Dry
Needling & IMS Therapy
Precision needling that targets muscle trigger points at their source — releasing chronic tension, restoring movement, and accelerating recovery. Evidence-based care at RCP Health Oakville.
What Is Dry Needling?
"Dry needling is a skilled intervention that uses a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points, muscular and connective tissues for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments."
— American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)The term "dry" refers to the needle having no medication — unlike a hypodermic injection. The needle itself is the therapeutic agent, provoking a local twitch response in the trigger point that resets the muscle's neurological firing pattern, increases local blood flow, and reduces the chemical irritants responsible for pain.
Local Twitch Response
A brief involuntary muscle contraction confirms the trigger point is engaged. This resets dysfunctional motor endplate activity.
Neurochemical Reset
Needling reduces substance P, CGRP and other nociceptive chemicals that accumulate in trigger points and perpetuate pain.
Increased Circulation
Improved local blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to ischaemic muscle fibres, accelerating tissue recovery.
Central Sensitisation
Stimulates descending pain inhibitory pathways, reducing central sensitisation in chronic pain conditions.
Evidence Base
What the Research Says
What is a Trigger Point?
A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable spot in a skeletal muscle — a taut band of fibres that is painful on compression and can refer pain to distant sites. Trigger points develop from sustained overload, repetitive micro-trauma, postural stress, and poor tissue recovery. They are the leading cause of musculoskeletal pain in clinical practice.
Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture — Quick Distinction
Both use the same style of thin needle, but dry needling is grounded in Western anatomy and neurophysiology, targeting specific muscles and trigger points identified during physiotherapy assessment. Acupuncture follows Traditional Chinese Medicine meridian theory. Full comparison below ↓
Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture
Patients frequently ask about the difference. While both therapies use thin needles, they are fundamentally different in philosophy, training, and goals.
🪡 Dry Needling
Western anatomy, neurophysiology & musculoskeletal science
Myofascial trigger points, taut muscle bands, motor points
Physiotherapy MSK evaluation — posture, range of motion, palpation
Registered Physiotherapist with post-graduate dry needling certification
Supported by RCTs for neck pain, shoulder, headaches, low back pain
3–6 sessions integrated with exercise & manual therapy
🪡 Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine — Qi energy, meridian pathways
Specific acupuncture points along 12 meridian channels
Tongue diagnosis, pulse reading, TCM pattern differentiation
Registered Acupuncturist or TCM practitioner
Strong evidence for pain, nausea; ongoing research for other conditions
Weekly sessions over several months as part of TCM protocol
What Is IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation)?
IMS is a specialised form of dry needling developed by Dr. Chan Gunn at the University of British Columbia. It specifically targets neuropathic pain — pain caused by a sensitised or injured nervous system.
Neuropathic Pain Focus
IMS is specifically designed for conditions where nerve supersensitivity causes muscles to shorten and become hypersensitive — a hallmark of chronic musculoskeletal pain not responsive to conventional therapy.
Gunn IMS Assessment
Practitioners use the Gunn Assessment framework — evaluating signs of nerve injury including trophoedema, dermographia, muscle shortening, and abnormal reflexes — before selecting needling sites.
Supersensitivity Treatment
Needles are placed at muscle-nerve junctions and paraspinal muscles adjacent to the affected spinal segment, desensitising the nerve root and restoring normal muscle tone.
Integrated with Physiotherapy
At RCP Health, IMS is always combined with corrective exercise, manual therapy, and postural re-education for complete rehabilitation rather than symptom management alone.
The Gunn IMS Difference
Developed by Dr. Chan Gunn MD (Order of Canada recipient), IMS was refined at the University of British Columbia and is now taught internationally. It extends beyond trigger point needling to address the neurological root causes of chronic pain — making it especially effective for conditions that have not resolved with conventional physiotherapy, massage or medication. RCP Health physiotherapists trained in IMS apply this systematic approach alongside current MSK physiotherapy evidence.
IMS vs. Dry Needling — Key Differences
| Feature | Dry Needling | IMS |
|---|---|---|
| Pain type | Myofascial / acute | Neuropathic / chronic |
| Target | Trigger points | Nerve-muscle junctions |
| Assessment | MSK palpation | Gunn neuropathy assessment |
| Needle depth | Shallow to moderate | Deeper paraspinal |
| Best for | Sports injury, acute pain | Chronic, unresolved pain |
Common IMS Conditions at RCP Health
- → Chronic neck & back pain unresponsive to other treatments
- → Whiplash-associated disorders
- → Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
- → Radiculopathy (nerve root irritation)
- → Failed back surgery syndrome
- → Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- → Myofascial pain syndrome
Conditions Treated with Dry Needling & IMS
Dry needling and IMS are effective across a broad range of musculoskeletal, neurological and sports-related conditions. Our physiotherapists perform a thorough assessment before every treatment.
