IMS Dry Needling in Lougheed.

The Lougheed studio offers IMS dry needling with a physiotherapist, not Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture. For acupuncture with a Registered Acupuncturist, book at our New Westminster, North Burnaby, Coquitlam, or Richmond studios. Acupuncture follows TCM meridian theory; IMS targets shortened, irritated muscle bands. Different reasoning, similar tools.

Yes, when delivered by a physiotherapist as part of a physio session. Bring your claim number and our team handles the billing.

Most clients feel a deep ache during needling and improvement within 2 to 4 sessions. Chronic presentations often need 6 or more visits paired with a home program to hold the change.

IMS is delivered as part of a physiotherapy session, not as its own appointment type, so you book a physiotherapy visit and your physiotherapist adds needling when your assessment points to a shortened, irritated muscle band as the driver of your pain, rather than scheduling it separately.

IMS is delivered only by physiotherapists who hold post-graduate IMS certification on top of their College of Health and Care Professionals of BC registration. That certification covers the neuroanatomy and needling technique specific to intramuscular stimulation, which is a separate training track from the general physiotherapy degree.

IMS is delivered by a physiotherapist and targets shortened, irritated muscle bands using a neuropathic pain model. Acupuncture at our New Westminster, North Burnaby, Coquitlam, and Richmond studios is delivered by a Registered Acupuncturist under CCHPBC and follows Traditional Chinese Medicine meridian theory. Both use thin filiform needles, but the training, the regulator, and the reasoning behind where the needle goes are different.

Yes. Because IMS is part of a physiotherapy session rather than a stand-alone service, your physiotherapist can move between needling, hands-on manual therapy, and exercise prescription within the same appointment, based on what the muscle needs that day rather than a fixed treatment order, which is why IMS is booked as physiotherapy time.

Light activity is fine, but avoid intense exercise or a hot bath for the rest of the day, since needled muscle can feel tender for 24 to 48 hours. Drinking water and gentle movement, like a short walk, tends to ease the post-needling ache faster than sitting still.