Dry Needling Vancouver
Dry needling is a highly effective treatment for relieving muscle tension, reducing pain, and restoring movement. By targeting tight areas in the muscle, our physiotherapists can quickly release tension, improve circulation, and help you recover faster.
At Hayer Health, we also offer Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), an advanced form of dry needling that focuses on how the nervous system contributes to muscle tightness and chronic pain. This allows us to go beyond surface-level symptoms and address the root cause of your discomfort—especially in cases that haven’t improved with other treatments.
By combining dry needling and IMS, we deliver more precise, results-driven treatment plans designed for longer-lasting relief.
Depending on your needs, we may also incorporate acupuncture to further support pain management and recovery.
If you’re dealing with ongoing muscle pain, stiffness, or limited mobility, our team can help you get back to feeling and moving your best.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific trigger points within muscle tissue. A trigger point is a tight, hypersensitive area within a muscle that can cause local pain or refer pain to other parts of the body. By inserting a needle directly into the trigger point, your physiotherapist can release the tension, improve blood flow, and stimulate the body’s natural healing response.
At Hayer Health, our physiotherapists are also trained in intramuscular stimulation (IMS), a more advanced form of dry needling developed by Dr. Chan Gunn. IMS uses the same needling approach but is guided by a deeper assessment of the nervous system, targeting muscles that have become tight or shortened due to nerve irritation. This makes IMS particularly effective for chronic pain conditions that have not responded to other treatments.
While dry needling and IMS focus on the musculoskeletal system, our team also offers acupuncture as a complementary treatment for patients whose recovery may benefit from a broader approach to pain management and overall wellness.
What Conditions Can Dry Needling Help With?
Dry needling is effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions including neck pain and tension headaches, lower back pain and sciatica, shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries, tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, hip and gluteal pain, knee pain and IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and sports injuries involving muscle strains or overuse.
It is particularly beneficial for patients who have areas of persistent muscle tightness or referred pain that have not improved with manual therapy or exercise alone.
Other Physiotherapy services
Why Choose Hayer Health for Dry Needling?
At Hayer Health on Marine Drive, our physiotherapists bring advanced training in dry needling and IMS to every session, ensuring a precise and personalized approach to your treatment. Every technique is selected based on a thorough assessment of your condition, your history, and your recovery goals.
Dry needling at Hayer Health is never applied in isolation. It is always integrated into a broader treatment plan alongside manual therapy, exercise prescription, and other modalities as needed. Our one-on-one approach means your physiotherapist is fully focused on your recovery from the moment you walk through the door.
Our clinic is located at #120 – 709 SE Marine Drive, Vancouver, easily accessible by public transit with a bus stop right at our door.
Our team members
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
Dry needling and acupuncture both use thin needles but have different foundations and goals. Dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and targets specific trigger points within muscles to relieve pain and restore function. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on restoring energy flow through the body. At Hayer Health, our physiotherapists are trained in both approaches and will recommend the most appropriate technique based on your condition.
Does dry needling hurt?
Most patients feel minimal discomfort during needle insertion. You may experience a brief twitch response or a deep aching sensation when the needle reaches the trigger point, which is a normal and expected part of the treatment. Your physiotherapist will always work within your comfort level throughout the session.
What should I expect on my first visit?
On your first appointment, our therapists will take the time to understand your health history, current condition, and treatment goals. You will receive a personalized assessment and a recommended treatment plan. Most initial visits also include hands-on therapy, so you can begin your recovery right away.
Do I need a referral to book dry needling at Hayer Health?
No referral is required. You can book directly online or by phone. If you are using extended health benefits or an ICBC claim, our team can assist you with the necessary documentation.
How many dry needling sessions will I need?
This depends on your condition and how your body responds to treatment. Some patients notice significant improvement after two or three sessions, while others with more complex or chronic conditions may require a longer course of treatment. Your physiotherapist will give you a clear expectation after your initial assessment.
What conditions can physiotherapy help with?
Physiotherapy supports recovery from sports injuries, post-surgical rehab, chronic pain, mobility issues, and everyday aches. Our team designs tailored programs for each patient.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist?
No referral is required. However, some extended health plans may need one for reimbursement, so it’s best to check with your provider.
Our location
Address: #120 – 709 SE Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC, V5X 2T9
Email: info@hayerhealth.com
Phone: 604-558-0348
Business Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8am-8pm
Saturday: 8am-3pm
Sunday: Closed