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 in a physiotherapy appointment when appropriate (no extra cost). Billed as physiotherapy for insurance purposes
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Common reasons people book Dry Needling Saskatoon:
Neck/upper trap tension (“knots”) + neck-related headaches
Low back pain + glute/hip tightness
Shoulder pain + tightness
Tennis/golfer’s elbow, forearm/wrist pain
Hamstring/calf/Achilles issues
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Not exactly. Acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts, while dry needling/IMS uses a more anatomy- and nervous-system-based approach. The goal is typically to reduce pain sensitivity and muscle guarding so you can move better and build lasting change with rehab.
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Dry needling/IMS is done as part of a physiotherapy appointment. That’s intentional—your physio needs to screen what’s going on, make sure it’s appropriate and safe for you, and pair it with the right plan so results actually stick.
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Book a Physiotherapy Assessment/Treatment appointment. If dry needling/IMS is appropriate, we can include it in your session.
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It can feel different for everyone. Some people feel a brief pinch or a dull ache/twitch sensation, while others barely feel it. I’ll explain what to expect, check in during treatment, and we can stop any time.
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You might feel temporary soreness for 24–48 hours, similar to a workout feeling. Most people are fine to continue normal daily activity, and I’ll tell you what to do (and what to avoid) afterward.
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It can be helpful for things like neck/upper trap tension, headaches linked to neck tension, back or hip/glute tightness, and some tendon or overuse pain. It’s not a cure-all—your plan matters most.
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It depends on the problem and how long it’s been around. Some people notice meaningful change after 1–3 sessions, while others need a longer plan. We’ll decide together based on how you respond.
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When performed by a trained provider and with proper screening, it’s generally very safe. Like any treatment, there are risks (e.g., temporary soreness, bruising). I’ll review contraindications and get your consent before we do anything.
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It may not be appropriate if you have certain medical conditions, take certain blood thinners, have an active infection in the area, or have strong needle anxiety. If you’re unsure, book in—there are always other effective options.
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Dry needling/IMS is billed as physiotherapy when it’s included in your session, so it’s often covered under extended health plans (coverage depends on your provider and plan).
Nick Allard, Registered Physiotherapist
“I’m Nick Allard, a physiotherapist in Saskatoon and the owner of Vigour Physiotherapy. I have been certified to perform dry needling and IMS as part of a full physiotherapy treatment program since 2019. It has been a helpful treatment for myself when recovering from certain back hip injuries and I have used it to help many others recover from pain and injury as well. If you have any questions please reach out or read more about my bio here!”
Direct Billing to your insurance, 1-on-1 assessments and treatment, exercises sent to you following your visit, no waitlist
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.
Conveniently Located in Saskatoon, SK
610 Queen Street, #102
Saskatoon, SK
S7K 0M8
Directly across from City Hospital in the City Park neighbourhood
Common Conditions We Treat:
Back Pain Physiotherapy In Saskatoon