Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) Dry Needling for Concussion
IMS dry needling is a therapeutic technique that involves inserting very thin, sterile needles into specific points within tight or overactive muscles (trigger points). Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, IMS is grounded in Western neurophysiology. It targets dysfunctional muscle tissue and irritated nerves to reduce pain and restore normal muscle function.
How it relates to concussion:
After a concussion, it’s common for clients to experience secondary musculoskeletal symptoms such as:
Neck pain and stiffness
Headaches (especially cervicogenic headaches)
Shoulder or upper back tension
Dizziness or imbalance due to altered neck proprioception
These issues often arise because of changes in posture, muscle guarding, or nerve irritation following the initial head or neck injury.
How IMS dry needling helps:
Reduces muscle tension and spasm – By releasing trigger points in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, dry needling helps restore normal muscle tone and reduces strain on the cervical spine.
Improves blood flow and healing – The micro-injury caused by the needle promotes local healing and helps normalize nerve and muscle function.
Decreases nerve hypersensitivity – IMS targets muscles supplied by irritated nerves, helping calm down the nerve pathways that perpetuate chronic pain.
Restores mobility – Releasing tight muscles can improve neck range of motion, which is often restricted post-concussion and contributes to dizziness or headaches.
Reduces headache and dizziness symptoms – By treating cervical muscle tension and joint dysfunction, dry needling can help relieve cervicogenic headaches and neck-related dizziness (cervicogenic dizziness).
Enhances overall rehabilitation – When combined with physiotherapy, vestibular therapy, or vision therapy, IMS can accelerate recovery by reducing physical barriers to movement and exercise.
When it’s most effective:
Dry needling is typically most beneficial once acute concussion symptoms (like light sensitivity or severe dizziness) have stabilized and the focus shifts to addressing persistent neck pain, headaches, or movement restrictions.
45 minSession lengthSingle length
$165–$165Price at this clinicTypically $40–$200 across Vancouver
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What it is
Most of the appointment is spent figuring out what your body can and can’t do — talking through the pattern of the problem, then checking movement, strength, balance and specific tests — with some hands-on treatment or exercise coaching and a plan to take away.
Usually booked for
Pain that keeps coming back
An injury that changed how you move
Wanting a clearer picture and plan
Direct billing accepted
ADVANCE Concussion Clinic says it direct bills:
Public fundersICBC
At ADVANCE Concussion Clinic
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) Dry Needling for Concussion as this clinic offers it — its lengths, prices and team.
Who provides it
4 practitioners offer this here
NM
Nicolas Marchant, PTChecked against the profession's public register on 8 Aug 2026$128 · 30 min
