Dry Needling/Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)

Still in Pain—Even When Scans Show Nothing's Wrong?

Do you have aches and pains that just won't go away? Have you had an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI that returned normal, but the discomfort continues? Are you dealing with chronic neck, back, shoulder, or leg pain?

If you answered yes to any of the above, Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) might be exactly what your body needs.

What is Dry Needling / IMS?

Dry Needling (also known as Intramuscular Stimulation or IMS) is a treatment technique used by specially trained practitioners to address chronic pain, muscle tightness, and nerve-related dysfunction. Although it uses acupuncture-style needles, dry needling is based on modern Western medicine and anatomy, rather than traditional Chinese medicine.

How It Works

Dry needling/IMS involves inserting a thin, sterile needle directly into a tight band of muscle, often referred to as a trigger point. When the needle hits the right spot, the muscle may twitch or "jump," which indicates a release of tension and resetting of nerve signals.

The treatment:

1. Desensitizes irritated nerves
2. Releases shortened or tight muscles
3. Improves blood flow and local healing
4. Restores normal movement patterns

This technique is beneficial when pain persists despite normal imaging results (like X-rays or MRIs showing "nothing wrong").

Benefits of Dry Needling / IMS

1. Reduces chronic pain
2. Relieves muscle tension and tightness
3. Improves flexibility and range of motion
4. Restores normal nerve and muscle function
5. Speeds up recovery from injury
6. Helps address movement dysfunction and postural strain
7. Non-medication-based and minimally invasive

Conditions Dry Needling / IMS Can Help With:

1. Back & Neck Pain (chronic or acute)
2. Sciatica
3. Frozen Shoulder
4. Rotator Cuff Injuries
5. Tennis or Golfer's Elbow
6. Achilles Tendonitis
7. Plantar Fasciitis
8. TMJ (Jaw) Dysfunction
9. Whiplash
10. Tendonitis & Bursitis
11. Headaches & Migraines
12. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
13. Recurrent Sports Injuries
14. Patellofemoral Syndrome (Knee Pain)
15. Spinal Disc Problems / Degenerative Disc Disease
16. Arthritic Conditions (where muscle tension is contributing to pain)

Is It the Same as Acupuncture?

Not quite. Although both use fine needles, acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and aims to balance energy pathways in the body. Dry needling / IMS, on the other hand, is grounded in Western medical science and directly targets muscle and nerve dysfunction.

What Does It Feel Like?

You might feel a quick twitch or a deep ache when the needle is inserted. This is an expected part of the treatment, it means the muscle is responding. Some people experience mild soreness after the session (similar to a workout), which usually fades within a day or two.

Is Dry Needling / IMS Right for You?

If you're dealing with persistent pain that hasn't responded to other therapies, or if imaging scans have come back normal but you're still hurting, dry needling / IMS could be a game-changer.

At Bodiworks, our trained professionals will assess your condition and create a personalized treatment plan to help you feel your best.