ACUPUNCTURE · IMS · DRY NEEDLING
Acupuncture and dry needling that reach the muscle hands cannot.
Acupuncture, IMS and dry needling — sterile, single-use needles delivered by regulated practitioners for deep, persistent tension.
OVERVIEW
Acupuncture, IMS and dry needling — what is the difference?
All three techniques use solid, sterile, single-use needles. The traditions behind them differ. Acupuncture follows traditional Chinese medicine theory and channel-based point selection — practiced by registered acupuncturists licensed by the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC.
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) and dry needling are Western-medical techniques delivered by physiotherapists with specific post-graduate training. They target shortened muscle bands and dysfunctional motor points — typically driven by nerve irritation or chronic protective patterns.
At Launch Rehab, your clinician will recommend the technique that fits your presentation, or coordinate with another provider on the team when a different approach is more appropriate.
BENEFITS
What this work is for.
- Release deep muscle tension hands cannot reach
- Address nerve-driven muscle shortening and chronic protective patterns
- Support recovery from post-MVA whiplash and chronic pain
- Pair with manual therapy and exercise for lasting change
- Sterile, single-use needles inserted by regulated practitioners
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your session, step by step.
Assessment first
Needling is a tool, not a default. Your clinician decides whether it fits your presentation today, or whether something else gets a better result.
Targeted needling
Needles inserted into specific muscle bands, trigger points or acupuncture points. Most clients feel a deep ache or twitch — the therapeutic response.
Brief retention
Some techniques leave needles in for 5–20 minutes; IMS is often a brief insertion-and-removal pattern. The protocol depends on the technique used.
Movement after
The treated muscle is then loaded — gently — so the nervous system re-learns the range you just unlocked. Without this step, the change fades.
Assessment first
Needling is a tool, not a default. Your clinician decides whether it fits your presentation today, or whether something else gets a better result.
Targeted needling
Needles inserted into specific muscle bands, trigger points or acupuncture points. Most clients feel a deep ache or twitch — the therapeutic response.
Brief retention
Some techniques leave needles in for 5–20 minutes; IMS is often a brief insertion-and-removal pattern. The protocol depends on the technique used.
Movement after
The treated muscle is then loaded — gently — so the nervous system re-learns the range you just unlocked. Without this step, the change fades.
WHY LAUNCH REHAB
What you get with us.
One-on-one, always
The clinician who assesses you is the clinician who treats you and progresses your plan. No assistant hand-off.
Five Metro Vancouver studios
Lougheed, Coquitlam, Richmond, New Westminster and North Burnaby. Book at the studio nearest you.
Evenings and weekends
Appointments outside business hours so treatment fits around work, not the other way around.
Direct billing
ICBC, MSP, WorkSafeBC and most extended health plans billed directly at the front desk.
On-site parking
Free, hassle-free parking at every studio — including evenings and weekends.
Regulated practitioners
Every clinician is licensed by their BC college and held to its scope-of-practice and ethics standards.
KIND WORDS
What our clients say.
"Love this clinic. The staff from the front receptionist to the physiotherapists, RMTs and active rehab specialists are amazing. Kind and supportive in helping me heal."
— PAREEN R
FIVE STUDIOS · METRO VANCOUVER
OUR LOCATIONS
EST. 2025
LAUNCH REHAB LOUGHEED
Located next to LifeLabs in the City of Lougheed.
EST. 2024
LAUNCH REHAB COQUITLAM
On the second floor of the Evergreen building at Pinetree Way and Glen Dr.
EST. 2023
LAUNCH REHAB RICHMOND
Northeast corner of Williams Rd and No. 3 Rd in Broadmoor.
EST. 2021
LAUNCH REHAB NEW WESTMINSTER
Second floor of the Shops at New West, inside the Skytrain Station.
EST. 2015
LAUNCH REHAB NORTH BURNABY
Kensington Square Shopping Centre at Kensington Ave and Hastings St.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Most clients feel a deep ache or twitch in the muscle being treated. The needles themselves are very fine — finer than a hypodermic — and insertion sensation is minimal. The therapeutic response is what most people remember.