INTRAMUSCULAR STIMULATION (IMS)

Get rapid relief from a number of musculoskeletal and orthopaedic problems with IMS / Dry needling

We direct bill extended health insurance plans. No referral needed. All of our physios at Broadmead Physio Clinic have specialized training in IMS.

What Exactly Is Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)?

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is also known as functional dry needling. It involves the use of very fine gauge (acupuncture) needles that are inserted to bring relief to muscle tightness that is at the root of chronic or recurring conditions.

The needles are so fine that there is virtually no sensation when the needle penetrates the skin. As the needle penetrates deeper, into normal muscle, there is no discomfort. However, if a needle penetrates a supersensitive and shortened muscle the muscle will “grasp” the needle and provoke a cramping sensation.

The goal of treatments is to release the super sensitive / shortened muscles and relieve pressure on irritated nerves.

Intramuscular Stimulation IMS Dry Needling Victoria

Quality Care, Fast Relief

Our clinic is renowned for treatment delivery of Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) in Victoria, BC. Intramuscular stimulation can only be performed by specially credentialed physiotherapists. You can rest assured that ALL of our physios at Broadmead Physiotherapy Clinic are certified to use this technique. At Broadmead Physio our number one goal is to get you rapid relief from your struggles and intramuscular stimulation is a key approach we use to successfully heal your injuries.

CONDITIONS TREATED WITH IMS

A huge range of musculoskeletal and orthopaedic injuries can be successfully treated with Intramuscular Stimulation. Here are some common ones…

  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Arthritic conditions
  • Headaches
  • Back Pain
  • Chronic Tendonitis or Bursitis
  • Whiplash
  • Patellofemoral syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Shin splints

How does Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) differ from Acupuncture?

Both IMS and acupuncture make use of the identical needles. The primary difference is in treatment approach and philosophy.

Acupuncture is based on Eastern, traditional Chinese medicine principles where needles are placed according to the energy meridians in the body. Acupuncture is a practice that is hundreds of years old and the needles are typically left in place for approximately 10-20 minutes at a time.

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a much more recent treatment approach and based more on Western medicine principles. With IMS, after a comprehensive assessment of your musculoskeletal function, your skilled physiotherapist will insert needles into specific muscles to target areas of chronic pain and discomfort.

The needles are left in usually for a shorter period of time (until the achiness subsides). As the needles are inserted directly into shortened or supersensitive muscles during IMS, you are more likely to experience a cramping or aching sensation initially when the needles are inserted.

Vertigo Physiotherapy Victoria

How Long Will It Take to See Results?

Treatments are normally performed once a week and while you should notice improvement even after your first session it may require a number of sessions to bring your symptoms fully under control. Once this is achieved specific exercises may be prescribed as part of a maintenance program. In our experience using Intramuscular stimulation results in the fastest relief from your pain and discomfort. At Broadmead Physio our number one goal is to get you rapid relief from your struggles and intramuscular stimulation is a key approach we use to successfully heal your injuries.

YOUR VICTORIA INTRAMUSCULAR STIMULATION (IMS) PHYSIO TEAM

Paul McIntyre physiotherapist at Broadmead Physiotherapy

Paul McIntyre

BSc.PT, FCAMPT, CGIMS
Matt Rose physiotherapist at Broadmead physiotherapy

Matt Rose

BSc. Kin, MSc. PT, CAFCI, Functional Dry Needling / IMS
mary wong physiotherapist at Broadmead Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Clinic

Mary Wong Colebrook

B.Sc. PT, CAFCI, CGIMS

FINALLY FEEL LIKE YOURSELF AGAIN

At Broadmead Physiotherapy Clinic, we want to help you live pain free – no more aches, discomfort or tension.

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) performed by our skilled, credentialed physiotherapists in Victoria, BC can get you rapid relief from chronic, painful conditions.

Find relief by booking an appointment and getting started today.

Broadmead Physiotherapy provides intramuscular stimulation (IMS) and functional dry needling as part of a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment approach. Paul McIntyre holds Gunn IMS certification (CGIMS) — the training standard established by Dr. Chan Gunn, the originator of IMS.

OUR PATIENTS ❤️ US

Ann Griffith
Ann Griffith
21:54 22 Jun 26
Mary is by far the best physiotherapist I have met. She always takes time to listen to my concerns and treat them in the same visit. Thank you Mary!read more
june johnston
june johnston
01:39 17 Jun 26
Excellent. Asked questions, listened, clear answers and instructions, obtained relevant information (ie. Xray reports). Supportive. Inspired confidence that I will be able to regain function ( elbow fracture, tricep tendon repair).read more
Clayton Graham
Clayton Graham
17:30 31 May 26
Dr. MJ Atkins was Awesome. My knee pain was easily taken care of with a pain free Cortisone shot. Would recommend. He was friendly, explained everything including alternative’s and even followed up the next day to see how I was doing, which in all my years has never happened anywhere else.read more
laura sacilotto
laura sacilotto
03:28 03 Apr 26
Today I took my 90 year old mother in for an assessment of her back pain and a treatment plan. She has lost mobility and quality of life the past year and is grief stricken after the loss of her son. The front staff were friendly, helpful and organized. The Doctor was kind, professional and knowledgeable, taking the time to answer all of our questions. We were able to book a second appointment the following week for an ultrasound and cortisone treatment. With hope she will have less pain and be able to mobilize more easily so we can walk her to the garden were she used to sit with her son.read more
susannah garrett
susannah garrett
04:12 20 Feb 26
The secretaries and Dr. Atkins are friendly, informative and helpful. I am really grateful for the two appointments I have had this month to help with my left knee pain. It was especially helpful to be able to see in the ultrasound (and on a skeletal model) where the problem is exactly in my knee. I trust the cortisone shot I had today will lessen the pain. Thank you!read more
Norm Verbrugge
Norm Verbrugge
19:45 18 Feb 26
Matt is very knowledgeable. I have an issue with my elbow and hand and he treated it very thoroughly. It feels better the day after treatment than it has for almost a year. I would rate Matt as the best physio i have ever been to. Highly recommended!! Staff were very kind and pleasant as well.read more