Unlocking Relief: How Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) / Dry Needling Can Transform Your Muscle Tension
- Ashleigh Low
- 23 hours ago
- 2 min read

Muscle tension can feel like a daily burden, especially when it’s chronic and resistant to conventional stretching or massage. If you’re dealing with stubborn knots, deep muscular aches, or nerve-related tightness, Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) — also known as dry needling — may be the solution you’ve been searching for.
At ĀLow Mobile Physio, we specialize in delivering IMS therapy to your home across Vancouver, helping you restore mobility and live pain-free.
What Is Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)?
IMS is a specialized treatment rooted in Western medicine, designed to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain caused by nerve dysfunction. It involves inserting very thin, sterile acupuncture-like needles into tight muscle bands (trigger points) to stimulate a healing response and release muscular tension.
Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, IMS is grounded in a modern neurophysiological understanding of muscle and nerve interactions. The goal is to reduce muscle shortening caused by overactive or irritated nerves.

How IMS Works When a needle is inserted into a shortened or tight muscle, the muscle often responds with a localized twitch. This twitch response helps to:
Release the muscle contraction
Increase blood flow to the area
Reduce nerve hypersensitivity
Normalize motor point firing patterns
The end result is less pain, improved flexibility, and restored function — often after just a few sessions.
Who Can Benefit from Dry Needling / IMS? IMS is particularly helpful for individuals experiencing:
Chronic back pain that doesn’t respond to massage or stretching
Neck and shoulder tension due to prolonged desk work or posture imbalance
Nerve root irritation like sciatica
Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
Post-surgical muscle guarding
Whiplash-associated disorders
It’s commonly used for conditions such as:
Myofascial pain syndrome
Chronic low back pain
Tension headaches
Tennis elbow
Plantar fasciitis
The ĀLow Mobile Physio Approach At ĀLow Mobile Physio, we conduct a thorough clinical assessment before using IMS. Your treatment may combine dry needling with:
Manual therapy
Targeted strengthening exercises
Postural education
Neuromuscular re-training

Our approach ensures IMS is not a standalone treatment but part of an integrated recovery plan.
Benefits of In-Home IMS Therapy
Relaxed environment: no clinic stress or post-treatment commuting
Real-time posture and ergonomic advice tailored to your space
Immediate follow-up with mobility and strength work
Greater comfort and convenience, especially for those with limited mobility
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Book a Session:
Curious if IMS or dry needling is right for your condition? Let’s talk. ĀLow Mobile Physio is ready to bring expert care to your home, guiding you through a pain-free path to recovery.
Location:
ĀLow Mobile Physio,
#707, 1160 Burrard St,
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2E8
Phone: (604) 861-3454
Email: ashleigh@alowphysio.com
Website: www.alowphysio.com