Neck, Head & Upper Body
- Cervicogenic headaches & migraines
- Neck pain & cervical stiffness
- Whiplash-associated disorders
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Tennis & golfer's elbow
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Suboccipital headaches
- TMJ / jaw pain
Back, Core & Lower Body
- Back pain & lumbar stiffness
- Sciatica & piriformis syndrome
- SI joint dysfunction
- Hip flexor tightness & hip pain
- IT band syndrome
- Knee pain & patellar tendinopathy
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Plantar fasciitis
- Calf tightness & shin splints
- Gluteal tendinopathy
Chronic & Specialised
- Fibromyalgia
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Chronic regional pain (CRPS)
- Sports injuries & overuse
- Post-sprain rehabilitation
- Post-surgical muscle tightness
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
- Post-cancer muscle pain
- Tension-type headaches
- Neurogenic pain (radiculopathy)
Benefits of Dry Needling Therapy
When performed by a registered physiotherapist, dry needling and IMS offer a range of evidence-supported clinical benefits.
Rapid Pain Relief
The local twitch response and neurochemical reset can produce immediate reduction in pain intensity — often within the first session.
Restored Range of Motion
Releasing taut muscle bands decompresses joints and reduces movement restriction, restoring full functional range.
Improved Muscle Function
Normalises dysfunctional motor endplate firing, correcting muscle inhibition and weakness patterns.
Faster Sports Recovery
Reduces delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), flushes metabolic waste, and accelerates return to sport.
Breaks Chronic Pain Cycles
Modulates central sensitisation — the neural hypersensitivity that perpetuates chronic pain long after tissue healing.
Enhances Manual Therapy
Dry needling softens hypertonic muscles, making them more receptive to subsequent joint mobilisation and exercise.
Signs Dry Needling May Help You
Dry needling is most effective when trigger points, muscle tightness, or neurogenic pain are contributing to your symptoms. These signs suggest it may be appropriate.
Trigger Point Pain
- Localised tender nodule in muscle
- Pain that radiates to other areas
- Pain reproducible on palpation
- Visible or palpable taut band
Muscle Tightness & Restriction
- Persistent muscle stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Tightness that doesn't improve with stretching
- Postural muscle imbalances
Nerve-Related Pain (IMS)
- Burning, shooting or electric pain
- Pain worse at rest or at night
- Allodynia (pain from light touch)
- Unresolved pain after 3+ months
Sports & Overuse Injuries
- Recurring muscle strains
- Post-competition soreness & fatigue
- Performance-limiting tightness
- Slow recovery between sessions
Headaches & Jaw Pain
- Tension headaches from neck muscles
- Pain at base of skull (suboccipital)
- Jaw clenching & TMJ pain
- Headaches aggravated by posture
Chronic & Unresolved Pain
- Pain lasting longer than 3 months
- No improvement with massage or physio alone
- Sleep disrupted by muscle pain
- Widespread myofascial tenderness
How RCP Health Delivers Dry Needling & IMS
Every patient receives a comprehensive physiotherapy assessment before any needling. Treatment is always integrated within a broader rehabilitation plan.
Initial Physiotherapy Assessment
Full MSK evaluation including posture, range of motion, neurological screening, and trigger point palpation. We identify not just where the pain is, but why it developed — addressing contributing factors like posture, movement patterns, and workload.
Gunn / Trigger Point Mapping
For IMS, we apply the Gunn Assessment to identify signs of neuropathic sensitivity. For dry needling, we map active trigger points and their referral patterns against your reported symptoms to confirm the needling targets.
Needling Treatment
Thin monofilament needles (0.16–0.30mm) are inserted precisely into target trigger points or motor nerve junctions. Most patients feel a brief twitch or dull ache — this confirms therapeutic effect. Sessions last 30–45 minutes.
Manual Therapy & Mobilisation
Post-needling, we apply manual therapy and joint mobilisation while muscles are in their optimal receptive state — maximising the combined therapeutic effect.
Corrective Exercise Prescription
Each patient leaves with a targeted home exercise program — addressing muscle imbalances, strengthening inhibited muscles, and reinforcing the mobility gains achieved in-session.
Progress Review & Discharge Planning
Regular reassessment against objective markers — pain scores, ROM measurements, functional outcomes. We set clear discharge criteria and transition patients to self-management strategies.
Certified Practitioners
All RCP Health physiotherapists hold post-graduate certifications in dry needling and/or Gunn IMS — beyond basic entry-level training.
Integrated, Not Isolated
We never use dry needling as a standalone modality. Every session integrates needling with manual therapy, exercise, and education.
WSIB & MVA Accepted
We accept WSIB and Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) referrals for dry needling where indicated in the treatment plan.
