IF you’ve been dealing with persistent muscle tightness, nagging pain, or injuries that just don’t seem to fully resolve, you may have heard about IMS—also known as dry needling. When performed by a trained physiotherapist, IMS can be a powerful tool to reduce pain, restore movement, and support long-term recovery.
IMS stands for Intramuscular Stimulation. It involves the use of very thin, sterile needles inserted into specific muscles and connective tissues. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, IMS is grounded in modern anatomy, neurophysiology, and pain science.
Physiotherapists use IMS to target dysfunctional or overactive muscles—often referred to as trigger points—that can contribute to pain, stiffness, weakness, or altered movement patterns.
Many chronic pain conditions are driven by tight, shortened, or poorly functioning muscles. These muscles can restrict blood flow, irritate surrounding nerves, and alter joint mechanics. IMS works by:
Reducing excessive muscle tone
Improving local blood flow
Decreasing sensitivity in the nervous system
Allowing muscles to relax and lengthen
This can result in immediate improvements in pain and range of motion for some people, especially when muscle tension is a primary driver of symptoms.
IMS is most effective when it’s part of a broader physiotherapy treatment plan—not a standalone solution. A physiotherapist doesn’t just needle where it hurts; they assess how your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns are contributing to the problem.
This means IMS is used strategically, alongside:
Manual therapy
Corrective exercises
Movement retraining
Education on posture, load management, and recovery
The goal isn’t just short-term relief, but meaningful, lasting change.
IMS can be helpful for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Neck and shoulder pain
Low back pain
Headaches and migraines
Hip and gluteal pain
Tendinopathies
Sports injuries
Chronic muscle tightness or recurring “knots”
Not everyone needs IMS, but for the right person at the right time, it can significantly accelerate progress.
Most people feel little discomfort during treatment, though a brief muscle twitch or aching sensation can occur when tight areas are targeted. This response is normal and often associated with improved muscle relaxation afterward.
Some post-treatment soreness is possible, similar to how you might feel after a workout, and usually settles within 24–48 hours.
IMS is a skilled technique that requires advanced training and a strong understanding of anatomy and clinical reasoning. Physiotherapists who perform IMS continually update their skills through continuing education and by staying current with the latest research. This ensures treatments are safe, targeted, and appropriate for your specific condition.
IMS can be a highly effective tool for reducing pain and restoring movement—especially when delivered by a physiotherapist who understands how to integrate it into a comprehensive treatment plan. Rather than simply treating symptoms, IMS helps address underlying muscle dysfunction so your body can move and heal more effectively.
If you’re struggling with persistent pain or muscle tightness, IMS may be a valuable part of your physiotherapy care. Speak with your physiotherapist to find out if it’s right for you.