Acupuncture & Dry Needling in Surrey
At our Surrey clinic, our naturopathic doctors and most of our physiotherapists are certified in acupuncture and/or functional dry needling/intramuscular stimulation (IMS). They use needling as an adjunct treatment in their practices.
Acupuncture
The Western approach to acupuncture uses a combination of Western medicine’s understanding and knowledge of the body’s neuromuscular system, while the Traditional Chinese Medicine’s (TCM) approach uses the flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body. Acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points on the body. When these points are stimulated, endorphins are released, which act as the body’s own natural pain killers. This also helps to encourage tissue healing.
Functional Dry Needling/IMS
Functional Dry Needling or Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is used to treat myofascial or neuropathic pain following injury. The term “dry” needling is used because nothing is injected into the body. Very fine, sterile, disposable needles are inserted into trigger points within the muscles. This causes a reflexive relaxation of the muscle, leading to a decrease in pain and release of the muscle tension. When the practitioner advances the needle deeper into the muscle, some discomfort or muscle cramping may be experienced, but this varies between individuals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is functional dry needling (IMS)?
Functional dry needling, also called intramuscular stimulation (IMS), is used to treat myofascial or neuropathic pain following injury. Very fine, sterile, disposable needles are inserted into trigger points within the muscles. This causes a reflexive relaxation of the muscle, which can decrease pain and release muscle tension. It is called “dry” needling because nothing is injected into the body.
2. What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?
Acupuncture inserts needles into specific points on the body. The Western approach draws on the body’s neuromuscular system, while the Traditional Chinese Medicine approach follows the flow of Qi (energy). Dry needling targets trigger points within the muscles to release tension and pain after an injury.
3. Who provides acupuncture and dry needling at your Surrey clinic?
Our naturopathic doctors and most of our physiotherapists at our Surrey clinic are certified in acupuncture and/or functional dry needling. They use needling as part of a broader treatment plan. See our naturopathy and physiotherapy pages to meet the team.
4. Does dry needling hurt?
The needles are very fine. When the practitioner advances the needle deeper into the muscle, you may feel some discomfort or muscle cramping, but this varies between individuals.
5. How do I book acupuncture or dry needling in Surrey?
Book through our Surrey booking page, or contact our Surrey reception at 604-553-3099 or surrey@catalystkinetics.com if you would like help choosing the right practitioner. For coverage, see our Billing Options page.