety and comfort are always the priority. You’re always in control — we’ll check in with you throughout, and you can stop at any time.
Who is (and isn’t) a Good Candidate?
Dry needling may be a good option if you:
Have persistent muscle tension or trigger-point-type pain
Feel like you’ve “tried everything” (stretching, massage, etc.) without lasting relief
Want to decrease muscle tension so you can move, load, and train better
Are open to a short-term increase in soreness in exchange for improved movement and comfort
Dry needling may not be appropriate if you:
Have a strong needle phobia
Are on certain blood thinners or have bleeding disorders
Have certain medical conditions where needling is not advised
If you’re not sure, we can discuss whether dry needling makes sense for you and look at other options if it doesn’t.
Dry Needling as Part of a Complete Physiotherapy Plan
Dry needling/IMS is not a magic fix on its own. It works best when it’s one piece of a bigger plan that includes:
Improving joint mobility
Building strength and control
Gradually progressing load and activity
Addressing contributing factors like posture, training volume, or work setup
In your session, we’ll always combine techniques like:
Dry needling/IMS (if appropriate)
Exercise-based rehab
Mobility and joint-specific work
Hands-on techniques
Education about pain, recovery, and long-term management
The goal isn’t just to “turn a muscle off,” but to help you move better, feel stronger, and stay active.
Ready to See if Dry Needling is Right for You?
If you’re curious whether dry needling could help with your pain, stiffness, or muscle tension, the best place to start is with a full physiotherapy assessment.