What Is Dry Needling / IMS?

Dry needling, also referred to as IMS (intramuscular stimulation), is a modern, evidence-based treatment used by physiotherapists and other trained healthcare professionals to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Unlike acupuncture, dry needling is grounded in Western anatomy, neurophysiology, and clinical research.

The technique involves inserting a thin filiform needle directly into myofascial trigger point tight, hypersensitive knots within muscle fibres that cause local or referred pain. The term “dry” indicates that no medication or injection fluid is used. The needle itself is the therapeutic tool.

When the needle reaches a trigger point, it often produces a brief involuntary muscle twitch, called a local twitch response (LTR). This response is considered a positive sign, indicating that the trigger point is being released. After treatment, most patients notice reduced muscle tightness, less pain, and improved range of motion.

Conditions Commonly Treated with Dry Needling

• Muscle tightness, spasms, and chronic tension
• Sports injuries and overuse conditions
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Neck pain and tension headaches
• Lower back pain
• Shoulder impingement and rotator cuff injuries
• IT band syndrome
• Hip flexor pain
• Postural and movement-related pain
• Limited range of motion following injury or surgery

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional healing practice originating in China over 2,000 years ago and a central pillar of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Its underlying philosophy is based on the concept of Qi (pronounced “chee”), the body’s vital energy, which is believed to flow through a network of pathways called meridians.

According to TCM, pain and illness arise when the flow of Qi becomes blocked or imbalanced. Acupuncture restores balance by inserting fine needles into specific points along the meridians, of which there are over 360 recognized points on the body. This stimulation is believed to re-establish the flow of Qi and promote the body’s natural healing processes.

In more modern contexts, some practitioners also apply acupuncture through a neurological lens, suggesting that needle insertion stimulates the nervous system to release endorphins and other pain-modulating chemicals. However, the traditional TCM framework remains the foundation of training and practice for licensed acupuncturists.

Conditions Commonly Treated with Acupuncture

• Chronic pain (back, neck, knee, and shoulder pain)
• Headaches and migraines
• Stress, anxiety, and insomnia
• Digestive issues and na
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• Menstrual cramps and hormonal imbalances
• Joint stiffness and muscle tension
• Fatigue and low energy
  
  

Dry Needling vs Acupuncture: Key Differences at a Glance

While both treatments use thin needles and can relieve pain, they differ in almost every other respect — from their underlying philosophy to the training of the practitioner and the conditions they are best suited for.

Does Dry Needling Hurt?

This is one of the most common questions patients ask before their first dry needling session. The honest answer is: it depends on the person and the trigger point being treated, but most patients describe the sensation as manageable and brief.

During treatment, you may feel:

• A mild aching or pressure sensation as the needle is inserted
• A brief, sharp twitch as the needle contacts the trigger point — this is the local twitch response (LTR) and is a positive sign
• A dull ache or heaviness in the area, which typically passes within seconds
  

After the session, it is common to feel slight muscle soreness for 24 to 48 hours — similar to the sensation you might have after an intense workout. This is a normal part of the healing response and typically resolves on its own.

Most patients report that the discomfort during dry needling is well worth the relief they experience afterward, particularly those dealing with long-standing muscle tension or chronic pain. If you have concerns about pain or sensitivity, your physiotherapist at Revitalize Physiotherapy & Rehab will adjust the treatment intensity accordingly.

Dry Needling Benefits

When performed by a trained physiotherapist, dry needling offers a range of clinically supported benefits, including:

• Rapid pain relief: By deactivating trigger points, dry needling can produce immediate reductions in local and referred pain.
• Improved range of motion: Releasing tight muscle bands allows joints to move more freely and with less discomfort.
• Reduced muscle tension: Particularly effective for patients with chronic stiffness caused by postural strain or overuse.
• Faster recovery from sports injuries: Dry needling can accelerate tissue healing and help athletes return to training sooner.
• Complementary to physiotherapy: When combined with manual therapy, exercise prescription, and rehabilitation, the results are amplified significantly.
• Non-pharmaceutical: Dry needling achieves pain relief without medication, making it suitable for patients who prefer to avoid or reduce drug use.
• Targets referred pain: Trigger points in one muscle can cause pain in a completely different area of the body. Dry needling addresses the source, not just the symptoms.

Dry Needling Side Effects: What to Expect

Dry needling is a safe, minimally invasive procedure when performed by a qualified physiotherapist. Side effects are generally mild and short-lived. The most commonly reported include:

• Temporary muscle soreness at the needle site (lasting 24–48 hours)
• Minor bruising or redness around the treated area
• Brief fatigue immediately following the session
• Occasional lightheadedness — lying still for a few minutes after treatment prevents this

Serious complications from dry needling are rare. To minimize risk, always ensure your treatment is performed by a registered physiotherapist with certified dry needling training. Dry needling should not be used in patients who are pregnant (first trimester), have bleeding disorders, or have a needle phobia without discussing it with their physiotherapist first.

