Dry Needling2026-08-18T15:55:08-07:00

Dry Needling

Reduce Muscle Tension, Relieve Pain, and Move More Freely

If you’re dealing with tight, stubborn muscles that won’t release—dry needling can help reduce tension quickly and get you moving more comfortably again.

At Cadence Physiotherapy & Rehab in Vancouver (near Cambie & Broadway), we use dry needling / IMS (intramuscular stimulation) as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to relieve pain and improve movement.

This is for you if you want to:

  • Release tight, painful muscles
  • Reduce ongoing tension that won’t go away
  • Move more freely with less discomfort
  • Get faster relief alongside your rehab
Who This Is For

Dry needling is helpful for people dealing with:

  • Neck and upper back tension
  • Low back pain
  • Shoulder tightness
  • Headaches or jaw tension
  • Muscle-related pain that feels “stuck”
Common Symptoms We Treat
  • Tight knots or “trigger points” in muscles
  • Pain that doesn’t fully resolve with stretching
  • Stiffness limiting your movement
  • Ongoing muscle tension from work, sport, or stress
What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a technique that uses thin needles to target trigger points—tight, sensitive areas within muscle.

When the needle is inserted:

  • The muscle may briefly twitch
  • This helps the muscle release
  • Tension decreases and blood flow improves

The result is often a noticeable reduction in pain and tightness.

What to Expect

During your session:

  • Your physiotherapist will assess the area and identify key muscle tension points
  • Thin needles are inserted into targeted muscles
  • You may feel a twitch or deep ache, followed by release

Treatment is quick, and many people feel changes in tension and movement shortly after.

How We Use Dry Needling at Cadence

Dry needling is most effective when it’s part of a structured approach.

At Cadence, we:

  • Start with a comprehensive assessment
    We look at your movement, posture, and the muscle patterns contributing to your pain or tension.
  • Use dry needling with precision
    Needling is applied only where it’s clinically indicated—targeting specific muscles that are limiting movement or causing discomfort.
  • Integrate movement and exercise
    Corrective exercises help reinforce the changes, improving control and reducing the likelihood of tension returning.

Provide clear guidance between sessions
We show you how to manage symptoms and support your progress outside of treatment.

Benefits of Dry Needling
  • Reduces muscle tension
  • Relieves pain
  • Improves range of motion
  • Helps muscles function more effectively
  • Can improve sleep and reduce stress
Part of a Bigger Plan

Dry needling works best when combined with physiotherapy.

At Cadence, we use it alongside:

  • Hands-on treatment
  • Targeted exercises
  • Movement retraining

This helps ensure the relief you feel is not just temporary—but part of a longer-term solution.

Why Choose Cadence Physiotherapy & Rehab
  • One-on-one physiotherapy sessions
  • Dry needling integrated into a full treatment plan
  • Clear guidance on what to do after treatment
  • Focus on both relief and long-term results
Get Relief From Muscle Tension

If you’re dealing with tight, painful muscles that won’t go away—

Book a physiotherapy session with dry needling and start feeling the difference.

Ready to Run Stronger?

Book your running assessment and take the first step toward pain-free performance.

  • I had been experiencing persistent knee, neck and back pain from cycling for several months and was struggling to find relief. Brennan provided a thorough assessment and tailored treatment plan that addressed my specific needs. The combination of techniques used, including dry needling, cupping, massage, and targeted home exercises, proved to be very effective. I appreciate his professional approach and clear explanations throughout the treatment process. My pain has significantly reduced, and I’m now able to enjoy cycling and other activities with much more comfort. I highly recommend Brennan to anyone seeking physiotherapy services.

    Jarred A
Frequently Ask Question

Commonly Asked Questions & Answers

Have questions about our approach, treatments, or what to expect during your visit? We’ve gathered answers to the most common questions to help you feel informed, comfortable, and confident before booking your appointment.

What is dry needling, and how is it different from acupuncture?2026-08-18T15:23:27-07:00

Dry needling is a physiotherapy technique that targets trigger points, which are tight, painful spots within muscle tissue. It helps release tension and reduce pain. It uses the same thin needles as acupuncture but is grounded in Western anatomy and neuromuscular science rather than traditional Chinese medicine.

Acupuncture follows meridian pathways from traditional Chinese medicine. Dry needling, also called IMS or intramuscular stimulation, is directed at specific muscles and movement patterns identified during your physiotherapy assessment.

Is dry needling painful?2026-08-18T15:22:10-07:00

The needles are very fine and much thinner than a standard injection needle, so insertion itself is often barely felt. You may experience a brief muscle twitch when the needle reaches the trigger point, along with a momentary deep ache or cramping sensation.

Most people describe this as intense but very brief, followed quickly by a sense of release. Many find it far more manageable than expected. Your physiotherapist will guide you through the process and adjust the treatment based on your comfort throughout.

How many sessions will I need?2026-08-18T15:17:56-07:00

This depends on how long the issue has been present, how your body responds to treatment, and whether contributing factors such as posture or movement patterns are also being addressed.

Some people feel significant improvement after one or two sessions. Those with more complex or longstanding issues may benefit from four to six sessions as part of a broader plan. Your physiotherapist will discuss a realistic timeline with you at your first appointment.

What should I expect after a dry needling session?2026-08-18T15:23:58-07:00

It is normal to feel some muscle soreness in the treated area for 24 to 48 hours afterward, similar to how you might feel after a solid workout. This is a natural response as the muscle heals.

Many people also notice reduced tension and improved movement quickly, sometimes immediately after the session. Staying hydrated and completing any recommended exercises will help your recovery. We will give you specific aftercare guidance during your appointment.

Can dry needling be combined with other physiotherapy treatments?2026-08-18T15:22:34-07:00

Absolutely. This is how we prefer to use it. At Cadence, dry needling is integrated into a broader physiotherapy plan that typically includes manual therapy, targeted exercises, and movement retraining.

This combined approach leads to better and more lasting outcomes than needling alone because it addresses both the immediate tension and the movement or postural patterns that may be causing it to return.

our location

Conveniently located at Broadway & Cambie

Contact Information
Clinic Address

#706-550 W Broadway, Vancouver,
BC, V5Z 0E9, Canada
(Located in the Neelu Bachra Centre)

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