Dry Needling by the Numbers
Supported by decades of research from leading institutions worldwide.
People Live with MSK Pain
Musculoskeletal conditions — the primary indication for dry needling — are the second largest contributor to global disability.
World Health Organization (WHO), 2021Reduction in Trigger Point Sensitivity
Studies measuring pressure pain thresholds show significant desensitisation of trigger points immediately following dry needling.
Cagnie et al., Manual Therapy, 2013Clinically Significant Pain Relief
Meta-analysis of 39 RCTs found dry needling superior to sham treatment for short and medium-term pain relief.
Liu et al., JOSPT, 2021Faster Return to Sport
Athletes receiving dry needling alongside rehabilitation returned to sport 30% faster than those receiving rehabilitation alone.
Morihisa et al., Int J Sports Phys Ther, 2016Evidence for Neck & Shoulder Pain
Cochrane-level (Level A) evidence supports dry needling for myofascial pain of the neck, shoulder, and upper trapezius.
Cochrane Systematic Review, 2022Sessions for Lasting Relief
Most patients achieve clinically meaningful and sustained outcomes in 4–6 dry needling sessions when combined with exercise therapy.
Dommerholt & Fernández-de-las-Peñas, 2018Assessment Tools Used at RCP Health
Our physiotherapists use validated clinical tools to identify dry needling candidacy and track outcomes objectively.
Trigger Point Palpation Map
Systematic manual assessment identifying active vs. latent trigger points, taut bands, and referral patterns across affected muscle groups.
Pressure Algometry (PPT)
Pressure pain threshold testing measures trigger point sensitivity objectively — used as a baseline and outcome measure.
Gunn Supersensitivity Assessment
Evaluates trophoedema, dermographia, reflex changes and paraspinal muscle shortening to identify IMS candidates with neuropathic pain.
ROM & Functional Movement Screen
Full cervical, thoracic and lumbar range of motion measurements, combined with functional movement patterns, identify movement-limiting trigger points.
Neurological Screening
Dermatomal sensation testing, myotomal strength, and deep tendon reflexes to differentiate neuropathic from myofascial sources of pain.
Numeric Pain Rating & PSFS
Validated pain and function scales (NRS, PSFS, DASH, LEFS) track objective progress across sessions and guide discharge planning.
Dry Needling in Oakville, Burlington & Mississauga
RCP Health is conveniently located at Suite 304, 700 Dorval Drive, Oakville — easily accessible from Burlington, Mississauga, and Hamilton. We serve patients searching for dry needling near me across the Halton and Peel regions.
Dry Needling Oakville
Our clinic at 700 Dorval Drive, Oakville provides expert dry needling and IMS physiotherapy. Located minutes from Oakville Place Mall and Sheridan College, we serve residents of Bronte, Glen Abbey, Palermo, and downtown Oakville.
📍 Suite 304, 700 Dorval DrDry Needling Burlington
Burlington residents can reach RCP Health in approximately 20 minutes via the QEW East. We are a popular choice for patients near Joseph Brant Hospital, Aldershot, Millcroft, and the Appleby GO Station corridor seeking dry needling Burlington.
🚗 ~20 min via QEW EastDry Needling Mississauga & Hamilton
Mississauga patients near Square One, Port Credit, and Lakeview are ~25 minutes via QEW West. Patients searching for dry needling Hamilton find RCP Health a convenient alternative to Downtown Hamilton — same expert care with shorter wait times.
🚗 ~25–35 min via QEWFrequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your first dry needling session at RCP Health.
What is dry needling and how is it different from a regular injection?
Does dry needling hurt? What does it feel like?
How many dry needling sessions will I need?
Is dry needling covered by insurance in Ontario?
Who should NOT receive dry needling?
What is the difference between dry needling and IMS?
Directions to RCP Health Oakville
Suite 304, 700 Dorval Drive, Oakville, ON L6K 3V3
Oakville Place Mall
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- Head south on Trafalgar Rd
- Turn right on Speers Rd
- Turn left on Dorval Dr
- 700 Dorval Dr on your right — Suite 304
Joseph Brant Hospital, Burlington
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- Head east on North Shore Blvd to QEW East
- Take QEW East toward Oakville
- Exit Dorval Drive North
- 700 Dorval Dr — Suite 304
Square One, Mississauga
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- Take Hurontario St south to QEW West
- Follow QEW West toward Oakville
- Exit Dorval Drive North
- 700 Dorval Dr — Suite 304
Ready to Target the Source of Your Pain?
RCP Health's registered physiotherapists bring post-graduate dry needling and Gunn IMS expertise to every treatment. Serving Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, and Hamilton.
Suite 304, 700 Dorval Drive, Oakville · 1.888.332.7372 · Book Online