proactive health services

Dry Needling
IMS

ProActive Health

Dry Needling / IMS

Target Pain and Restore Movement with Precision Care

If pain, muscle tightness, or limited movement is holding you back, Dry Needling, also known as Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), may be the solution you’re looking for! This advanced technique is designed to release muscle tension, relieve pain, and restore your body’s full range of motion. With ProActive Health’s skilled team, you can experience the benefits of drying needling in a supportive, expert environment dedicated to helping you move freely and feel your best.

Dry Needling

What Is Dry Needling / IMS?

Dry Needling / IMS is a therapeutic technique that targets muscle knots, or trigger points, with precise, thin needles that release muscle tension, improve blood flow, and reduce pain. Unlike acupuncture, which focuses on energy flow or “Qi,” dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and is specifically used to relieve musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.

How it works

During a Dry Needling session, our trained practitioners insert fine needles into trigger points – small, tight bundles of muscle fibers that contribute to pain or limited movement. By gently stimulating these points, dry needling promotes the release of tension, encourages healing, and supports the body’s natural recovery process. This technique is especially effective for treating areas that may be difficult to release through traditional stretching or massage alone.

Benefits of

Dry Needling / IMS

Dry Needling offers a range of benefits that help you move better and feel more at ease in your body. With regular sessions, you may experience:

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Common Issues

Dry Needling can address a variety of concerns, from chronic muscle pain to mobility limitations. Here are a few of the most common reasons clients choose this therapy:

  • Persistent Muscle Pain or Tightness

    For those dealing with chronic muscle pain or ongoing tension that impacts their everyday movement and comfort.

  • Sports Injuries and Overuse Strain

    Effective for treating strains, sprains, and overuse injuries often experienced in athletics and active lifestyles.

  • Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain

    Provides relief for individuals dealing with tension and discomfort in the upper body due to posture, stress, or repetitive strain.

  • Headaches and Tension-Related Discomfort

    Addresses muscle tightness that can lead to headaches or migraines.

  • Joint Pain and Limited Mobility

    Helps release muscle tension around joints, which can alleviate pain and improve joint flexibility.

  • Post-Injury Recovery

    Assists in the rehabilitation process by reducing pain and supporting muscle function after injuries.

  • Enhanced Athletic Performance

    Reduces muscle tightness, improves flexibility, and helps athletes prevent injuries, ultimately boosting their performance.

your dry needling / ims session

what to expect

A typical Dry Needling session begins with a thorough assessment of your specific concerns and goals. Our practitioners use their expertise to identify the exact trigger points that may be contributing to your discomfort. During the treatment, you may feel a brief “twitch” response, which is a positive sign that the muscle is releasing tension. After the session, it’s common to experience some soreness, similar to a deep tissue massage, but this typically resolves within 24 hours, leaving you with greater freedom and relief.

Our Dry Needling Specialists

Dr. Greg

Chiropractor & Clinic Director

Dr. Heather

Chiropractor, Active Release, Graston Technique & Acupuncture

Dr. Dylan

Chiropractor

frequently asked questions

Your Questions Answered

How is Dry Needling different from acupuncture?

While both use thin needles, Dry Needling specifically targets muscle trigger points to relieve pain and dysfunction, whereas acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and focuses on balancing the body’s energy (Qi) through specific points across the body.

Is Dry Needling painful?

Most patients experience minimal discomfort during Dry Needling, although some may feel a twitch or cramping sensation as the needle stimulates the muscle. This is a normal response and often indicates that the muscle is releasing tension.

Is Dry Needling safe?

Yes, Dry Needling is safe when performed by trained professionals. Our practitioners at ProActive Health are certified in Dry Needling/IMS and follow strict protocols to ensure patient safety, including using sterile, single-use needles.

Are there any side effects of Dry Needling?

Some people may experience mild soreness, bruising, or fatigue after treatment, which usually subsides within a day or two. Your practitioner can advise on aftercare to minimize these effects and support your recovery.

Can Dry Needling help with sports injuries?

Yes, Dry Needling is commonly used to treat sports injuries, as it helps relieve muscle tension, promote healing, and prevent future injuries. It’s especially beneficial for athletes dealing with repetitive strain, muscle tightness, or recovery from acute injuries.

Start your journey with us today.