Which Treatment Is More Effective?

Neither dry needling nor acupuncture is universally “more effective” — the right choice depends entirely on the patient’s condition, goals, and preferences.

Choose dry needling / IMS if you:

• Have localized muscle pain, tension, or trigger points
• Are you recovering from a sports injury or musculoskeletal condition
• Experience limited range of motion or movement dysfunction
• Want a treatment grounded in Western anatomy and clinical evidence
• Are already receiving physiotherapy and want to enhance your rehabilitation
  

Choose acupuncture if you:

• Are seeking holistic care for stress, anxiety, or systemic health concerns
• Have conditions such as headaches, digestive issues, or hormonal imbalances
• Prefer a gentler, more relaxing needle experience
• Are you looking for treatments aligned with Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy
  

Scientific research supports both treatments for pain management. A growing body of evidence, including randomized controlled trials, demonstrates that dry needling is effective for reducing myofascial pain, improving muscle function, and supporting recovery from musculoskeletal injury. For patients with muscle-specific complaints, dry needling consistently demonstrates strong clinical results.

Dry Needling vs Acupuncture for Sports Injuries

For athletes and active individuals, dry needling is often the preferred treatment. Sports injuries typically involve muscle strains, overuse conditions, trigger point formation, and restricted movement — all areas where dry needling excels.

Dry needling can help with a wide range of sports-related conditions, including:

• Hamstring strains and tightness
• IT band syndrome and runner’s knee
• Rotator cuff injuries and shoulder impingement
• Hip flexor pain and groin strains
• Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy
• Shin splints
• Low back pain from training load

While acupuncture can also provide pain relief for athletes, it is less commonly integrated into sports physiotherapy programs because its mechanism of action — energy meridians — does not map directly onto the biomechanical demands of sports injury rehabilitation. Dry needling, by contrast, is specifically designed to target the musculoskeletal system in a manner that closely aligns with physiotherapy treatment goals.

Can Dry Needling and Acupuncture Be Used Together?

Yes — in many cases, dry needling and acupuncture can complement each other. Some patients receive dry needling from their physiotherapist as part of a rehabilitation program while also seeing a licensed acupuncturist for stress management, systemic health, or general wellness.

There is no contraindication to using both. However, it is important that your physiotherapist and acupuncturist communicate about your treatment plan to ensure the approaches are coordinated and not working at cross-purposes.

At Revitalize Physiotherapy & Rehab in Saskatoon, we assess each patient individually and recommend the combination of treatments most likely to produce the best outcome for your specific condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is dry needling different from acupuncture?

Dry needling targets myofascial trigger points based on Western anatomy and neurophysiology. Acupuncture targets meridian points based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. While both use thin needles, their philosophies, techniques, and clinical applications differ fundamentally.

Is dry needling legal in Saskatchewan?

Yes. Dry needling / IMS is legally performed in Saskatchewan by registered physiotherapists who have completed certified dry needling training. It is within the physiotherapy scope of practice and is commonly offered in physiotherapy clinics across the province, including Saskatoon.

How many dry needling sessions will I need?

Most patients begin to notice improvement within 2 to 4 sessions. However, the number of sessions depends on the severity and duration of your condition. Your physiotherapist at Revitalize will assess your response to treatment and adjust the plan accordingly.

Does insurance cover dry needling in Saskatchewan?

Many extended health benefit plans cover dry needling when it is performed by a registered physiotherapist as part of a physiotherapy treatment plan. Coverage varies by insurer and plan. We recommend confirming with your benefits provider before your appointment.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance in Saskatchewan?

Acupuncture coverage depends on your specific plan. Some extended health plans include acupuncture as a separate practitioner benefit. Saskatchewan Health (provincial health care) does not cover acupuncture as a standard insured service.

What should I wear to a dry needling appointment?

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows your physiotherapist to access the area being treated. For lower body treatment, shorts are ideal. For shoulder and upper back treatment, a tank top or athletic shirt works well.

Book Dry Needling in Saskatoon

If you are dealing with muscle pain, a sports injury, or chronic tension and want to know whether dry needling is right for you, our team at Revitalize Physiotherapy & Rehab in Saskatoon is here to help.

Our registered physiotherapists are certified in dry needling / IMS and will conduct a thorough assessment before recommending the most appropriate treatment plan for your condition.

Revitalize Physiotherapy & Rehab | Saskatoon, SK

Book your appointment online or call us to schedule your initial consultation. We welcome patients from across Saskatoon and the surrounding areas.