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.
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.










