IMS and dry needling are similar treatments that both involve the use of acupuncture needles to address muscle pain and tension. However, there are some key differences between the two techniques.
IMS is a treatment that is based on the principles of traditional Chinese acupuncture but differs in its application. It involves the insertion of acupuncture needles into the affected muscles and surrounding tissues to release tension, stimulate circulation, and promote tissue healing. IMS is typically performed by a licensed healthcare practitioner such as a physiotherapist or chiropractor who has completed specific training in the technique.
Dry needling, on the other hand, is a technique that is primarily focused on releasing trigger points or knots in muscles that can cause pain and dysfunction. It involves the insertion of acupuncture needles directly into the trigger point, causing a twitch response that helps release tension and promote healing. Dry needling is typically performed by a range of healthcare practitioners, including physiotherapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists.
While IMS and dry needling are both effective treatments for muscle pain and tension, they differ in their underlying principles and applications. Your healthcare practitioner can help determine which technique may be most appropriate for your specific needs.
The timeline for improvement in physiotherapy varies and can depend on several factors such as the condition, severity, frequency, consistency of therapy, and overall health. Typically, some improvement can be seen in a few weeks to a few months, with more significant improvements potentially taking several months to a year or more. Gradual improvement is common, and temporary worsening or plateauing of symptoms can occur. A personalized timeline can be discussed with a physiotherapist.
Unfortunately, physiotherapy is not typically covered by Alberta Healthcare. Although, in certain situations, such as following surgery, Alberta Health Services may approve physiotherapy sessions.
It is more common for individuals to pay for physiotherapy treatment out-of-pocket. However, many employers offer health benefits that include physiotherapy coverage. At Human Integrated Performance, we understand that the cost of physiotherapy can be a concern for some individuals. That is why we offer direct billing options with most insurance providers. This means you can receive the physiotherapy treatment you need, and we will bill your insurance provider directly. If you want to learn more about your coverage and billing options for physiotherapy in Alberta, please don’t hesitate to contact our front desk. We’re here to help.
Yes, you can still benefit from physiotherapy even if you don’t have any specific injuries or conditions. Physiotherapy can help improve overall physical fitness, flexibility, strength, and posture. It can also provide guidance on injury prevention, optimal movement patterns, and performance enhancement for various activities or sports. Additionally, physiotherapists can offer education and advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing future musculoskeletal issues.
Pelvic floor therapy can help with various conditions related to the pelvic floor, including urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), postpartum recovery, pre-and post-surgical pelvic conditions, and musculoskeletal issues in the pelvic region.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be conducted in various settings and does not necessarily have to be done on the floor. It involves a combination of assessments, education, and hands-on techniques tailored to the individual’s needs. The specific exercises and techniques may be performed while standing, sitting, or lying down, depending on the treatment plan and goals.
The amount of pain relief you experience after an IMS session can vary depending on the individual and their specific condition. Some people may experience immediate pain relief after an IMS session, while others may require several sessions to notice a significant improvement in their symptoms.
It’s important to remember that IMS is a form of therapy that stimulates the body’s natural healing process, so it may take some time for the effects to fully manifest. Additionally, the level of pain relief you experience after an IMS session may depend on factors such as the severity of your condition, the duration of your symptoms, and your overall health.
Your healthcare practitioner will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs and goals. It’s important to follow your practitioner’s recommendations and attend all scheduled sessions to ensure the best possible outcome. If you have any concerns or questions about your treatment, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare practitioner.
It is subjective to determine if pelvic floor physiotherapy is the best type of physiotherapy as the effectiveness and suitability depend on individual needs and conditions. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is highly beneficial for pelvic health-related issues, but other forms of physiotherapy specialize in different areas such as orthopedics, neurology, and sports rehabilitation, providing targeted treatments for specific conditions.
IMS can be used to treat headaches and migraines, especially if they are caused by tension and tightness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back muscles. By targeting these areas with acupuncture needles, IMS can help release tension and promote circulation, which may alleviate headache symptoms.
In some cases, headaches and migraines may also be caused by trigger points or knots in the muscles of the neck and shoulders. IMS can be used to release these trigger points, which may provide relief from headache symptoms.
It is important to note that IMS may not be effective for all types of headaches and migraines. Your healthcare practitioner can help determine if IMS is a suitable treatment option for your specific condition, and may recommend other treatments or therapies in addition to IMS. It is also important to consult with a healthcare practitioner if you experience frequent or severe headaches, as they may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
If you’re suffering from arthritis, a physiotherapist can help you reduce pain and improve joint function. Treatment and management options vary with the type of arthritis, its severity, and the parts of the body affected. There is no cure for arthritis. Management options include medical treatment and medication, physiotherapy, exercise, and self-management techniques.
There is some evidence that a weak pelvic floor can lead to problems controlling bowel movements. If you have difficulty controlling your bowels, pelvic floor physiotherapy may help. A physiotherapist can teach you exercises to improve the strength and function of your pelvic floor muscles.
