If you’ve been stretching, foam rolling, massaging — and your pain keeps returning — the problem may not be effort.

It may be precision.

Dry needling (also known as IMS or Intramuscular Stimulation) is an advanced physiotherapy technique designed to target the true source of muscular pain and dysfunction — not just the symptoms.

At NEXT Clinic in West Kelowna, dry needling is offered as part of NEXT Physiotherapy, led by Tyler Kent, MScPT. His approach combines evidence-informed treatment with movement-based rehabilitation to create lasting change — not temporary relief.

This isn’t a quick fix.

It’s a strategic reset for your body.

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What Is Dry Needling (IMS)?

Dry needling uses ultra-fine, sterile needles inserted directly into tight or dysfunctional muscle tissue known as trigger points.

Although similar needles are used in acupuncture, dry needling is completely different in philosophy and application.

• Acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and focuses on energy meridians.

• Dry needling / IMS is grounded in Western medicine, anatomy, and neurophysiology. It specifically targets muscle dysfunction and nerve irritation.

The goal is simple:
Restore normal muscle function by reducing neurological irritation and releasing deep tension patterns.

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How Does Dry Needling Work?

When muscles become overloaded — from sport, posture, stress, or injury — they can develop hypersensitive trigger points. These may cause:

• Persistent tightness

• Referred pain

• Reduced strength

• Limited mobility

• Recurring injury cycles

By inserting a fine needle directly into dysfunctional tissue, we create a localized twitch response that:

Interrupts the pain cycle
Improves blood flow
Decreases muscle guarding
Reduces nerve sensitivity
Restores optimal movement patterns

Many patients feel a noticeable release immediately, followed by improved mobility and reduced pain within 24–48 hours.

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What Conditions Can Dry Needling Help?

Dry needling is commonly used in physiotherapy in West Kelowna for:

• Chronic neck and shoulder tension

• Tension headaches

• Low back pain

• Sciatica

• Hip tightness and glute dysfunction

• IT band syndrome

• Plantar fasciitis

• Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow

• Rotator cuff injuries

• Sports-related muscle strains

• Postural strain from desk work

For active individuals in the Okanagan — whether you golf, ski, run, lift, or simply want to move well — dry needling can be a powerful recovery tool.

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Who Is Dry Needling Best For?

Dry needling may be ideal if you:

• Have pain that keeps returning despite other treatments

• Feel stuck in your rehab progress

• Experience chronic muscle tightness

• Have recurring sports injuries

• Want to improve recovery and performance

• Spend long hours sitting and carry tension patterns

It works best when integrated into a comprehensive physiotherapy plan that includes movement retraining and progressive strengthening.

At NEXT Clinic, dry needling is never used as a standalone quick fix. It’s part of a strategy designed to build resilience — not dependency.

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Who Should Avoid Dry Needling?

Dry needling may not be appropriate if you:

• Have a significant needle phobia

• Have certain bleeding disorders

• Are on strong blood thinners

• Have an active infection in the treatment area

• Are in any stage of pregnancy

A thorough assessment is always performed by Tyler Kent, MScPT before treatment to ensure safety and suitability.

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Is Dry Needling Safe?

Yes — when performed by a properly trained physiotherapist.

Possible side effects may include:

• Mild post-treatment soreness

• Small bruising

• Temporary fatigue

Serious complications are rare. At NEXT Clinic in West Kelowna, we use sterile, single-use needles and follow strict clinical protocols.

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What Does Dry Needling Feel Like?

Most patients are surprised at how tolerable it is.

You may feel:

• A brief pinch during insertion

• A muscle twitch

• A deep ache lasting a few seconds

That sensation is typically followed by a feeling of release or looseness in the treated area.

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How Many Treatments Will I Need?

This depends on:

• The duration of your condition

• Severity of tissue dysfunction

• Your overall health

• Whether corrective exercise is included

Some patients notice significant improvement after one or two sessions. Chronic conditions may require a short treatment series combined with strengthening and movement retraining.

The goal is not endless appointments.

The goal is lasting change.

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Dry Needling in West Kelowna at NEXT Clinic

Dry needling is available as part of NEXT Physiotherapy, led by Tyler Kent, MScPT.

With a background in sports medicine and movement-based rehabilitation, Tyler combines hands-on treatment with strategic programming to help patients:

• Reduce pain

• Move better

• Build strength

• Prevent recurrence

Physiotherapy at NEXT integrates seamlessly with chiropractic care, massage therapy, and advanced recovery technologies — creating a comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal health in West Kelowna.

This is precision care.
This is modern physiotherapy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?

No. Dry needling is based on Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles and specifically targets muscle dysfunction and nerve irritation.

Is dry needling covered by insurance?

Yes. When performed by a licensed physiotherapist, dry needling is typically covered under extended health benefits for physiotherapy.

Does dry needling hurt?

Most patients describe it as mildly uncomfortable but very manageable. The therapeutic benefit often outweighs the brief sensation.

Can dry needling help chronic pain?

Yes — particularly muscular pain that hasn’t responded fully to stretching, massage, or exercise alone.

Can athletes benefit?

Absolutely. Many athletes use dry needling to improve recovery, optimize performance, and reduce injury risk.

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Ready to Experience Precision Pain Relief?

If you’ve been searching for:

• Dry needling West Kelowna

• IMS West Kelowna

• Physiotherapy West Kelowna

• Sports physiotherapy West Kelowna

We’re here to help.

Book your physiotherapy assessment with Tyler Kent, MScPT, and experience precision pain relief with NEXT Physiotherapy.