Targeted needling of tight muscle bands to release trigger points and settle nerves that keep muscle switched on.
Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) and dry needling use fine needles to reach tight, shortened muscle directly. When the needle contacts a trigger point the muscle often twitches and then releases, a response that is difficult to achieve with hands alone.
It is particularly useful where muscle tightness keeps returning despite stretching and massage, which often points to irritated nerves driving the tension rather than the muscle itself.
Muscles often feel achy for a day or two afterwards, similar to after a hard workout, that soreness is a normal part of the response. Drink water, keep moving gently and expect the release to become apparent over the following days.
Needling suits persistent muscular tightness and pain that keeps returning to the same place.
Not sure whether this is right for you? Call us, if something else would suit you better, we’ll tell you.
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Your physiotherapist examines movement and palpates for tight, tender bands.
We explain what needling involves, what it should feel like and consent is confirmed.
Fine needles are inserted into the target muscle, often producing a brief twitch.
Gentle movement afterwards, plus guidance for the next 48 hours.
Every plan is tailored to you. Depending on your assessment, your treatment may draw on a combination of these.
Direct targeting of taut bands that reproduce your familiar pain.
Needling near the spine where nerve irritation drives the muscle tension.
Reaching muscle layers that hands cannot access effectively.
Needling opens the window; exercise makes the change hold.
Usually weekly at first, reduced as the muscle stops reverting.
Hydration, gentle movement and avoiding heavy loading for a day.
Access to tissue that manual therapy cannot reliably influence.
A single treatment can noticeably reduce tightness within days.
Segmental needling targets nerve irritation, not just the sore spot.
Needling itself takes only a few minutes of your appointment.
Hands-on assessment and treatment to assess factors contributing to your pain and movement limitations.
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Our friendly team is happy to help. Reach us during clinic hours. We are open 8:00am to 8:00pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 9:00am to 6:00pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Book an appointmentNo. The needles are similar but dry needling targets tight muscle bands, while acupuncture uses traditional point selection. We offer both.
You may feel a deep ache or a brief cramping twitch as the muscle releases. It is short-lived and most people find it very tolerable.
Muscles are often sore for 24 to 48 hours, like after exercise, followed by a noticeable release.
Physiotherapists with specific post-graduate training in IMS and dry needling.
Your recovery starts with a single conversation. Book online or call us and we’ll find a time that fits around your life.
