You’ve most likely heard of acupuncture; and quite possibly IMS. They both fall under the category of Dry Needling. Dry needling is a technique that a trained physiotherapist can incorporate into your treatment plan. It involves the insertion of a fine solid needle through the skin barrier for therapeutic effects. The two most common types of dry needling techniques are acupuncture and intramuscular stimulation (IMS). 

Acupuncture vs. Intramuscular Stimulation

The main differences between acupuncture and intramuscular stimulation (IMS) are the theories behind the treatment and the goals of treatment. Acupuncture targets many different body systems including, but not limited to, the musculoskeletal system, the digestive system, the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, and the respiratory system. On the other hand, IMS targets primarily the musculoskeletal system. 

Acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) philosophy whereas IMS is based more so on western medicine. In TCM, pain is believed to manifest when there is a disruption of energy flow in the body. It is believed that the insertion of acupuncture needles into specific points can help restore this energy flow. Conversely in IMS, the needle is inserted into a tight and tender muscle band in order to release it. IMS has become quite popular in the last few decades and more research is coming out on its effectiveness as a therapeutic technique. 

The benefits of acupuncture and IMS

Benefits of acupuncture and dry needling include reduction in pain and inflammation, acceleration in tissue healing, as well as restoration in function. According to TCM, acupuncture has also been proposed to have more holistic effects including reducing stress, improving energy and balancing the autonomic nervous system. 

Common conditions that can be treated with acupuncture and IMS:

• Lower back pain
• Headache 
• Rotator cuff tendinitis 
• Tennis elbow
• Piriformis syndrome 
• Muscle strains 

How to prepare for your appointment for dry needling:

• Ensure you have eaten before your appointment.
• Let your physiotherapist know about your medical history and any medications you are currently taking. Be sure to include even over the counter medications as some have blood thinning properties. 
• Let your physiotherapist know if you’ve experienced any adverse events in the past following needling. 

What to expect during your appointment for dry needling:

Although we always do our best to incorporate each patient’s desired treatment, the physiotherapist will always conduct a thorough assessment to ensure you are an appropriate candidate for dry needling.

Your physiotherapist will position you appropriately for acupuncture and dry needling. Whenever possible, your physiotherapist will have you lying down for the treatment. Your physiotherapist will wear gloves for dry needling. They will also sanitize the area to be needled. You will feel a light prick when the needle is inserted. For acupuncture, once the needle has penetrated the skin barrier, you may not feel the needle anymore. For dry needling, you may experience what is known as a local twitch response during treatment. It will feel as if the muscle very briefly grasps onto the needle.

Remember that you can request to stop needling at any time. 

What you Should expect after your appointment for dry needling:

It is quite common to experience minor bleeding, bruising and mild/moderate pain during or after treatment. Although there is a possibility for more serious adverse events, these are rare. Your physiotherapist will discuss these with you prior to needling. It is important to pick a physiotherapist who is well trained in dry needling as some areas, particularly those muscles located around the lung fields, can be riskier. BC requires that all physiotherapists who wish to practice dry needling have practiced for at least 2 years prior to undertaking any courses. They also approve only those educational institutions who meet their standards for safe and effective practice. 

We are pleased to share that every one of our Sun City Locations has at least one physiotherapist trained and certified in dry needling. If you wish to book with one of our certified physiotherapists, please give us a call and we’ll be happy to assist you in your recovery.  

Katarina Green is a registered physiotherapist who is trained in both Acupuncture and IMS. 

Scoliosis is a spinal deformity – famously known as a “sideways” curve of the spine. It is most often found during adolescence and affects about three in every hundred Canadians. 

As the spine curves it can cause changes in body morphology like unevenness in the hips, waist, and shoulders; a spot that “sticks out” on the ribs and/or back; and a shoulder blade that “pokes out”. Scoliosis patients may experience increasing symptoms as the condition progresses, such as pain, breathing difficulty, osteoarthritis, mental health problems, and decreased health-related quality of life.

Historically, scoliosis was managed by monitoring the curve and implementing bracing or surgery. However, in recent years, physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercises (known as PSSE) have made their way into the recommended standard of care for scoliosis patients. These exercises are largely aimed at preventing the progression of/reducing the spinal curve, and, for those who undergo surgery or bracing, optimizing the results. Studies have shown that PSSE are effective for decreasing pain, improving quality of life, increasing back muscle endurance and range of motion, and improving self-image.

Most people with scoliosis can lead a healthy, active life. But a better understanding of the condition can help you to better address your discomfort, and empower you to seek the best treatment possible. Schroth is one of the most widely studied and used forms of PSSE. it offered by Sun City Physiotherapy in Lake Country by International Schroth Scoliosis Therapist Tamara Oakley.

May is Physiotherapy Month. It’s a great time to explain how Physiotherapy can help keep you moving, and what to expect when you see a physiotherapist for treatment. 

Injury

When we are injured, our bodies often compensate in less than ideal ways. This compensation can mean that things don’t feel right when you return to your favourite activity. A  physiotherapist is trained to identify what compensations your body has made, and how to correct them. This is a vital step in your recovery process, and can help minimize your risk of re-injury. 

Assessment

Getting to the root of your injury or condition is the first step in your recovery process.  Your physiotherapist will start by listening to you regarding how the injury occurred, how it is limiting you and what your goals are. They will watch you move and test individual muscle strength to find out what is actually causing your pain and limitations. 

Treatment

You may be surprised to learn the broad areas of treatment in which a physiotherapist can help. We treat all areas of muscle and tissue injuries; and many – as in the s at Sun City Physiotherapy – can help with: sports injuries, spine (back and neck) pain, TMJ (jaw) problems, vertigo, scoliosis, pelvic health, concussions, whiplash, work injuries, and others. 

Methods

If you’ve seen a  for a past injury or condition, you may have had manual or manipulative therapy. It’s how we describe our hands-on approach to treatment. However, in some cases – depending on your injury – your  physiotherapist may use any combination of the manual therapy with interferential machines, shockwave therapy, intra-muscular stimulation (IMS/dry needling), acupuncture, exercise prescription, or pain management modalities. It all depends on how your therapist assesses your injury, and the rehabilitation plan they develop for you.

Recovery

Getting back to what you love doing is important. It’s why you are seeking treatment. Your  physiotherapist will advise you on how and when you can return to your activity or sport. If it is too soon in your recovery process, your physiotherapist will often recommend alternative activities that will allow you to maintain or improve your fitness level while not making your injury worse. 

Timelines

How long will it take before I’m feeling good again? This is question we hear the most. Although we all wish we had a crystal ball, the reality is that every person’s body and injury will be slightly different. However, a physiotherapist has the knowledge and training to be able to give you a general time frame (weeks vs months) as to how long your recovery will be, and how to go about getting started!

It’s important to remember that in most cases, you do not need a referral to see a physiotherapist, however some insurance plans may require a referral from your doctor. We can answer that question for you when you call to book your appointment. 

If you are injured, Physiotherapy can help keep you moving.  

Anthony Malbrecht is a registered Physiotherapist practicing at our  downtown Kelowna and Lower Mission clinics.