Acupuncture & Dry Needling

Acupuncture involves inserting a sterile, fine needle into carefully identified points on your body to stimulate the flow of energy, release tension, improve circulation, improve body awareness and decrease pain. Physiotherapists are trained in medical acupuncture, as opposed to the traditional Chinese medicine approach. We use identified acupuncture points to treat musculoskeletal pain and injuries.

​Functional dry needling, more commonly known as IMS (intramuscular stimulation), is a needling technique used to treat myofascial pain. A sterile, thin acupuncture needle is inserted into a muscle trigger point to help alleviate muscle pain and tension. Research supports the use of dry needling to decrease pain and stiffness and improve range of motion and overall sense of wellbeing.

Although the majority of recent research suggests needling can be safely used in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, the research is limited and risks do exist. If you are wanting to include FDN/IMS as part of your prenatal care, please discuss it with your individual physiotherapist.

At this time, acupuncture and FDN/IMS are covered by extended health as part of your physiotherapy treatment plan. Our treatment fees are inclusive, therefore there is no additional charge for needling during your appointment.